Soft nudge
Hi {{name}}, just making sure my last message didn't get lost. Are you still thinking about buying? Yes, not yet, or no thanks are all fine answers.
Mortgage lead no reply texts: 13 follow up templates
They asked about a home loan, you replied, and then nothing. Silence from a buyer usually means busy or unsure, not no. But the way you follow up decides whether they come back or block you. These messages ask easy questions, offer something useful, and end gracefully. They are for people who asked to hear from you, and they all make it simple to say stop. Copy any message, or add all 13 to your keyboard. They work in any app, including iMessage, WhatsApp, Instagram and Messenger.
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.
The first nudges
Easier channel
Hi {{name}}, would email or a quick call be easier than texting? Tell me which one and I'll use it.
Timeline question
{{name}}, one simple question: are you hoping to buy in the next few months, or later? I only want to send you the right information.
Useful checklist
Hi {{name}}, I put together a one page checklist of what to gather before you apply. Want me to send it? No need to reply if not.
When something stops them
Credit worry
{{name}}, many people wait because they think their credit isn't ready. I can talk through what lenders look at and what usually helps, so you know where you stand. No pressure.
Just looking
Looking is a great place to start, {{name}}. If it would help to know your budget before you fall for a house, I'm glad to go through it with you.
Application half done
Hi {{name}}, I noticed your application is not finished. Want me to walk you through the last part? It takes about ten minutes.
Agent question
{{name}}, have you chosen a real estate agent yet? If you'd like, I can share a few names. The choice is entirely yours.
A month later and closing the loop
Two weeks
Hi {{name}}, checking in one more time. If now isn't a good time, tell me and I'll stop texting. If you have a question, I'm here.
One month
Hi {{name}}, it's been a month. A lot can change, so I wanted to ask where things stand with your home search.
Small plan
You mentioned you hoped to move by summer, {{name}}. Is that still your plan?
Closing the loop
{{name}}, I haven't heard back, so I'll stop texting for now. If you want to pick this up later, message me here and I'll be glad to help. All the best with your plans.
Respecting a no
Understood, {{name}}, and thank you for telling me. I won't text again about this. If you ever need anything, you know where to find me.
When to send each message
| When | Message | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Day 3 after silence | Soft nudge | First nudge. |
| About a week | Easier channel | Offer a channel. |
| Ten days | Useful checklist | Give something. |
| Two weeks | Two weeks | Say you can stop. |
| After two or three tries | Closing the loop | Then stop. |
| Anyone says no or stop | Respecting a no | Immediately. |
Do not say
Texting a number that never agreed to hear from you: a bought list, an old lead, or a number from a form that only promised email. Texts like that can break the TCPA.
Instead: Text only people who gave you their number and agreed to texts, one by one by hand. Say "reply STOP and I'll stop texting" in a first message, and honor it.
Texting a lead who says STOP, or keeps going after a no.
Instead: Reply once, politely, and stop. Honor every request.
"Last chance to get pre approved."
Instead: Say the real timeline and nothing more.
A rate, an APR, a payment or a down payment amount in a text ("you could be at 5.9%", "about $1,800 a month").
Instead: Offer to send a written estimate that shows the APR, the payment terms and the other costs together.
"Guaranteed approval", "you'll definitely qualify", "lowest rate in town" or "no credit check".
Instead: Say what you will look at, and that the answer comes after you see their documents.
Fake urgency ("rates go up tonight", "only a few spots left") when it is not true.
Instead: Give the real date and what it means, and nothing more.
Leaving out your NMLS ID where your state or company requires it.
Instead: Keep your NMLS number in your email signature and first message, and ask your compliance team what your state needs.
Works in WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger and every other app.
Frequently asked questions
How many times should I follow up with a lead who goes quiet?
Two or three tries over about a month, then a closing the loop message. Stop sooner if they say stop. Keep a short note of who asked you to stop.
Do these work on the free plan?
Yes. 13 of the 13 use a single blank, which fills in on the free plan.
Can I send these in WhatsApp, iMessage and Instagram?
Yes. textcuts is a keyboard on iPhone and Android, so the templates work in every app where you type, including iMessage, WhatsApp, Instagram and Messenger.
Can I send these to everyone on my list?
No. Send them one at a time, by hand, to people who gave you their number and agreed to be texted. Never to a bought list. Put a plain line in your first message, such as "reply STOP and I'll stop texting", and honor it. The FCC's rules on consent count replies such as stop, quit, cancel and unsubscribe as ending your permission. Your company's compliance team has the final word on texting borrowers.