Realtor communication strategies often focus on WHAT you say, but not HOW or WHERE you say it. The reality is that reaching out is only half the battle. Having it read and getting a reply is what counts.
In 2025, home buyers and sellers have more ways to connect than ever before. But not all communication channels are created equal. So, which platform gets the fastest (and most favorable) response?
For Realtor Communication Strategies, Text Is Still King
Love it or hate it, text messaging continues to dominate in 2025… but with a caveat. Real estate clients overwhelmingly prefer texts for short, time-sensitive info, such as showing confirmations, quick updates, or reminders.
A study by the NAR found that 68% of clients responded fastest to texts, but they also noted that overly frequent or impersonal texts were a turnoff.
Best Use Cases:
- Confirming showings or meetings
- Quick check-ins (“Still good for tomorrow at 3PM?”)
- Personal touches like “Happy 1-Year Home Anniversary!”
For the most effective communication strategy, we suggest avoiding text for long-winded updates or sending property info that requires visuals. For that, you’ll want…
Email Wins for Formal and Visual Real Estate Content
Email is far from dead in realtor communication strategies. In fact, it’s the preferred channel for clients who want to review information on their own time. Property listings, contracts, and market reports are perfectly at home in an email.
Also importantly these days, mobile-optimized emails with clean formatting and strong subject lines are crucial. Personalized, value-driven subject lines (“Here’s a new listing I think you’ll love”) get up to 45% more opens.
Best Use Cases:
- New property listings
- Offer summaries
- Monthly market updates
- Transaction timelines and docs
Just don’t rely on email alone for time-sensitive responses—it’s best paired with a quick text or call when urgent.
Want a quick upgrade to your email strategy? Read: The One Email Realtors Should Send After Every Closing
DMs Are Big for Communication, But Only With a Certain Audience
Direct messages (DMs) are especially on Instagram and Facebook, and they are increasingly popular with Millennial and Gen Z home buyers. According to Zillow’s 2025 Consumer Trends Report, 1 in 3 first-time homebuyers prefers to start their agent conversations via social media. But here’s the key: DMs work best for casual conversations and early lead engagement, not for contracts or deep discussions.
Best Use Cases:
- Responding to Story replies (“Yes, this listing just hit the market!”)
- Thanking followers for referrals
- Sending quick links to posts, reels, or listing teasers
Just be sure to move serious convos to phone or email once things progress.
Not sure where to engage on social media? See our guide: Where to Post, What to Share: The Best Real Estate Marketing Platforms & Content Types in 2025
Match the Message to the Moment
No two clients are exactly the same—but the data is clear: if you want replies, you need to meet people where they are. Use text for quick updates, email for anything visual or formal, and DMs to connect with the social-savvy crowd.
By tailoring your communication to the message and the client, you’ll build better relationships—and close more deals.
Want Follow-Up Systems That Actually Get Replies? Contact Ollin Reach today.
