The property market is experiencing some challenging times with fewer properties coming onto the market, and even fewer properties being sold. Here’s how SMS can provide estate agencies with a much-needed boost and help sell more property.
Selling property requires excellent customer service and communication skills. And it’s not just the agent’s skills – your choice of communication channels also matter. Traditional channels like local newspapers and publications, and posting flyers through letterboxes may have worked in the past, but today’s consumers expect digital, mobile-focused solutions.
That’s where SMS messaging comes into play.
How to use SMS in real estate
New / updated property alerts
Keep buyers and tenants in the loop about new listings, and any other information they might need. The messages can even include a link to a web page with more details on the property, or a phone number which, when selected, will initiate a call with an estate agent.
On-demand property information
Real estate agencies can put a keyword and a phone number or a QR code on their For Sale signs placed in front of the house. Then interested parties can text the dedicated phone number or scan the QR code to receive more information about the property.
Reminders
From rental payment reminders and lease renewal notices to upcoming inspections and viewings, a quick text message reminder is much more effective than an email, phone call or writing it down in a diary.
Lead generation
Include keywords in advertisements, which when messaged triggers a set of questions relating to the requirements of the potential buyer/tenant (e.g. number of bedrooms required, preferred area etc). Using these insights, you can send tailored recommendations to individual buyers, with the aim of booking a viewing.
Data cleansing
It’s often a time consuming and resource heavy process for real estate agencies to keep their potential customer databases up to date. Mobile messaging makes it easy to send your audience a set of questions – find out if they’re still looking for a property, and what the specifics of that property might be.
Learn more about the power of SMS in keeping your customer data clean here.
Virtual business card
Instead of relying on physical business cards which are easily lost, not to mention expensive to print, send prospective buyers a text message that contains all of the details, and links they’ll need to send an email, make a call, or be added to notification lists.
Top text templates for real estate to boost property interest and sales
Want to use mobile messaging channels like SMS to boost viewings and sales, but not sure of what to include in your messages?
Here’s some inspiration:
New property listing (to buy)
Hi [NAME], we’ve just listed a new [NO OF BEDS] property in [AREA]. It has some [GREAT FEATURES] that we think you’ll love. Want to see it in person? See the listing and book a viewing: [URL]
New property listing (to rent)
Hi [NAME], we’ve just listed a new rental property in [AREA] that could be perfect for you. It has [FEATURE], [FEATURE] and is close to [SCHOOLS/TRANSPORT ETC]. If you’re interested, let’s chat. Call us on [NUMBER].
Re-engaging with a lead
Hey [NAME], are you still looking for a property in [AREA]? We’ve got some new listings that you might be interested in. Would love to show you some – if you’re interested, just give me a call!
Viewing reminder
Hi [NAME], you have a viewing booked with [AGENT NAME] at [ADDRESS] on [DATE] at [TIME]. Need to reschedule? Please call the office or click here: [URL]
Viewing follow-up
Hi [NAME], what did you think of the [NO OF BEDS] property you viewed on [DATE] at [TIME]?
Rental application follow up
Hello [NAME], thanks for sending your documents over to us. Your application has been successful. We are processing your details and will send over your rental agreement within [DAYS]. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the office.
Contractor reminder
Hello [SITE MANAGER], [SERVICE PROVIDER] will be visiting [PROPERTY] to add [SERVICE] on [DATE] at [TIME]. Please ensure that [WORK] is completed before then. Thanks, [SERVICE PROVIDER]
Maintenance reminder
Hi [TENANT NAME], [SERVICE PROVIDER] will be coming on [DATE] at [TIME] to fix [SERVICE]. Please reply with YES or NO to confirm availability. Thanks, [PROPERTY MANAGER]
Viewing reminder (for landlord or owner)
Hi [LANDLORD/OWNER], we have a viewing booked at [PROPERTY] for [DATE] at [TIME]. Please confirm whether you can make it or would like to send a proxy. Best, [AGENCY]
Viewing reminder (for tenant)
Hi [TENANT], we have a viewing booked at [PROPERTY] for [DATE] at [TIME]. Please confirm whether this time is convenient for you and whether you will be at the property, or if you consent to the viewing without you being present. Best, [AGENCY]
Rent collection
Hello [NAME], just a reminder that your rent is due on [DATE]. You can pay via the payment portal here: [LINK]
Maximise your reach with SMS
Solely relying on property websites or email to market your listing will limit your reach. After all, emails sent in the real estate sector have an average open rate of 33.25% and conversion rate of 0.85%. In contrast, SMS’s open and response rates are as high as 98% and 45% respectively.
The trick to maximising your reach is to use a mobile messaging channel like SMS alongside email, social media and your other traditional communication channels. That way, you can be present at every stage of the customer journey and have a better chance of meeting your customers where they already are.
Want to find out more about SMS for the property sector? Reach out to us today.
Mayzin Han
Marketing strategist with 8 years of experience, 5+ of which in B2B tech. Currently the Senior Marketing Program Manager at Commify, I work closely with field marketing teams who sit across EMEA and APAC to strategise and create campaigns that meet customer and prospect needs. My background in content marketing means that I'm passionate about all things words, grammar and punctuation. In my free time, I like to run, box and torture myself at spin class because lots of cardio means you can eat what you want!