Real Estate Cold Calling: 9 Proven Scripts for 2025

Cold calling continues to be a method used by real estate agents to reach new leads in 2025. While other marketing tools have grown in popularity, cold calling still plays a role in prospecting and lead generation.

This article provides a clear explanation of what cold calling is in the real estate industry. It also outlines how it works, how to use it effectively, and what scripts are producing results this year.

With updated data and practical examples, this guide is designed to help real estate professionals understand how and when to use cold calling in their sales process.

What is cold calling in real estate?

Cold calling in real estate is the process of contacting individuals by phone who haven’t previously expressed interest in buying or selling property. These contacts are usually not expecting the call and have not opted in to receive information from the agent.

This differs from warm calling, where you contact people who have shown interest in your services, filled out a form, or engaged with you before. Real estate agents typically use cold calling to reach:

• Expired listings (properties that didn’t sell during their listing period)
• For Sale By Owner properties (FSBOs)
• Property owners in specific neighborhoods

The average success rate for cold calling in real estate is around 2-3%. This means that out of 100 calls, about 2 to 3 may result in a meaningful conversation or lead.

Despite digital marketing’s rise, cold calling remains part of a broader lead generation strategy. Most successful agents combine it with email, social media, and direct mail for better results.

9 Proven Scripts for Real Estate Cold Calling

These scripts are designed for different situations you’ll encounter. Practice them until they sound natural, and adjust the language to fit your personal style.

1. Expired listing script

“Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] with [Your Brokerage]. I saw your home at [Address] was recently on the market but didn’t sell. That can be frustrating. I’ve helped several homeowners in similar situations by figuring out what went wrong and creating a new approach. Are you still interested in selling?”

Use this script when contacting owners whose listings have expired in the last 30 days.

2. FSBO script

“Hi [Name], I noticed you’re selling your home on [Street] yourself. That takes a lot of work! How are the showings going so far? [Listen] I work with buyers in your area and wondered if you’re open to working with agents who bring qualified buyers?”

This approach respects their decision to sell independently while offering assistance that benefits them.

3. Neighborhood prospecting script

“Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] with [Your Brokerage]. I just sold a home on [Nearby Street] for [price/percentage] above asking price. Given the current demand in your neighborhood, I thought you might be interested in knowing what your home could sell for in today’s market. Would a quick property value update be helpful?”

This script works well when calling homeowners in areas where you’ve recently sold properties.

4. Referral request script

“Hi [Name], this is [Your Name]. We worked together on your home purchase last year. I’m reaching out because I have buyers looking in your neighborhood, and I wondered if you know anyone who might be thinking about selling soon? [Listen] Thanks for thinking about it. By the way, how are you enjoying your home?”

Past clients are often willing to provide referrals, especially if you check in periodically.

5. Pre-foreclosure script

“Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] with [Your Brokerage]. I understand you might be facing some challenges with your property. I specialize in helping homeowners explore their options before foreclosure becomes final. Would it be helpful to discuss what those options might be?”

This script requires sensitivity and focuses on offering help rather than exploiting a difficult situation.

6. Buyer needs script

“Hi [Name], I’m [Your Name] from [Your Brokerage]. I’m working with a family looking for a home in [Neighborhood] with [specific features]. Your property came to mind because it matches what they’re looking for. Have you thought about selling, or would you consider an offer if it met your needs?”

This approach feels less like a cold call because you’re potentially bringing a solution.

7. Investment property script

“Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] with [Your Brokerage]. I work with investors in [Area], and I noticed your property at [Address]. The rental market in your area is seeing strong returns right now. Would you be interested in knowing what your property might be worth to an investor?”

This script works best for multi-family or single-family homes in rental-friendly areas.

8. Objection handling script

“I understand completely. Many people feel that way at first. Just out of curiosity, if you were to consider selling, what would be most important to you in the process? [Listen] Thank you for sharing that. Would it be okay if I stayed in touch and sent you market updates occasionally?”

Use this when someone expresses hesitation or says they’re not interested.

9. Voicemail script

“Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] with [Your Brokerage] at [Phone Number]. I’m calling about your property at [Address] and had some information you might find valuable. Please give me a call back when you have a moment at [repeat phone number]. Thanks, and I hope to speak with you soon.”

Keep voicemails under 30 seconds and always repeat your phone number.

How to Cold Call Real Estate Leads Effectively

Cold calling success comes from following a structured process. Here’s how to improve your results:

1. Build a targeted call list

Start with quality contacts rather than random numbers. Good sources include:

• Expired listings from your MLS
• FSBO listings from websites and classified ads
• Pre-foreclosure records from county offices
• Neighborhood lists based on your farming area

Sort your list by priority. For example, recent expired listings might be more motivated than long-term homeowners. Remove duplicate contacts and verify numbers before calling.

2. Research before you dial

Taking 2-3 minutes to research before each call dramatically improves your conversation quality. Look up:

• Property details (bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage)
• Last sale date and price
• Current estimated value
• How long the property was listed (for expired listings)
• Neighborhood trends and recent sales

This information helps you sound knowledgeable and makes your conversation more relevant to the homeowner.

3. Time your calls strategically

The best times to make real estate cold calls are:

• Weekdays between 4:00-6:00 p.m.
• Wednesday and Thursday afternoons
• Avoid Monday mornings and Friday afternoons

Most people don’t answer on the first attempt. Plan to make 5-7 calls to each prospect over several weeks before moving on.

4. Use a strong introduction

Your first 10 seconds determine whether the conversation continues. A good introduction includes:

• Your name and brokerage
• The reason for your call
• A question that encourages response

Example: “Hi Sarah, this is Mark Johnson with City Realty. I noticed your home on Oak Street recently came off the market, and I was wondering if you’re still interested in selling?”

5. Track your results

Keep records of every call to improve your approach over time. Track:

• Number of calls made daily
• Connection rate (percentage of calls answered)
• Conversation rate (calls lasting over 60 seconds)
• Appointment set rate

A simple spreadsheet works for tracking, or you can use a real estate CRM system that includes call logging features.

Handling Common Objections in Real Estate Cold Calls

Objections are normal in cold calling. Here’s how to address the most common ones:

• “I’m not interested”
  “I understand. Most people I speak with aren’t planning to move right away. May I ask if you might consider selling in the next year or two?”
• “I already have an agent”
  “That’s great! It sounds like you’re in good hands. If anything changes or if you ever want a second opinion on your home’s value, please keep my number.”
• “Your commission is too high”
  “I understand that commission is important to consider. What matters most is the final amount you walk away with after the sale. Can I show you how my marketing plan often results in higher sale prices that more than cover the commission?”

When handling objections:

1. Listen fully before responding
2. Acknowledge their concern
3. Respond briefly without being defensive
4. Ask a question to continue the conversation
5. If they’re still not interested, thank them and move on

Why Cold Calling Matters for Real Estate Agents

Cold calling offers specific advantages that complement other marketing methods:

• Immediate feedback: Phone conversations give you direct answers about interest, objections, or timing without waiting for email responses or ad engagement.
• Cost-effectiveness: Cold calling mainly requires a phone, contact list, and your time. Compared to paid advertising with ongoing costs, cold calling can generate leads at a lower price point.
• Personal connection: Voice communication builds trust faster than text messages or emails. Tone, pacing, and personality come through in ways that written communication can’t match.
• Reach offline prospects: Not all property owners are active online. Cold calling helps you connect with people who don’t regularly check listing sites or use social media.

Legal requirements for real estate cold calling

Before picking up the phone, you need to understand the rules. Cold calling in real estate is regulated by several laws designed to protect consumer privacy.

Regulation What You Need to Know Potential Penalties National Do Not Call Registry Check all numbers against this list before calling Up to $46,517 per violation TCPA Rules Get written consent before using auto-dialers or recorded messages $500-$1,500 per call Calling Hours Only call between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. local time Varies by state State Regulations Some states have additional restrictions May include fines or license issues

To stay compliant:

1. Use tools to check numbers against the Do Not Call Registry
2. Keep records of consent forms and opt-out requests
3. Clearly identify yourself and your company at the start of each call
4. Honor requests to be removed from your calling list immediately

Using Software to Improve Your Cold Calling

The right tools make cold calling more efficient and effective:

CRM systems help you organize contacts, schedule follow-ups, and track results. Popular options for real estate include:

• Wise Agent
• LionDesk
• Follow Up Boss

Power dialers automatically call numbers in sequence, saving time between calls. These tools can increase your daily call volume by 50% or more.

Call tracking software records statistics about your calls, helping you identify patterns and improve your approach.

When your cold calling efforts generate leads, having a professional website is essential for converting those prospects into clients. AgentFire’s real estate websites include lead capture forms, property search tools, and neighborhood guides that showcase your expertise.

When to consider outsourcing your cold calling

Sometimes it makes sense to hire a real estate cold calling service rather than making calls yourself:

• Your time is better spent elsewhere: If you earn more from showings and closings than prospecting
• You dislike cold calling: If you avoid making calls because you find them uncomfortable
• You need consistent volume: If you can’t maintain a regular calling schedule

When evaluating cold calling services, ask:

1. Do they specialize in real estate calls?
2. What types of leads do they typically call?
3. How do they ensure legal compliance?
4. What reporting do they provide?
5. What is their typical appointment set rate?

A good service should cost between $15-25 per hour or $20-50 per appointment set, depending on your market.

Integrating cold calling with your overall marketing strategy

Cold calling works best when combined with other marketing efforts:

• Follow up cold calls with emails containing market reports or property valuations
• Connect with prospects on social media after phone conversations
• Add cold call contacts to your newsletter list (with permission)
• Use insights from calls to improve your website content

This multi-channel approach creates multiple touchpoints with potential clients, increasing the chances they’ll remember you when they’re ready to buy or sell.

FAQs about cold calling in real estate

What time of day is best for real estate cold calls?

Late afternoon (4:00-6:00 p.m.) on weekdays, especially Wednesday and Thursday, typically yields the highest contact rates.

How many cold calls should a real estate agent make daily?

Most successful agents make 30-50 calls per day, focusing on quality conversations rather than just high volume.

What technology tools can improve cold calling results?

Power dialers, CRM systems with call tracking, and local presence dialing technology (which displays a local number to the recipient) can all improve efficiency and results.

How do I combine cold calling with digital marketing?

Use insights from calls to create targeted content, add contacts to email campaigns (with permission), and connect with prospects on social media to reinforce your message across multiple channels.

Are there special cold calling strategies for luxury properties?

Luxury cold calling requires more extensive research, a formal tone, and detailed market knowledge. Focus on exclusivity, privacy, and the unique features of high-end properties.

What are the legal restrictions for calling FSBOs and expired listings?

Always check numbers against the Do Not Call Registry, call only between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. local time, and immediately honor requests to be removed from your calling list.