Text Message Script For Fsbo

Let's talk about something a little… prickly. FSBO texts. For Sale By Owner. You know, when someone's trying to sell their house themselves, and you're a real estate agent (or even just a curious neighbor) trying to politely wiggle your way in.

Now, I have a confession. I think most FSBO text scripts are terrible. Hear me out!

The Generic Greeting Graveyard

Seriously, how many "Hey! Saw your sign!" texts do these poor sellers get? My unpopular opinion? If you're starting with that, just don't start at all. It's the beige of real estate outreach. No one wants beige. Everyone is already throwing those texts straight into the blocked list on their phone.

You picture the homeowner, glazed eyes, scrolling through a mountain of identical messages. "Hey, saw your sign! Are you getting lots of interest? Just checking in!" Ugh. It's like being slowly suffocated by politeness.

And the follow-up! "Just wanted to circle back…" Circle back to what? The void? The existential dread of selling your house without a professional? Come on, people, let's get creative.

The "Helpful" Hints That Hurt

Then there are the texts that try to be helpful. “Did you know staging increases your home value?” Thanks, Captain Obvious. Did you know breathing is essential for life? Some advice is just stating the screamingly obvious.

Or the even worse: “Are you pricing it right?” Subtle. Real subtle. Like a bullhorn announcing your perceived incompetence. I wince just thinking about getting that text. It screams desperation from the sender.

And the ones that offer a “free” market analysis. Spoiler alert: It's not really free. It's the gateway drug to a listing agreement. We all know it. They know it. Let's just skip the charade, shall we?

My (Potentially) Controversial Solution

Okay, here's where I might lose some of you. My truly unpopular opinion? Ditch the script. Seriously. Burn it. Light a bonfire of boilerplate greetings.

Instead, try…being human. Wild concept, I know. Actually, don't "try" to be human, be human. Find something genuinely interesting about the property from the listing (if there is one) or the photos. Notice the awesome garden? The quirky front door? The vintage stove? Comment on it! Ask a question!

Think about it: you're interrupting their day. Make it a welcome interruption, not an annoying buzz. Make the message a friendly greeting, and not a marketing attempt.

For example, instead of: "Hi, I'm [Name] with [Brokerage]. Are you considering working with an agent?"

Try: "Hey! Saw your listing – that blue front door is amazing! Did you paint it yourself? I'm [Name], a local realtor (and a fellow fan of bold colors!)."

See the difference? One's a sales pitch; the other is (hopefully) a conversation starter.

"Be genuinely curious. Be genuinely helpful. And for the love of all that is holy, be genuinely yourself."

Look, I'm not saying this is foolproof. Some FSBOs are dead-set on going it alone. And that's their right. But if you're going to reach out, at least make it worth their while. Make them smile. Make them think. Make them not immediately reach for the "block" button.

Because, let's be honest, in the world of FSBO texts, a little bit of personality goes a long way.

And maybe, just maybe, it'll actually get you a listing.