The Best Text Messaging Software for Real Estate Agents

Top,View,Hands,Circle,Using,Phone,In,Cafe,-,MultiracialWhat is the fastest way of communicating in today’s world? Undoubtedly, text messaging. We all have our phones in our hands nearly 24/7, which is why having a text messaging software system is imperative for growing your business. 

I’ve researched a few of the leading SMS platforms as well as some of the lesser known ones, and compiled a list for you that I would potentially use for better communication with buyers, sellers, and investors. 

In this article, we will explore the 4 SMS software platforms specifically tailored for real estate agents, equipped with data features that enhance efficiency and productivity.

Ready to take a look and see what may work for you? 

Why is SMS software important?

When I was first getting started in real estate, I remembered all of my clients. Or, at least I thought I did. Rookie move. I know now, I was letting countless leads slip through the cracks. Don’t make that mistake. 

Top reasons I started using SMS software:

  1. Incorporating SMS software ultimately increases your client communication to give them up to date info and build relationships at lightning speed, which often results in closing more deals for your clients. It’s nearly impossible to stay on top of leads without an integrated system of communication.
  2. Organization is key in the non-stop, fast-paced world of real estate in order to apply effective communication with your clients, which is why texting has become the preferred form of communication. 
  3. And it is… the preferred form of communication. Here’s a few stats for your reference:
    • “Research shows that 62% of clients prefer receiving new leads via texts on their phone numbers rather than having an agent speaking to them directly.” (Source: textback.ai.)
    • “…real estate text message marketing is quite effective regarding the open rate. Statistics show that 98% of the texts are opened by clients. Moreover, 90% of those are read within the first three minutes after being received.” (Source: textback.ai)
    • “The average response time for an email is 90 minutes. The average response time for a text is 90 seconds.” (Source: birdeye.com)
    • “REALTORS® most often prefer to communicate with their clients through text messaging, at 94%.” (Source: nar.realtor)

As real estate agents, we constantly need to stay in touch with clients, manage leads, and streamline workflow. Short Message Service (SMS) has emerged as a powerful tool to facilitate quick and direct communication. 

Okay, let’s take a look at a few that may work for you…

4 SMS Platforms Real Estate Agents are Using Today

Close,Up,Of,Women's,Hands,Holding,Cell,Telephone,With,BlankThere is no “one size fits all” when it comes to real estate software, which is why we want to give you a few options that may best suit your specific needs. 

If you’re an agent just getting started, a more simple software could be best for your needs, and larger agencies may need more support in their software. 

Just a reminder to keep your needs in mind! Here we go!

1. Follow Up Boss: The All-in-One Communication Hub

Follow Up Boss is a versatile communication platform that empowers real estate agents with its comprehensive SMS features, and allows you to organize your clients into lists. 

Their SMS service allows agents to send personalized messages, automate responses, and manage communication workflows seamlessly based on client needs. 

FUB’s 250+ integrations enable you to work seamlessly with various CRM systems, ensuring a smooth data flow between platforms.

Why Follow Up Boss is Ideal for Real Estate Agents:

  • Automation Capabilities: allows you to automate responses, saving time for you and ensuring your clients are always up to date.
  • 250+ Integration with CRM Systems: enables you to centralize data, making it easier to manage leads and client interactions.
  • Customization: personalized messages lead to building client relationships. Also, you can stay on brand. Overall you provide a more engaging and tailored experience for clients with your customized texts.
  • Scalability: As your business grows so does FUB. There are a few plans that you can choose from based on where your business is right now with flexibility to expand your services as you scale up.

2. EZ Texting: Streamlining Lead Management through SMS

Woman,Using,Her,Mobile,Phone,In,The,Street,,Night,LightThis is one of the platforms that is lesser known for agents, but I chose it keeping solo agents and smaller agencies in mind. Perhaps you’re in a smaller market, but communication is still essential and you need an assist? 

If this sounds like you, keep reading! 

EZ Texting is a simple SMS marketing platform, different than CRM, that specializes in helping professionals and small businesses manage leads effectively. Their focus is to help you with your marketing strategies through texts.

EZ Texting simplifies the process of engaging with leads and nurturing client relationships through SMS. Its interface seems user-friendly and incorporates data-driven features.

Why EZ Texting is Ideal for Real Estate Agents:

  • Lead Segmentation: Real estate agents can segment leads based on various criteria, ensuring targeted and relevant SMS campaigns.
  • Data Analytics: EZ Texting provides detailed analytics, helping agents track the success of their SMS campaigns and adjust their strategies accordingly.
  • Scheduled Messages: The platform allows agents to schedule SMS messages in advance, ensuring timely communication without constant manual intervention.
  • Keyword Campaigns: EZ Texting supports keyword campaigns, enabling agents to capture leads’ information through SMS interactions.

3. Firepoint: Elevating Lead Conversion with SMS

man checking email on phoneFirepoint is also a proven all-in-one real estate CRM platform that includes a powerful SMS feature designed to enhance lead conversion. But what is somewhat unique to Firepoint is their Automated Assistant

With this system of text and response you are nurturing your leads at rapid speeds. That’s a huge bonus when deciding on your next CRM platform and text messaging systems. However, you do want to make sure you are keeping your messages personal. 

The only thing off-putting for me (keep in mind, without having used it) is that technology is creating your texts. AI is getting very smart, but something to keep an eye out for during your trial period. You don’t want to come across as a robot to your clients. 

Why Firepoint is Ideal for Real Estate Agents:

  • Lead Engagement: Firepoint’s SMS feature facilitates instant lead engagement, increasing the likelihood of conversion.
  • Centralized Communication: you can manage all communication channels, including SMS, from a centralized platform, ensuring a cohesive client experience.
  • Automation and Drip Campaigns: you can set up automated SMS drip campaigns, delivering timely messages to leads over time.
  • Mobile Accessibility: Firepoint has a mobile-friendly interface, which enables you to stay connected and responsive while on the go.

4. Zurple: Personalized SMS for Effective Client Interaction

Business,Person,Reading,Emails,On,Smartphone,And,Laptop,Computer,ScreenZurple is a real estate lead generation and conversion platform that incorporates SMS as a key communication tool… but get this… they use behavior-data in their lead generation:

“While browsing MLS listings, consumers create an account on your branded website, Zurple tracks their activity and property views, and the intelligent lead nurture begins.” (Source: zurple)

The platform focuses on personalized communication, helping agents build meaningful relationships with clients through targeted SMS messages. 

Utilizing targeted text messages to build your clients lists is a major aspect to successfully incorporating text in your communication with clients. I can’t stress personalization enough when it comes to engaging your clients.

Why Zurple is Ideal for Real Estate Agents:

  • Behavioral Targeting: Zurple uses behavioral targeting to send SMS messages that resonate with individual leads based on their interactions and preferences.
  • Lead Prioritization: you can prioritize leads based on engagement levels, allowing for more focused communication efforts.
  • Smart Drip Campaigns: Zurple’s smart drip campaigns use SMS to deliver relevant content and information to leads at the right time, and they have the data to back it.
  • Lead Tracking: The platform provides detailed insights into lead interactions, helping agents understand client preferences and tailor their communication strategies accordingly.

In Summary

Text messaging is the way people do business most effectively, and is becoming more and more common across all industries.  As technology gets smarter, the expectation of working faster for the individual grows. 

There is no exception for the real estate industry. In fact, it’s one of the most competitive industries. 

The SMS software platforms mentioned above cater specifically to the unique needs of real estate agents. They offer features that enhance engagement, streamline workflows, and ultimately contribute to increased success in the industry. 

By leveraging the capabilities of these platforms, you’re able to stay ahead of the curve, build lasting relationships with clients, and grow your business exponentially. 

At this point, if you’re not using one… you’re falling behind.   

Sources:

Authored by Chris Heller

About the Author

Chris Heller brings 27 years of experience in real estate. Chris serves on the Agent Advice Editorial Board and is the Chief Real Estate Officer at OJO Labs. Chris brings deep expertise having held influential industry positions including CEO of mellohome and former CEO of Keller Williams Realty International.

Last Updated: 1/11/2024