7 Proven Scripts for Expired Listings to Win Sellers Back in 2026

Every expired listing represents a frustrated seller and a massive opportunity. While many agents see a dead end, top producers see a warm lead: a homeowner who has already raised their hand to sell. The challenge isn't finding them; it's re-engaging them with a message that cuts through the noise of dozens of other agents calling with the same tired lines.

Standard, generic outreach fails because it ignores the seller's recent negative experience. Success hinges on a strategic approach that combines empathy, data-driven insights, and a clear value proposition from the first moment of contact. For a broader understanding of the landscape of expired listing real estate opportunities, it's clear that a tailored strategy is essential to stand out. Simply asking, "Are you still interested in selling?" isn't enough to build trust or demonstrate competence.

This guide provides seven battle-tested scripts for expired listings, moving beyond mere templates to offer a comprehensive playbook. We'll break down the psychology behind each script, analyze why its specific language works, and provide actionable tactics for phone calls, emails, texts, voicemails, and even door-knocking.

You will learn not just what to say, but how to adapt your approach based on the seller's likely mindset. We will also cover how to handle common objections and integrate powerful tools like fast, accurate CMAs to deliver undeniable value from the very first interaction. The goal is to equip you with the precise language needed to turn skeptical sellers into signed listing agreements.

1. Phone Call Script for Expired Listings

The phone call is the most direct and often most effective method for converting an expired listing. A well-crafted phone script for expired listings isn't about a hard sell; it's a strategic conversation opener designed to re-engage a likely frustrated seller. This approach aims to quickly establish credibility, offer immediate value, and secure a face-to-face meeting where you can present a comprehensive marketing plan and an updated Comparative Market Analysis (CMA).

This method works by interrupting the pattern of generic calls sellers receive. Instead of asking, "Are you still looking to sell?", you lead with new, valuable information. High-performing agents and teams systematically call expired listings within 24 to 72 hours, capitalizing on the seller's motivation before they become discouraged or re-list with their previous agent.

Example Script & Strategic Breakdown

Here is a simple yet powerful script that pivots from intrusion to invitation.

The Script:

"Hi [Seller Name], this is [Your Name] with [Your Brokerage]. I noticed your home on [Street Name] recently came off the market, and I was calling with some specific information. I just ran an updated market analysis for your neighborhood, and it looks like home values have shifted since your property was first listed. I found a few key data points I think you'll find interesting. Would you be open to a 15-minute call later today to review what's changed?"

Strategic Breakdown:

• Lead with Value, Not a Question: The script opens by offering "specific information," not asking if they want to re-list. This immediately positions you as a helpful expert.
• Establish Credibility with Data: Mentioning an "updated market analysis" and a "shift in home values" shows you've done your homework. This is a core tactic popularized by real estate trainers like Tom Ferry.
• Create Curiosity: Vaguely referencing "key data points" encourages the seller to ask, "What data?" This hands control of the conversation back to you.
• Permission-Based Closing: The question, "Would you be open to a 15-minute call?" is a low-friction request. It respects their time and is much easier to say "yes" to than a full listing appointment.

Actionable Tips for Implementation

• Timing is Critical: Make your call within the first 72 hours of expiration. The seller's motivation is highest, and their frustration with their previous agent is fresh.
• Have the CMA Ready: Don't just say you have data; have it open in front of you. Tools like Saleswise can generate CMAs in under a minute, enabling you to call with confidence the moment you see an expiration.
• Document Everything: Log every call, outcome, and note in your CRM. This is crucial for building automated follow-up sequences.
• Stay Compliant: Always scrub your call lists against national and state Do-Not-Call registries to ensure compliance.

2. Voicemail Script for Expired Listings

Since most initial calls to expired listings go unanswered, a powerful voicemail script is an essential tool in your outreach arsenal. A generic "call me back" message gets deleted. A strategic voicemail, however, serves as a compelling 20-second commercial for your value proposition. The goal is to pique curiosity and give the frustrated seller a clear, compelling reason to return your call, positioning you as an expert with timely information they need.

This method works by standing out from the noise. Instead of a vague sales pitch, you deliver a concise, data-backed hook that promises a solution to their problem: an unsold home. High-producing agents often report callback rates of 20-30% when their voicemail script for expired listings references specific market insights, making it a critical part of a multi-touch follow-up sequence.

Example Script & Strategic Breakdown

Here is a concise voicemail script designed to earn a callback by offering immediate, tangible value.

The Script:

"Hi [Seller Name], this is [Your Name] with [Your Brokerage]. I was calling about your home on [Street Name]. I just pulled an updated market analysis for your specific neighborhood, and it appears the market has shifted in the last 60 days. There are some new opportunities I see for your property that I believe are worth discussing. When you get a moment, my number is [Your Number]. I'll have the report ready for you."

Strategic Breakdown:

• Identify and Localize Immediately: Stating the seller's name and property address confirms you aren't a random telemarketer and have a specific reason for calling.
• Present a Data-Driven Hook: The phrase "updated market analysis" combined with "the market has shifted" creates urgency and suggests you have new information that their previous agent missed. This tactic is heavily emphasized in prospecting systems like Follow Up Boss.
• Hint at a Solution: Mentioning "new opportunities" frames you as a problem-solver, not just another agent asking for the listing. It implies you've already analyzed their situation and have a plan.
• Low-Pressure Call-to-Action: "When you get a moment" is a soft, respectful request. Ending with "I'll have the report ready for you" reinforces your preparedness and value, making the callback feel less like a sales call and more like a consultation.

Actionable Tips for Implementation

• Record Multiple Versions: Have 2-3 slight variations of your script ready. If you call multiple times over a few days, leaving the exact same message sounds robotic and automated.
• Speak Slowly and Clearly: Enunciate your name and phone number. Say your number twice to ensure they can write it down without having to replay the message.
• Timing is Key: Leave voicemails during prime message-checking hours, typically early morning (7-8 AM) or early evening (6-7 PM).
• Integrate into a Sequence: A voicemail is most effective when followed by a text or email within the hour. This reinforces your message and gives them an alternative, often easier, way to respond.
• Have the Data Ready: Just like the phone call, be prepared to deliver on your promise. Use a tool like Saleswise to generate the CMA before you dial, so you can confidently reference it and send it immediately upon receiving a callback.

3. Email Script for Expired Listings

Email provides a less intrusive yet highly effective touchpoint for re-engaging homeowners with expired listings. A well-crafted email script moves beyond a simple "Can I help you re-list?" and functions as a professional, data-driven consultation delivered directly to their inbox. The goal is to offer tangible value upfront, positioning you as an insightful market expert rather than just another salesperson.

This method works by breaking through the noise with personalization and valuable attachments, like a freshly updated CMA. While many agents send generic templates, a script that references the specific property and presents new market intelligence commands attention. Leading real estate teams often integrate this into an automated follow-up sequence, ensuring consistent and professional outreach without manual effort.

Example Script & Strategic Breakdown

Here is an example of an email script that feels personal, professional, and value-driven.

The Script:

Subject: A new look at the market for [Property Address]

Hi [Seller Name],

I noticed your home at [Property Address] was recently taken off the market. I’m reaching out because I just analyzed recent activity in your neighborhood, and there have been some key shifts in buyer demand and pricing that weren't present when you were listed.

I’ve attached a new Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) that reflects these current trends. I believe a different strategy could attract the right buyer in today's conditions.

Would you be open to a quick 10-minute chat this week to go over what's changed?

Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Brokerage]

Strategic Breakdown:

• Hyper-Personalized Subject Line: Including the property address is crucial. Top agents report 25-35% higher open rates when the subject line contains specific data or the address.
• Empathy and Expertise: The opening acknowledges their situation ("taken off the market") and immediately pivots to your expertise ("analyzed recent activity"). This builds rapport without dwelling on the past agent's failure.
• Provide Tangible Value: Attaching a fresh CMA gives them a reason to engage. It’s a direct delivery of value that separates you from agents who only ask for a meeting.
• Clear, Low-Commitment CTA: The call-to-action ("a quick 10-minute chat") is specific, respects their time, and feels much more manageable than a request for a full listing presentation.

Actionable Tips for Implementation

• Segment Your List: Don't send the same email to every expired. Group them by time-off-market (e.g., 0-30 days, 31-90 days) and customize the messaging to reflect the urgency and market changes for each segment.
• Attach a Professional CMA: Use tools like Saleswise to generate a modern, visually appealing CMA. The quality of your attachment directly reflects the quality of your service.
• Keep it Concise: Aim for a total word count of 150-200 words. Sellers are busy and often frustrated; long emails get deleted. Use short paragraphs and ample white space.
• Build a Follow-Up Sequence: This email is your first touch. Plan your follow-up with a phone call on Day 2, a text on Day 4, and another value-add email on Day 7. For more insights on crafting compelling outreach, you can learn more about real estate email marketing strategies.

4. Text Message Script for Expired Listings

In an era of overflowing inboxes and call screening, the text message offers a direct, personal line to expired listing sellers. An effective text message script for expired listings cuts through the noise with brevity and immediate value. This approach is designed to feel less like a sales pitch and more like a helpful, timely update, capitalizing on the high open and response rates of SMS to secure a quick reply and start a conversation.

This method works because it meets sellers on a platform they use constantly. Instead of demanding a phone call, a well-crafted text provides a new piece of information and a simple, low-effort call to action. Top-producing teams often integrate SMS into their follow-up sequences, using it as a powerful re-engagement tool when emails go unopened or voicemails are ignored, often seeing reply rates of 30-40% when the message is compelling.

Example Script & Strategic Breakdown

Here is a concise and effective text script that sparks curiosity and prompts action.

The Script:

"Hi [Seller Name], this is [Your Name]. I noticed your home on [Street Name] is no longer on the market. The market in your area has seen a 6% price increase since you first listed. I just pulled the updated numbers for you. Would you like me to text the report over? Just reply YES."

Strategic Breakdown:

• Lead with a Specific Data Point: The script immediately offers new, quantifiable information ("6% price increase"). This is far more compelling than a generic "I can sell your home."
• Establish Instant Relevance: Mentioning their street name confirms the message isn't a random blast but is specifically for them. This personalization is critical for engagement.
• Provide a Frictionless Call to Action: "Just reply YES" is the easiest possible next step for a seller. It requires minimal effort and commitment, dramatically increasing the likelihood of a response.
• Offer Value with No Strings Attached: The offer to "text the report over" positions you as a helpful resource, not a pushy salesperson. This strategy, highlighted by CRM platforms like Follow Up Boss, builds trust from the first interaction.

Actionable Tips for Implementation

• Prioritize Compliance: Only text contacts if you have prior consent or an established business relationship. Always include an opt-out option (e.g., "Reply STOP to end") to comply with TCPA regulations.
• Keep it Short and Scannable: Limit your message to 2-3 short sentences. Use line breaks to improve readability on a mobile screen.
• Time Your Texts Strategically: Send messages during business-adjacent hours, such as 10-11 AM or 6-7 PM. Avoid early mornings or late nights to respect the seller's personal time.
• Integrate with Your Tech Stack: Use your CRM to trigger automated text messages as part of a larger follow-up sequence. For instance, if an email isn't opened within 48 hours, a text like this can be sent automatically.

5. Door-Knock/Knock-and-Introduce Script for Expired Listings

In a digital-first world, a face-to-face interaction can be a powerful differentiator. The door-knocking script for expired listings is a high-touch strategy designed to build immediate rapport and cut through the noise of phone calls and emails. This approach positions you not as a salesperson, but as a proactive local market expert who took the time to show up, demonstrating a higher level of commitment and service from the first impression.

This method works by leveraging the element of a personal visit to re-engage a seller who is likely screening calls. Top-producing teams often integrate strategic door-knocking into their weekly prospecting, finding that a professional, value-led introduction can secure listing appointments that competitors miss. It's about showing, not just telling, that you are a serious professional ready to help.

Example Script & Strategic Breakdown

This script is designed to be disarming, respectful, and value-driven, turning a potential intrusion into a welcome conversation.

The Script:

"Hi, my name is [Your Name] with [Your Brokerage]. I specialize in this neighborhood and noticed your home just came off the market. I was preparing an updated market snapshot for another client nearby and created one for your property as well. I believe I know why it may not have sold, and I have a specific marketing strategy that has worked for other homes right here in [Neighborhood Name]. Would you have 30 seconds for me to show you one key finding?"

Strategic Breakdown:

• Establish Local Authority: Stating you "specialize in this neighborhood" and were working "for another client nearby" immediately frames you as a local, active expert, not a random agent.
• Present a Tangible Asset: Mentioning a "market snapshot" you've already created provides a physical, valuable reason for your visit. It’s a prop that justifies the interaction.
• Create Intrigue with a Solution: The phrases "I believe I know why it may not have sold" and "I have a specific marketing strategy" directly address the seller's primary pain point and offer a glimpse of a solution.
• Low-Commitment Ask: "Would you have 30 seconds?" is a micro-commitment that is far less intimidating than asking for a full meeting, making it an easy "yes" that opens the door to a deeper discussion.

Actionable Tips for Implementation

• Strategic Timing: Plan your visits for late afternoons or early evenings (e.g., 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM) when homeowners are more likely to be home.
• Dress for Success: Your professional appearance is your first non-verbal cue. Dress as you would for a listing presentation to establish instant credibility.
• Bring a Leave-Behind: Always have a one-page market report, a pre-listing packet, or at least your business card ready. This ensures you leave a lasting impression even if they don't engage.
• Read the Room: Pay close attention to body language. If the homeowner seems busy or uninterested, pivot quickly: "I can see you're busy. I'll leave this with you. My contact info is on it if you have any questions. Have a great day!"
• Safety First: Always let someone on your team know your location and schedule when door-knocking. Prioritize your safety above all else.

6. Follow-Up/Appointment-Confirmation Script for Expired Listings

Securing verbal agreement for a meeting is only half the battle. A follow-up or confirmation script is a non-negotiable step to solidify the appointment and drastically reduce no-shows. This script, delivered via phone, email, or text, serves to reinforce your value, set clear expectations, and ensure the seller is prepared and committed to the meeting.

This method works because it transforms a casual "yes" into a concrete calendar event. Top-producing teams report show rates of 85-90% for confirmed appointments versus 65-70% for unconfirmed ones. Once you secure initial interest, the next step is to confirm the appointment, which is crucial for maximizing conversion rates. Understanding how to manage and confirm these meetings can be enhanced by looking into strategies for optimizing real estate appointment scheduling.

Example Script & Strategic Breakdown

Here is a multi-channel script sequence designed to confirm the meeting and keep momentum high.

The Script (Email Confirmation):

Subject: Confirmed: Your Home Value Consultation for [Address] on [Date] at [Time]

*"Hi [Seller Name],

It was great speaking with you. This email confirms our appointment for [Date] at [Time] at your home to review the updated market analysis and discuss a new strategy.

The meeting should take about 30-45 minutes. I will bring a detailed CMA, a breakdown of comparable sales, and my proven marketing plan.

If you need to reschedule, please let me know. Looking forward to our conversation!

Best,
[Your Name]"*

Strategic Breakdown:

• Set Clear Expectations: The script explicitly states the date, time, location, duration, and what you will bring. This eliminates ambiguity and demonstrates professionalism.
• Reinforce Value Proposition: Mentioning the "detailed CMA," "comparable sales," and "proven marketing plan" reminds the seller why they agreed to meet with you in the first place.
• Immediate Solidification: Sending a confirmation email within an hour of booking the appointment locks it in while the conversation is still fresh in the seller’s mind.
• Provide an Easy Out: Offering a simple way to reschedule reduces friction and makes the seller more likely to communicate a change rather than simply not showing up.

Actionable Tips for Implementation

• Use a Multi-Channel Approach: Send an email confirmation immediately after booking. Follow up with a short text reminder 24 hours before the appointment. A brief phone call can also add a personal touch.
• Automate Where Possible: Use your CRM to trigger automated email and text reminders. Platforms like Follow Up Boss and Salesforce are designed for this, ensuring no appointment slips through the cracks.
• Re-state Key Details: Every confirmation should include the date, time, location (or video link), and expected duration. This prevents confusion and last-minute cancellations.
• Handle Missed Appointments Gracefully: If a seller is a no-show, follow up the same day with an understanding message like, "Hi [Name], I know things come up. I hope everything is okay. Let me know if you'd like to find another time to connect." This keeps the door open for rescheduling. You can learn more about effective follow-up cadences with these in-depth strategies.

7. Objection-Handling/Price-Discussion Script for Expired Listings

The objection-handling script is a pivotal tool for converting expired listings. Sellers are often frustrated, emotionally attached to their asking price, and skeptical of new agents. This script isn’t a single dialogue but a framework for navigating the two most common barriers: pricing disagreements and a loss of confidence in the marketing process. It aims to validate the seller's feelings, pivot the conversation from emotion to data, and rebuild trust by presenting a clear, strategic path forward.

This approach works by de-escalating tension and reframing the conversation around a collaborative solution. Instead of directly stating, "Your home was overpriced," you use fresh market data to guide the seller to that conclusion themselves. Top agents, leveraging sales frameworks like SPIN Selling and the data-first approach taught by coaches like Brian Buffini, use this method to transform a point of contention into a reason to hire them.

Example Script & Strategic Breakdown

Here’s how to handle the inevitable price objection with empathy and evidence.

The Script:

Seller: "We were listed at $475,000, and we are not willing to go any lower."

Agent: "I completely understand your position, and I respect the value you see in your home. The market has shifted a bit since you first listed. Can I walk you through what's sold in just the last 60 days? Based on that data, we have three clear options: 1) We re-list at $445,000 with a new marketing blitz to capture the heart of the market. 2) We try $460,000, but we should anticipate a longer time on the market. Or 3) We can list at your price of $475,000, but the data suggests it may not attract offers in the current climate. Which of these approaches feels most aligned with your goals?"

Strategic Breakdown:

• Empathize, Don't Argue: The script starts with "I completely understand," which validates the seller's feelings and disarms them immediately.
• Focus on Market Shifts, Not Past Mistakes: Blaming the market ("The market has shifted") removes personal blame from the seller or their previous agent, making them more receptive to new information.
• Provide Options to Empower the Seller: Presenting three distinct choices gives the seller a sense of control. This collaborative strategy makes them a partner in the decision, not a subordinate.
• Quantify the Outcomes: Each option is tied to a realistic outcome (capture the market, longer time, may not attract offers), making the decision logical rather than emotional.

Actionable Tips for Implementation

• Lead with Empathy: Always start by acknowledging their frustration. Use phrases like, "I know this is a difficult position" or "It’s completely understandable to feel that way."
• Have a Fresh CMA Ready: Never enter a price discussion without a current, detailed Comparative Market Analysis. Agents using tools like Saleswise can generate these reports in seconds, ensuring their data is undeniable and up-to-the-minute.
• Present Multiple Solutions: Instead of one take-it-or-leave-it price, offer a few strategic pricing options. For a more in-depth look at this, you can learn more about how to price a home for sale on Saleswise.ai.
• Focus on New Strategy: Use forward-looking language like "new approach," "updated marketing," and "fresh strategy" to signal a break from the past failures.

7-Point Comparison: Expired Listings Scripts

Putting Your Scripts into Action: Consistency, Data, and Technology

We've explored a comprehensive arsenal of scripts for expired listings, covering every touchpoint from the initial phone call to handling tough price objections. You now have tactical templates for phone calls, voicemails, emails, text messages, door-knocking, and crucial follow-ups. The strategic analysis accompanying each script reveals a powerful, recurring theme: the most successful agents don't just ask for business; they lead with immediate, tangible value.

Simply possessing these scripts is not enough to guarantee success. Your ability to convert frustrated sellers into new clients hinges on transforming these templates from static text into dynamic, personalized conversations. The true power of these scripts for expired listings is unlocked through consistent application, data-driven insights, and the strategic use of modern technology.

From Memorization to Mastery: Your Action Plan

Mastering expired listings is a process, not a single event. It requires a shift in mindset from simply "calling expires" to becoming a trusted advisor who can diagnose a problem and offer a clear solution. Your goal is to internalize the core principles behind each script, not just memorize the words.

Here are your actionable next steps to turn these scripts into listings:

• Role-Play and Internalize: Don't let your first time using a script be with a real prospect. Practice with a colleague, a mentor, or even just record yourself. The goal isn't to sound like a robot; it's to make the messaging and value propositions your own. Find the phrases that feel natural to you and adapt the tone to fit your personality.
• Organize Your Follow-Up System: Consistency is king. An expired seller might not be ready to talk on day one, but they might be on day five or week three. Use your CRM to schedule a multi-channel follow-up sequence based on the scripts provided. A single call is easily ignored; a strategic sequence of calls, emails, and texts is a professional campaign.
• Prepare Your Value Package: Before you make a single call, have your pre-listing package, market data, and visual assets ready. When a seller shows interest, you need to be able to deliver your unique marketing plan and data-backed pricing strategy instantly. This preparation is what separates you from the dozens of other agents calling them.

The Technological Edge: Speed, Data, and Credibility

The most significant competitive advantage you can create is the ability to provide instant, undeniable value. While other agents are promising to "run some numbers and get back to you," you can deliver a precise, data-rich Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) in real-time. This is where technology becomes your most powerful partner.

Strategic Insight: The agent who provides the most compelling data the fastest often wins the appointment. Speed to lead with value is a critical differentiator in the crowded expired listings market.

Imagine being on the phone and confidently handling a pricing objection by pulling up live market data in seconds. Picture sending a follow-up email that includes a stunning, comprehensive CMA generated in less than a minute. This capability transforms your outreach. You are no longer just another agent making promises; you are a data-driven expert providing immediate solutions. This is how you build trust and secure the listing appointment before your competition has even finished their initial research. By integrating powerful scripts for expired listings with cutting-edge tools, you create a systematic, repeatable process for turning expireds into closings.

Ready to empower your scripts with unmatched speed and data? Saleswise provides AI-powered, lightning-fast CMAs and property reports, allowing you to deliver immediate value and build credibility on every call. Transform your expired listing strategy by visiting Saleswise and see how you can generate the insights you need in under 30 seconds.