We’ve all experienced it: A lead that seemed to be hot has suddenly stopped responding. A buyer has gotten discouraged during the search process and now won’t return your calls. If you’re looking for a way to restart a conversation or reboot a professional connection, it just may be that a quick text is the answer.

According to a recent Pew study, 31 percent of Americans say that they prefer texts over calls. This is especially true with those all-important Millennial and Gen-Z buyers, who tend to have even higher averages for text use and preference.

How can you use smart text messaging to help you connect with a lead or client who has chilled? Here are some reader favorites to help you get back in the flow of communication.

Peyton Moore

Peyton Moore

Bite-sized market info

“I think if your clients are on the fence about buying or selling, texting short reminders on interest rates or market snapshots in their neighborhood are great text messages. Stay top of mind!” —Peyton Moore, Realtor at Bird Nest Properties and Marketing

Check for updates

Depending on where you were in the process and how you want to restart it, Angela Territo of Angela Territo Coaching and Broker Associate, Engel & Vӧlkers Delray Beach, suggests texting any of the following:

  • Just checking in; the market’s changed since our last conversation.
  • Just checking in. The market changes daily — let’s talk.
  • Is this still the best number to reach you? Let’s set up a call to update your search criteria.

“True story: One of my clients is a nephrologist, and it had been a month or so of just one way communication. I had blood work done, and my creatinine levels were off, which just so happens to be what nephrologists specialize in. I asked her for her opinion about it and what I should do, and not only did she respond immediately but then she asked me to go see houses again!” —Ben Hearn, Compass, Greater Philadelphia

Christy Murdock Edgar is a Realtor, freelance writer, coach and consultant with Writing Real Estate. She is also a Florida Realtors faculty member. Follow Writing Real Estate on  FacebookTwitterInstagram  and YouTube.

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