The short answer
- Text your sphere about their lives, not your listings. Business should come up in roughly one message out of ten.
- Short and specific beats clever: one to three sentences that mention something real about the person.
- End with an easy question, or with no question at all. Never make someone feel they owe you a reply.
- Rewrite every example in your own voice before sending it.
Your sphere of influence is everyone who already knows you: friends, family, past clients, neighbors, former coworkers and the people you see at the gym, school pickup or church. For most agents, this group and their referrals produce more closed business than any lead source you can buy. The challenge isn't knowing that. It's knowing what to actually send.
Below are fifty texts, grouped by situation. They're written to sound like a person, not a marketing campaign. Use them as starting points: change the details, change the wording, and make them sound like you.
The four rules of texting your sphere
- Make it about them. The best sphere texts never mention real estate.
- Be specific. "Thinking of you!" is forgettable. "Saw a golden retriever in a raincoat and thought of Murphy" gets a reply.
- Keep it short. If you need to scroll, it's an email.
- Don't create debt. Avoid messages that pressure a reply. Let people answer when it suits them.
Just thinking of you (1–10)
1. A place that reminds you of themDrove past the taco truck you introduced me to. Still the best al pastor in town?
2. A shared memoryRandom memory: the year it snowed on your birthday BBQ. Still one of my favorite days.
3. Their petHow's Murphy doing? Still convinced the mail carrier is a threat?
4. A show or bookFinally started the show you recommended. You were right, I'm hooked.
5. Their hobbySaw a guy fly-fishing at the river this morning and thought of you. Get out much this fall?
6. Local news they'd care aboutDid you see they're finally fixing the trail by your house?
7. A recipe they mentionedMade your chili recipe last night. Huge hit. Thank you!
8. A songThis came on the radio and I immediately thought of our road trip. Hope you're doing well.
9. Weather check-inHope you all made it through the windstorm okay. Any trees down on your street?
10. Nothing in particularNo reason, just wanted to say hi and see how life's treating you.
Life events and congratulations (11–20)
11. New jobCongrats on the new role! How are the first few weeks going?
12. PromotionJust saw the promotion news. So well deserved.
13. EngagementCongratulations to you both! Have you started thinking about a date yet?
14. New babyCongratulations on your little one! No need to reply. Just sending love and sleep wishes.
15. GraduationCan't believe your son is graduating. Where's he headed next?
16. Race or event finishedYou ran the half marathon! That's huge. How are the legs feeling?
17. Business milestoneFive years in business, that's a big deal. Congratulations!
18. RetirementHappy retirement! What's the first thing on the list?
19. Kid's sportsSaw the team won the tournament. Your daughter's been working so hard for that.
20. BirthdayHappy birthday! Hope you get a quiet morning and a great dinner.
Past clients and their homes (21–30)
21. First home anniversaryOne year ago today you got the keys! Hope year two is even better.
22. Later anniversariesThree years in the house! Has it started to feel like it's always been yours?
23. How's the house?Quick check-in: how's the house treating you now that it's getting colder? Any surprises?
24. Seasonal maintenanceFriendly reminder to clean the gutters before the rain starts. Need a good person for it? I have one.
25. Furnace filterEasy one to forget: time to swap the furnace filter. Happy to send the size if you've lost track.
26. A project they mentionedDid the kitchen remodel ever happen? I'd love to see pictures.
27. Neighborhood saleA home a few streets from you just sold. Want me to send the details? No strings, just thought you'd be curious.
28. Property taxesHeads up: property tax statements are going out this month. Let me know if anything looks off and I can help you read it.
29. Vendor recommendationStill need a good plumber? Mine is excellent and actually returns calls.
30. Thank-you follow-upThank you again for sending your friend my way. It means a lot that you trusted me with that.
Seasonal and holiday texts (31–38)
31. New yearHappy New Year! Hope this one is kind to you and your family.
32. SpringFirst warm day of the year. Hope you get outside and enjoy it.
33. SummerAny fun summer plans? We're trying to get to the lake at least once a week.
34. Back to schoolHope the first week of school went smoothly at your house!
35. FallFall is officially here. Pumpkin patch this weekend or skipping it this year?
36. ThanksgivingGrateful for people like you this year. Happy Thanksgiving.
37. Holiday seasonWishing you a calm, cozy holiday season. No reply needed.
38. Local eventThe farmers market is back Saturday. The good bread stall usually sells out by 10, just so you know.
Helpful and useful texts (39–44)
39. Restaurant openingNew Thai place opened on 4th. Tried it last night and it's great.
40. Community resourceThe library is doing free tax help this month, in case that's useful.
41. Interest rate newsRates dipped a bit this week. If refinancing has been on your mind, it might be worth a look with your lender.
42. Market snapshotCurious what homes in your area are going for lately? I can send a quick summary anytime.
43. Sharing a resourceCame across this article on lowering energy bills and thought of your old windows. Sending it your way.
44. Local warningHeads up, there's construction on Main all week. Might be worth taking the back way.
The gentle "open door" (45–50)
Use these sparingly, maybe once or twice a year per person. They remind people what you do without asking for anything.
45. The simple versionIf anyone you know ever has a real estate question, I'm always happy to help, even a quick one.
46. After a nice exchangeSo good catching up! And if a friend ever needs someone to talk real estate with, I'd love to help.
47. Home value offerIf you're ever curious what your home is worth, I'm happy to put something together. No pressure at all.
48. Year-end noteThank you for being part of my year. Most of my business comes from people like you and the folks you introduce me to.
49. When they mention a friend movingOh, exciting for them! If they'd like someone to answer questions, I'm glad to help.
50. The honest versionI'm building my business mostly through people I already know, so if you ever hear of someone thinking about moving, I'd be grateful for an introduction.
Want the full library?
The Text-First Script Library covers every stage, from sphere check-ins to showings, offers, closing and client boundaries.
See the Script LibraryHow often should you text your sphere?
For your closest twenty to fifty people, a personal text about once a month is a comfortable rhythm, plus a handwritten note or a market update a few times a year. For the wider sphere, a quarterly touch works. Consistency matters more than frequency: a steady text every month beats ten messages in January and silence until June.
The simplest system is a short daily habit. Send three to five personal texts every morning and you'll reach your whole close sphere every month without it ever feeling like a project. Our guide to getting leads without cold calling walks through building that list.
What to avoid
- Group texts. They feel like marketing and annoy people when replies start flying.
- Copy-pasted messages. If the same text could go to anyone, it won't land with someone.
- Leading with listings. "Just listed!" texts to your sphere make every future message feel like an ad.
- Automation that pretends to be personal. People can tell, and it damages trust.
- Mass marketing texts without consent. One-to-one personal texts are different from bulk promotional texts, which are subject to consent and opt-out rules.
Frequently asked questions
What should a realtor text their sphere of influence?
Short, personal messages about the other person's life: a memory, a congratulations, a home anniversary, a useful local tip. Mention real estate only occasionally and lightly.
How often should real estate agents text past clients?
Roughly once a month for close past clients, plus home anniversaries and a few useful updates a year. Consistency matters more than volume.
Is it okay to text my sphere about my listings?
Occasionally, and only when a listing is genuinely relevant to the person. Leading with listings makes your other messages feel like ads.
Should I use automated texts for my sphere?
Automation works for reminders to yourself, but the messages your sphere receives should be written personally. People notice templated texts.
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