Should I text expired listing owners?

Can you? Technically, yes. Should you? It depends on how you got their number and what you're planning to say.

The Legal Stuff (Don't Skip This)

The TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) has rules about texting for business purposes. The short version:

• You need consent to send marketing texts
• Using auto-dialers or mass texting services has stricter requirements
• Fines can hit $500-1,500 per text if you violate the rules

Manually sending a personal text to someone whose number you found through legitimate means? That's different from blasting 200 people with an automated message.

When Texting Works

Some agents have success with texts that feel personal and low-pressure:

"Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] - a local agent in [Area]. Saw your listing at [Address] expired. Not trying to pitch you. Just wondering if you're still looking to sell or if plans have changed. Either way, happy to chat if helpful."

Notice what this doesn't do: no all-caps, no exclamation points, no "I can sell your home in 30 days!" promises.

When Texting Backfires

• Mass texts: Feel spammy. Get ignored or reported.
• Aggressive follow-ups: One text is fine. Five texts is harassment.
• Immediate pitch: "Call me now!" doesn't work in text any better than it works on the phone.

A Better Approach

Consider texting as a follow-up to another touchpoint. If you've sent a letter or had a brief call, a text a few days later can work well:

"Hey [Name], just following up on my letter. No rush, but happy to chat whenever works for you."

The combination of direct mail plus a follow-up text often outperforms either one alone.