When and How to Call Real Estate Leads Like a Pro

Boost your results and turn more real estate leads into actual prospects

Have you ever wondered if timing really matters when it comes to calling real estate inbound leads? As a marketing agency that specializes in real estate lead generation, we know how frustrating it is when leads don’t respond, seem uninterested, or ghost you altogether. Our team makes these calls too, and we’ve faced that same struggle.

But what if the issue isn’t what you’re saying but when you’re saying it?

An MIT study reveals that when and how you reach out to a lead can make a massive difference in your response and conversion rates. So, if your calls aren’t working, it may not be your pitch. It might be your timing.

Want to know the best time to contact real estate leads and how to improve your conversion strategy? Keep reading!

Every point below is packed with insights from the MIT study to help you improve your timing, connect more effectively, and boost your chances of turning leads into actual clients.

Let’s break it down and set you up for success!

1. Call Midweek for Real Estate Lead Generation Success

If you want to boost your response rates and conversions, aim for midweek outreach. The MIT study shows that Wednesdays and Thursdays are the most effective days to contact and qualify leads.

In fact, calls made on Thursdays are 50% more likely to be answered than those made on Tuesdays, which is the least effective day. When it comes to qualifying leads, Wednesday outperforms Friday by 25%

Timing matters in real estate lead generation, so aim for midweek calling. It’ll give you better results.

2. Call in the Afternoon to Connect with More Leads

If you want to catch leads when they’re most likely to pick up, the best times are between 4 PM and 6 PM.

This late-afternoon window is 114% more effective than calling right before lunch, between 11 AM and 12 PM. People are winding down their day and are more likely to engage, so save your most important calls for the end of the day.

Simply changing your timing could help turn unresponsive real estate leads into opportunities. Lead generation for real estate becomes much more effective when you reach out at the right time.

3. Qualify Leads in the Morning or Late Afternoon

The two best windows for qualifying calls are between 8 AM and 9 AM and 4 PM to 5 PM. Reaching out during these hours significantly increases your chances of turning interest into action.

Morning calls between 8 and 9 AM are especially effective. They’re 164% more successful than calls made right after lunch, between 1 PM and 2 PM. Why? Because people are either just starting their day or winding it down, this makes them more focused and more likely to respond positively.

For anyone focused on real estate lead generation, these are the times that truly matter. By hitting the right windows, you’re improving your odds of finding serious prospects.

4. Follow Up Within Five Minutes for Maximum Impact

When it comes to responding to leads, five minutes might not sound like a lot. But in lead generation for realtors, it’s everything. 

• Call within 5 minutes, and your odds of making contact are sky-high.
• Wait 10 minutes? Your contact rate drops 5x.
• Wait 30 minutes? Contact rate drops 100x.

And it’s not only about contact. Your chances to convert real estate leads also take a huge hit. Lead conversion drops 4x after 10 minutes and 21x after 30. 

So, if you’re not responding fast enough, you’re already falling behind.

5. Don’t Wait More Than an Hour to Follow Up

The goal is to respond within 5 minutes, but if that’s not possible, you absolutely need to follow up within the first hour. 

Why? Because:

• Waiting just one hour can reduce your contact chances by over 10x.
• And your odds of qualifying the lead? They fall by 6x.

Responding within an hour is essential to keep the chances of connecting high. Plus, only 37% of businesses respond within the first hour, giving you a competitive edge by acting quickly. 

This highlights why having a solid follow-up strategy for real estate agents is no longer optional. It’s essential.

6. Respond Quickly to Be Their First Choice

It’s important that you are fast to respond to clients because 78% of customers choose the first business that responds. Quick responses show you care. It tells them you’re reliable, attentive, and ready to help. 

In real estate lead generation, being the first to respond can make all the difference. You’ve felt the pain of not getting an answer. Don’t let your potential clients feel it, too! 

Follow up fast. Be the first. Win their trust and their business.

7. Automate Follow-ups for Consistency

Speed matters when it comes to lead follow-up, but 41% of businesses struggle to respond quickly. So, how can you boost your speed to lead? Automate!

Automation tools like Follow-Up Boss let you send instant texts or emails the moment a lead comes in, helping you stay responsive, even after hours. And that’s crucial because 44% of leads come in outside of business hours.

With automation, you can generate real estate leads 24/7 without missing a beat.

Final Takeaway

In lead generation for realtors, your timing can make or break a deal. From the best days and hours to call to how quickly you follow up, your approach can dramatically impact your success. 

Master your timing, and you’ll connect more, convert more real estate leads, and close more deals. 

Every minute counts, so start making the most of it today!

Want to automate your follow-ups and close more leads? Let us help. Contact our real estate marketing experts today.