Special offer
Corinne Guest, Barrington Lifestyles (Corinne Guest, REALTOR® | Barrington Realty Company)

Spam prevention
Rainmaker
1,706,465
Tammie White, Broker
Franklin Homes Realty LLC - Franklin, TN
Franklin TN Homes for Sale

I have an auto-text that goes out when buyers register on my site. If they respond, then I will engage them in dialogue. And yes, I have sold homes to some of these buyers who responded to my auto-text. I’m working with an out-of-town buyer right now who did that.

Apr 05, 2018 09:32 AM
Rainmaker
711,852
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

We are encouraging multiple ways to reach a lead. Phone calls, emails and texts - if one doesn't work, perhaps the other(s) will.

Apr 05, 2018 09:16 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

If they text me I will respond. 

Apr 05, 2018 11:42 AM
Rainmaker
2,220,323
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

I do not.

Apr 05, 2018 10:37 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,183
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Some. It is another form of communication.

Apr 05, 2018 09:24 AM
Rainmaker
1,052,211
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

On occasion. My marketing, signs, postcards always say call or text so if they text, it's them making the initial contact.
And often, when somebody calls me and I can respond to a voicemail with the information they need, I will text them back. I'm not using any kind of a campaign or program; just utilizing a way of communicating which benefits me too.

Apr 05, 2018 12:27 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I acquire 80% of my clients via repeat and referral business. Can't remember the last time a lead texted me before calling or emailing me first.

Apr 05, 2018 11:54 AM
Rainmaker
2,390,620
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

No, I have not and I don't see it in the future either Corinne Guest, Managing Broker . I use texting a lot but as a means to actually obtaining a new client I don't see it.

Apr 05, 2018 09:03 AM
Rainmaker
758,035
Peter Testa
Nationwide Homes - Danbury, CT
PETER TESTA

I have had old clients return & they have reached out to me by text message. I have not used text messaging to procure new clients, I would need a list of cell phone numbers & then text them what? I wouldn't want to seem spammy, I know I don't appreciate advertising in my texts. 

Apr 05, 2018 01:36 PM
Rainmaker
1,844,291
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Last time my program used that part of the system there were all kinds of nasty messages asking who this is. 

Apr 05, 2018 12:11 PM
Rainmaker
1,711,988
Beth Atalay
Cam Realty and Property Management - Clermont, FL
Cam Realty of Clermont FL

Hi Corinne Guest, Managing Broker, yes, I do if they reach out to me first via text. More and more buyers prefer a text vs a call, less intimidating I suppose. A first time home buyer texted me this morning, we texted back and forth for a while, I now have him set to receive listings via email. 

Apr 05, 2018 11:15 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,134
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Nope. And, I would not use anyone texting promotions to me.

Apr 05, 2018 09:56 AM
Rainmaker
1,153,794
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

I can't see texting as an intial contact with customers. I understand the anonymity aspect but it's not a wise move in my opinion.

Apr 05, 2018 09:48 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

it could also be an annoyance to people....

Apr 05, 2018 09:41 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Corrinne,

I think Tammie White, Broker illustrated a good way to use it.  However, if I were to receive an unwanted text with no prior reason, I would promptly deleted.  This equates to junk mail in my humble luxury sided opinion.. A

Apr 05, 2018 09:35 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

No.  I'll use it to communicate with existing clients, but that's the extent.

Apr 05, 2018 09:27 AM
Rainmaker
809,258
Kasey & John Boles
Jon Gosche Real Estate, LLC - BoiseMeridianRealEstate.com - Boise, ID
Boise & Meridian, ID Ada/Canyon/Gem/Boise Counties

Consumers often respond to text when they aren't responding to emails or phone calls. -Kasey

Apr 05, 2018 05:06 PM
Rainmaker
911,338
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

If I receive texts, i reply to them, but I don't initiate contact using text messages.

Apr 05, 2018 02:23 PM
Rainmaker
564,494
Maria Sapio
Keller Williams of Central PA - Carlisle, PA
Real Estate Agent- Carlisle, PA. Mariasapio.com

Yes, I've had potential clients text me first - 
I'll happily engage in whatever communication style is best for the client (text/email/phone).

Apr 05, 2018 01:12 PM
Ambassador
1,076,551
John Meussner
Mortgages in AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IN, MD, MN, MT, NC, NJ, NV, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI - Fair Oaks, CA
#MortgageMadeEasy Fair Oaks, CA 484-680-4852

Sometimes, but not frequently.  Simply because I'd rather have a better ROI on my time.  I can explain and understand more in a 5 minutes phone call than I can in hours of texting.

 

BUT

 

To intitiate contact with a prospect or simple back and forth?  Absolutely it's becoming a more important part of communication in business, whether I like it or not.

Apr 05, 2018 12:05 PM
Rainmaker
1,311,397
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

We have not engaged in any text message campaigns.

Apr 05, 2018 10:11 AM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

    My jury is still out on this one. 

Apr 05, 2018 10:03 AM
Ambassador
2,061,803
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home is where the hearth is.

acquire?  heck no.

Apr 05, 2018 09:35 AM
Rainmaker
400,356
Jill Murty, Realtor - Orange County, CA
Movoto - Laguna Niguel, CA

The only time I can recall acquiring a client via text was when I got a buyer from a "Text for information" short code I posted on a listing.

How do you implement text messaging to acquire clients Corinne Guest, Managing Broker

Apr 05, 2018 09:32 AM
Rainmaker
544,014
Dave Halpern
Dave Halpern Real Estate Agent, Inc., Louisville, KY (502) 664-7827 - Louisville, KY
Louisville Short Sale Expert

Some. Text message campaigns are very effective.

Apr 05, 2018 08:51 AM
Ambassador
6,393,404
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

No, I leave them for someone else who wants clients who wont answer the phone.

Apr 05, 2018 09:16 PM
Rainmaker
716,049
Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Scottsdale. Sellers, Buyers & Relocations

No. I despise text advertising. Thus I won't do it to anyone else.

Apr 05, 2018 08:16 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

No I don't do that but do use texts to communicate if the client asks me to do so. I don't send marketing texts taht are unsolicted. I don't like them and feel it is a real bother.

Apr 05, 2018 07:22 PM
Ambassador
5,230,068
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Yes but, I only text them after I've missed them with a phone call. I am super busy with referrals and repeat clients so, I don't use the scripts that some agents use.

However, I am well aware that times are a changin'! I have a ton of millennial clients - they don't WANT phone calls so, I'm getting the message loud & clear that I need to text more!

Apr 05, 2018 05:11 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

YOu must be kidding...

Apr 05, 2018 03:44 PM
Rainmaker
5,216,398
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Not really, but all of my business is referral from people who know me!

Apr 05, 2018 02:31 PM
Ambassador
3,169,508
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

I'll work with whatever means of communication suits the client.  I just finished a deal that was about 90% Facebook messages.  It's how she first established contact and continued right up through this week when I met them in person to give them the keys to their new home.

Apr 05, 2018 01:47 PM
Rainer
3,060
Jimmy Caden
Better Homes & Gardens Emerald Coast - Inlet Beach, FL
Realtor servicing area from Destin to Panama City

If they will not respond via email, phone calls, or mailings, yes I will txt. I have had success reaching them and would certainly give it a try.

Apr 05, 2018 01:34 PM
Rainmaker
290,969
Allie Angeloni
Long Realty - Oro Valley, AZ

Not yet Corinne Guest, Managing Broker - my Texts have been from companies that I do not know, who are either trying to sell me Leads or a Product.  I have not been interested in either.   

Apr 06, 2018 09:30 AM
Rainer
23,827
Andrea Moore
Welcome Home Loans, LLC - Winter Garden, FL

The way the question is written, it sounds like you're asking if we send out spam texts to acquire new leads. No, I do not. I will correspond with clients that way if they prefer.

Apr 06, 2018 08:46 AM
Rainer
92,713
Ruth Grainger-Starr
Gold District Realty - Cripple Creek, CO
providing AWESOME real estate adventures

I have acquired one via text message. They worked odd hours so texting was the best way to contact them. It worked out well. I still like to talk to them on the phone at least once before I meet them in person. 

Apr 06, 2018 07:04 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I do not acquire them by text, but do communicate by text.

Apr 06, 2018 05:14 AM
Rainmaker
1,543,727
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

Leads, yes...off my Listings. I use text riders, not flyers.

Apr 06, 2018 04:45 AM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Corinne Guest, Managing Broker - not yet.

Apr 05, 2018 10:38 PM
Rainer
182,915
Harjeet Bhatti
FITH THIRD BANK - Chicago, IL
Home Mortgage Consultant 25 States

I just received one text today and hopefully start working on application soon.

Apr 05, 2018 01:30 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

A text to me is personal...

Apr 05, 2018 09:59 AM
Rainmaker
4,936,677
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

I am getting more texts then phone calls.

 

Apr 09, 2018 07:54 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,544
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Through my web site, I can text a lead, but often times it is the wrong #, or a home phone number.

Apr 08, 2018 08:37 AM
Rainer
155,337
Anthony Kirlew
Group 46:10 Network @ eXp Realty - Gilbert, AZ
Helping You Make Fiscally Sound Real Estate Deals!

It's a great way to reach and communicate with millenials. It's not my preference, but sometimes we have to communicate on the level of those we ae seeking to serve.

Apr 08, 2018 07:40 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

I do not.

Apr 06, 2018 04:43 PM
Rainmaker
637,434
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

I got a lengthy unsolicited text message selling something this morning, and I couldn't get to my "block" button fast enough. Unless I've already had contact with a potential client, I would not send out these text messages. Totally annoying. I feel the same way about emails I get through Active Rain selling me something without them even knowing who I am.

Apr 06, 2018 12:37 PM
Rainmaker
289,719
Dario Ferreira
Attleboro, MA
Internet Marketing & SEO

The agents I work with use text messages and have acquired new clients using it.

New leads get a short welcome text with a question. Responses serve two purposes: we know the phone number is good or bad, and we'll know where they are in the buying process.

If they do not respond, the system sporadically attempts to reach them via text/email for 3 weeks or so, then stops.

If they respond, the automated communication stops.

If no response, and later on they are still very active viewing properties, the system re-iniatiates communication attempts.

By the way, people respond to the texts a lot more than email.

Apr 06, 2018 10:09 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Sure

Apr 06, 2018 05:56 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Xno.

Apr 06, 2018 04:27 AM
Rainmaker
2,182,552
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

I'll add it to my Call to Action !!!!

Apr 06, 2018 02:13 AM
Ambassador
5,049,183
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

It's getting more common for that to be the first way they connect, and for some it is their preferred method.

Apr 05, 2018 08:16 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

None I can recall

Apr 05, 2018 06:49 PM