Most texts are read within three minutes, and that makes texting an effective marketing tool. Some real estate agents already use QR code strategies, or the “text for more information” approach, to pull in leads.
Research from the California Association of Realtors indicates that house-hunters would rather communicate with their agent by text (29 percent) than by telephone (17 percent).
While text messaging has grown more acceptable in a professional setting, it’s critical for agents to remember that they’re dealing with clients – not friends. They should avoid slangy abbreviations. While “MLS” and other industry abbreviations are fine (assuming a client knows what they mean), shortcuts like “2MRW,” “OMG,” and “L8TR” are not.
Agents also should adjust their written “tone” to match how they sound face to face with a client. They should deliver information quickly and concisely, and avoid lengthy paragraphs. At the same time, they should avoid being too casual.
Contract negotiations and other formal discussions should be reserved for emails or in-person meetings.
Finally, realty professionals should set texting boundaries. Before texting even once, they should obtain the client’s permission to do so and ask about his or her communication preferences.
An agent should also explain his or her own text rules, such as a request to limit texting to business hours only, for example, or making it clear that it’s okay to text anytime, day or night.