Real estate cold
calling scripts.

Cold calling starts with the list, not the script. Your calling list has to run against the National Do Not Call Registry at least every 31 days. The FTC says your first five area codes are free to access.

NAR says real estate professionals must comply with the registry for any cold calling, and to check state lists too. Your broker may already have a registry subscription, so ask before you buy one.

A mistake is only forgiven under the safe harbor if the business has written procedures, trained staff, its own do not call list and a registry copy under 31 days old. Ask your broker whether the office has those in writing.

You: Hi, is this [name]? This is [your name], a real estate agent with [brokerage]. A home on your street at [number] just sold, and I’m letting the neighbors know what it means for their home. Do you have 30 seconds?

You: It went for [price] in [days] days. Most owners don’t need that today, but some like to know. Have you thought about what your place would bring?

If yes. You: I can send you a one-page estimate with the sold homes behind it. What’s the best email?

If no. You: Fair enough. Thanks for your time. If you ever want the numbers, I’m [your name] at [phone].

You: Hi, this is [your name], an agent with [brokerage]. We just listed the home at [address] and I’m inviting the neighbors to the open house on [day]. Do you know anyone who’s been wanting to move to this street?

People like choosing their neighbors. Ask that question, stop talking and let them think.

Hi [name], this is [your name], an agent with [brokerage], at [phone]. A home on your street just sold and I have the details if you’d like them. No need to call back unless you want to know.

Leave it live, in your own voice. The FTC rule bars calls that deliver a prerecorded message unless you hold signed permission first.

Them: How did you get my number? You: From a calling list I checked against the Do Not Call Registry this month. Would you like me to take you off it?

Them: We’re not selling. You: Good to know, and thanks for saying so. Should I keep you on the list for street news, or take you off?

Them: I’m working with an agent. You: Glad you’re in good hands. I won’t call again about selling. Then note it: under NAR’s Code you do not solicit another broker’s exclusive client.

Them: Don’t call me again. You: You won’t hear from me again. Sorry to bother you. Add them to your own list today and keep them there for 5 years.

The reason: 22 Sample Way just sold on the street, for $412,000 in 18 days. The list was scrubbed nine days ago.

You: Hi, is this Sam? This is Alex Sample, a real estate agent with Sample Realty. A home on your street at number 22 just sold, and I’m letting the neighbors know what it means for their home. Do you have 30 seconds?

Them: Sure, what did it go for?

You: $412,000 in 18 days. Most owners don’t need that today, but some like to know. Have you thought about what your place would bring?

Them: Not really. Maybe next year.

You: I can send a one-page estimate with the sold homes behind it, and you can keep it for next year. What’s the best email?

Check every number against the National Do Not Call Registry before you dial, using a copy no more than 31 days old. Check your state list too.

A sales call to a registered number is allowed only with the person’s permission or an existing relationship: a sale or transaction in the last 18 months, or their own inquiry in the last 3 months.

Call between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. in their time zone. Give your name, your company and a number or address where you can be reached.

When someone says stop calling, add them to your own do not call list within 10 business days and keep them there for 5 years.

FTC, Complying with the Telemarketing Sales Rule · 47 CFR 64.1200, the FCC telemarketing rule · NAR, Telemarketing and Cold-Calling

Marketing calls or texts to a mobile number from an autodialer, or with a prerecorded voice, need prior express written consent: a signed agreement that names the number and says signing is not a condition of buying.

The FCC’s calling rules cover text messages to mobile numbers too. Give an easy way out, such as replying STOP, and honor it within 10 business days.

A person can sue under the TCPA for $500 for each violation, and a court can triple that. The FTC’s civil penalty runs to $53,088 for each violation of its rule.

47 USC 227, the TCPA · 47 CFR 64.1200, the FCC telemarketing rule · FTC, Complying with the Telemarketing Sales Rule