Real Estate September 8, 2025

Tired of Being Ignored? How to Actually Get a Response!

🚫Stop Saying “Just Following Up” – Use These Powerful Scripts Instead🚫

Are your messages getting ignored? Do your calls and emails go unanswered? It could be your language. One of the weakest phrases agents use is: “Just following up.”

In this training, Mike Ferrante of the 21 Mike Team at Century 21 HomeStar, alongside Broker/Owner Tony Geraci, shares how to replace weak, ignored follow-ups with curiosity-driven, personal, and response-worthy scripts that actually get replies.


📍 Why “Just Following Up” Fails

When you say “Just following up,” you sound:

  • Passive instead of confident

  • Scripted instead of personal

  • Like you have nothing new to offer

Your goal is to inspire interest, create urgency, and sound human. That means leading with value and using words that spark curiosity.


🔍 Category 1 – Curiosity Triggers

Make your message impossible to ignore by prompting the recipient to wonder what you mean.

Examples:

  • “Crazy idea – hear me out…”

  • “This is probably a bad idea, but…”

  • “Quick scenario I’d like to run by you…”

  • “Have you heard about the big change in the market?”

💡 Tip: Always back up your curiosity statement with something real — like a market shift, new listing, or strategy update.


🤝 Category 2 – Personal & Relationship-Based

Make it feel like your message is just for them.

Examples:

  • “I was just in your neighborhood and thought of you.”

  • “I saw your Facebook post about [topic]…”

  • “I came across this article about [interest/hobby] and thought you’d enjoy it.”

  • “I’d love your opinion on this…”

Keep notes on your database — hobbies, interests, family updates — so you can tailor your outreach.


📈 Category 3 – Insight & Scarcity

People act when they feel something is rare or time-sensitive.

Examples:

  • “I thought you’d want to see this before it goes live.”

  • “I’m reaching out to you first before sharing with others.”

  • “There’s a short-term opportunity I think you’ll want to see.”

🏡 You can do this daily — anytime a property lists, goes under contract, or sells in their neighborhood.


⏳ Category 4 – Low-Effort Asks

Set expectations that the time investment is small.

Examples:

  • “This will only take 30 seconds…”

  • “Quick 1-minute video for you…”

  • “No need to respond unless you’re interested.”

📹 Pro Tip: Send short selfie videos instead of text — it’s personal, different, and memorable.


📩 Category 5 – Invitations & Collaboration

Invite them to participate or share their opinion.

Examples:

  • “I’d love your take on something I’m working on…”

  • “I’m putting together a market update for [area] and would value your input.”

  • “We’re hosting a local charity event — can I put you on the list?”


🎯 Final Takeaway

Replace “Just following up” with curiosity, personalization, scarcity, low-effort asks, and invitations. These trigger responses because they:

  • Show you value the person’s time

  • Give them a reason to reply

  • Feel genuine and relevant

Stop being ignored — start conversations that lead to business.

Want more scripts that work?
Connect with Mike Ferrante at 21Mike.com or schedule time with Tony Geraci at Talk2Tony.net