When is the best time to contact expired listings?

Timing matters more than most agents realize. Contact too early, and you're one of 50 agents calling that day. Wait too long, and they've already picked someone else.

The First 48 Hours

Most expired listing owners get bombarded immediately. We're talking 20-30 calls and a dozen door knocks in the first two days. Your message gets lost in the noise.

Some agents swear by being first. They set alarms for when MLS data updates and call within minutes. It can work, but you're competing with everyone who has the same idea.

The Sweet Spot: Days 3-14

Here's what happens after the initial rush dies down:

• The homeowner's frustration shifts from "leave me alone" to "maybe I should talk to someone"
• They've had time to process what went wrong
• The aggressive agents have moved on to newer leads
• They're more receptive to a thoughtful approach

Best Time of Day

If you're calling:

• Weekday mornings (9-11am): Catch them before their day gets busy
• Weekday evenings (5-7pm): After work but before dinner
• Saturday mid-morning: People are home but not rushed

Avoid Monday mornings (everyone's stressed) and Friday afternoons (checked out mentally).

If You're Doing Direct Mail

Letters play by different rules. A letter that arrives on day 3 sits on their counter. They see it again on day 5. Maybe they finally open it on day 7. The timing is less precise, but the staying power is better.

That's why multi-touch campaigns work: Letter 1 might get ignored, but Letter 3 arrives exactly when they're ready to talk.