New year messages for real estate clients: 14 templates

January is when a good agent quietly stays in touch: past clients who now own the home you found, people in your circle you have not spoken to since summer, and the buyers and sellers you are working with right now. These 14 messages are short, warm and personal. They thank, ask a real question, or offer something useful, and they never predict the market or promise a price. They talk about the home, not about who lives in it. Copy any message, or add all 14 to your keyboard and send them from iMessage, WhatsApp, SMS or Messenger in one tap. It works in any app.

Works in WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger and every other app.

Words in {{double braces}} are blanks. In the textcuts keyboard you fill them with one tap, and the names you used recently come back.

Past clients

Warm new year

Essential
Happy new year, {{name}}. I was thinking about the home we found for you, and I hope it has been a good one. If you ever want to talk about the house or the year ahead, I am around.

When to send: The first days of January.

Why it works: It remembers the home, not the sale, and asks for nothing.

One year in the home

{{name}}, it was a year ago this month that you got your keys. Time flies. How is the house working out?

When to send: On the anniversary of the closing.

Why it works: A friendly question invites a story, and stories lead to referrals.

Thank you for last year

Essential
Thank you for trusting me with your move last year, {{name}}. It was a real pleasure working with you. Wishing you a calm and happy new year.

When to send: Late December or early January.

Why it works: Gratitude, with no ask, is what people remember.

A homeowner tip

Hi {{name}}, a small new year tip: now is a good time to check smoke alarms and change furnace filters. If you need a name for a plumber or electrician, ask me.

When to send: Early in the year.

Why it works: A practical tip shows you still care after the sale.

Soft referral ask

Essential
{{name}}, if anyone you know is thinking about a move this year, I would be glad to help them the way I helped you. No pressure at all, I just wanted you to know.

When to send: Mid January, to a happy client.

Why it works: It asks for an introduction in one gentle sentence.

Recent sales near you

Hello {{name}}, if you are curious what homes on your street have sold for recently, I can send a short note. It is free and there is no obligation.

When to send: After the holidays, to past clients.

Why it works: It offers facts, not predictions, and lets them say no.

Your wider circle

Catching up

Essential
Happy new year, {{name}}! It has been a while since we spoke. How were your holidays? I would love to catch up over coffee in January.

When to send: Early January, to old contacts.

Why it works: A real question and a small invitation, not a pitch.

Short and sweet

Wishing you a bright new year, {{name}}. I hope the year starts well for you. Talk soon.

When to send: New Year's week.

Why it works: A light touch keeps you in mind without any ask.

A useful list

Hello {{name}}, I am putting together a short list of things worth doing around the house in winter. Want me to send it your way? Only if it would be useful.

When to send: January, to homeowners in your circle.

Why it works: It leads with something helpful and asks permission.

Buyers you are working with

Plan for the year

Essential
Good morning {{name}}, a new year begins, and our search is still going. Shall we set a time to go over what you have liked so far and what is left on your list?

When to send: First week back after the holidays.

Why it works: It restarts the conversation with a clear next step.

Listings that fit

Hope you had a restful break, {{name}}. I have kept an eye on new listings that fit your list. Want me to send the ones that look closest this week?

When to send: Early January.

Why it works: It shows you worked through the break and asks before sending.

No rush

{{name}}, there is no rush from my side. We will keep looking at the pace that suits you, and I will message you when something is worth a visit.

When to send: When a buyer has gone quiet.

Why it works: It removes pressure and keeps you their first call.

Sellers you are working with

New year, listed home

Essential
Happy new year, {{name}}. Your home is still on the market, and I am still working on it. May I call you this week to go over the showings we have had and what we might adjust?

When to send: First week of January.

Why it works: It offers a call and a review of facts, not a promise.

Thanks for keeping it ready

Thank you for keeping the home ready through the holidays, {{name}}. I will keep you posted on every showing and every message as it comes in.

When to send: Early January, to a seller with an active listing.

Why it works: It thanks them for the hard part and promises transparency.

When to send each message

WhenMessageNote
The first days of JanuaryWarm new yearRemember the home.
On the closing anniversaryOne year in the homeAsk how it is going.
Late December or early JanuaryThank you for last yearThanks, no ask.
Early in the yearA homeowner tipOne tip.
Mid JanuarySoft referral askGently, once.
Early January, to old contactsCatching upKeep it human.
First week backPlan for the yearRestart the search.
First week of JanuaryNew year, listed homeOffer a call.

Do not say

  • "Prices will go up this year, so buy now."

    Instead: Offer to talk about their goals, and leave predictions out.

  • "Perfect for a young family" or any wording about who a home suits.

    Instead: Describe the home: bedrooms, light, yard, layout.

    Source

  • Hinting a neighborhood is better or worse for certain people.

    Instead: Share facts about the home and let the client decide.

    Source

  • A gift or reward offered for a referral.

    Instead: Say thank you, and check your state's rules before offering anything.

  • Sending the same group message to a long list.

    Instead: Write each message to one person, with a detail only you would know.

  • Texting someone who never gave you their number.

    Instead: Message past clients and contacts who shared their number, and stop when asked.

Works in WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger and every other app.

Frequently asked questions

When should I send new year messages?

From the last days of December through the middle of January. Past clients first, then your circle, then a quick note to buyers and sellers you are working with.

Do these work on the free plan?

Yes. Every one of the 14 templates uses a single blank, which fills in on the free plan. Free holds 8 textcuts and 1 folder, so the six essentials fit comfortably. Importing all 14 also works, because imports are never blocked and nothing is deleted.

Can I send these on WhatsApp, iMessage or SMS?

Yes. textcuts is a keyboard, so the templates work in every app where you type: iMessage, WhatsApp, SMS, Messenger, Instagram and email. Use the app your client already answers in.

Can I include a market forecast or a price?

Leave it out. Forecasts and price promises can mislead, and a client who wants numbers will ask. The Recent sales near you template offers facts they can ask for.

How personal should the message be?

Change the name, and add one real detail, such as the street, a project or something you remember. A thirty second personal touch is what makes a greeting feel like it came from you.