Expired Listing Cold Calling Script
The exact expired listing cold calling script that converts 15% of conversations to listing appointments. Includes opener, objection handlers, voicemail script, and pro tips from top-producing agents.
1The Opener
Hi, is this {{owner_name}}?
{{owner_name}}, my name is {{your_name}} with {{your_company}}. I noticed your home on {{street_address}} came off the market recently, and I wanted to reach out.
I'm not calling to give you a hard sell or anything like that. I just had a quick question—do you have about 60 seconds?2Discovery & Pitch
Thanks for taking the time. So I'm curious—what happened? Why didn't the home sell?
[LISTEN CAREFULLY - This is the most important question. Common answers: wrong price, bad agent, bad timing, personal reasons]
I appreciate you sharing that. That's actually more common than you might think. A lot of the expired listings I see had the same issue—{{repeat_their_concern}}.
Let me ask you this: Are you still interested in selling, or have you decided to stay put for now?
[If interested in selling, continue:]
Got it. So here's what I'm seeing in {{neighborhood}} right now: homes that are priced right and marketed well are selling in {{avg_days_on_market}} days on average. The ones that sit are usually dealing with one of three things—price, condition, or exposure.
Based on what you told me, it sounds like {{their_specific_issue}} might have been the challenge. Here's what I do differently: {{your_differentiator}}.
I'd love to come by, take a fresh look at the property, and show you exactly what I'd do to get it sold. No pressure, no obligation—just a straightforward conversation about what went wrong and how to fix it.
Would {{day}} at {{time}} work for a quick meeting, or is {{alternate_day}} better?3Objection Handlers
Click an objection to see the response. Practice these until they're automatic.
Your Response
I totally understand—the selling process can be exhausting, especially when it doesn't work out. How long are you thinking? [Listen] Got it. Well, here's what I'd suggest: let me come by and do a quick walk-through anyway. That way, when you're ready to get back on the market, we can hit the ground running. I'll also give you some honest feedback on what might have held you back. Would {{day}} work for a quick 15-minute visit?
4Closing Options
Would {{day}} at {{time}} work for a quick meeting, or is {{alternate_day}} better?
I have an opening on {{day}} at {{time}}. Let me come by, take a fresh look, and show you what I'd do differently. Sound fair?
Here's what I'd suggest: let's meet for 20 minutes. I'll bring the market data, a marketing plan, and some ideas. If you don't think I can help, we'll shake hands and part ways. How's {{day}}?
I'm going to be in {{neighborhood}} on {{day}}. Can I swing by at {{time}} for a quick conversation?
Voicemail Script
Hi {{owner_name}}, this is {{your_name}} with {{your_company}}.
I noticed your home on {{street_address}} came off the market recently, and I wanted to reach out.
I've helped several homeowners in {{neighborhood}} whose homes didn't sell the first time, and I'd love to share what I've seen work.
Give me a call back at {{your_phone}}. Again, that's {{your_phone}}. I hope to hear from you.Variables to Customize
{{owner_name}}The homeowner's name from your expired listing data{{your_name}}Your first name{{your_company}}Your brokerage name{{street_address}}The property address{{neighborhood}}The neighborhood or subdivision name{{avg_days_on_market}}Average days on market for sold homes in the area{{market_stat}}A relevant market statistic (e.g., 'inventory is down 20% from last year'){{your_differentiator}}What makes you different from other agents{{number_of_homes}}Number of homes you've sold in the area{{day}}Your first appointment suggestion{{time}}Specific time for appointment{{alternate_day}}Your backup appointment day{{your_phone}}Your callback phone numberPerfect For
- Real estate agents prospecting expired MLS listings
- Experienced agents with a strong track record to reference
- Agents with specific marketing differentiators
- Teams with ISAs (Inside Sales Agents) making daily calls
- Agents in competitive markets with high expired listing volume
- Listing-focused agents looking to build inventory
Not Ideal For
- Brand new agents without sales history to reference
- Agents without a clear value proposition or differentiator
- Markets with very few expired listings
- Agents who aren't comfortable discussing other agents' failures
- Those who can't back up claims with data and track record
Pro Tips
Call expired listings the day they expire—morning is best. You want to be first.
Research the listing history before calling: original price, price reductions, days on market, listing photos
Never badmouth the previous agent—focus on what YOU do differently
Have 2-3 specific examples ready of expired listings you've sold
Bring a pre-listing packet to the appointment with full marketing plan
Know your stats: your average days on market, list-to-sale ratio, and number of sales
Follow up multiple times—many expired sellers need to cool down before re-listing
If they mention a specific problem (bad photos, no open houses), address it directly in your pitch
Common Mistakes
Criticizing the previous agent or their strategy—it puts the seller on the defensive
Not asking why the home didn't sell—you can't solve what you don't understand
Leading with your credentials instead of their pain points
Being too aggressive on the first call—expired sellers are often frustrated
Not having specific market data ready to back up your claims
Giving up after one attempt—expired listings often require 3-5 touches
Overpromising on price to win the listing (then having it expire again)
Not differentiating yourself from the 10 other agents calling them
Practice Exercises
Role-play the 'Why didn't it sell?' question and practice active listening
Prepare a 30-second differentiator pitch explaining what you do differently
Memorize 2-3 expired-to-sold success stories with specific details
Practice handling the 'bad experience with last agent' objection without criticizing anyone
Drill the transition from discovery to appointment ask
Review 10 recent expired listings in your market and identify likely reasons they didn't sell
Tone & Delivery
Empathetic and consultative, not salesy. These sellers are often frustrated and defensive. Acknowledge their disappointment without dwelling on it. Be confident but not cocky—you're offering a fresh start, not a miracle. Speak slowly and let them vent if needed. Your goal is to be the calm, competent professional who can fix what went wrong.
Related Scripts
Scripts Are Just Words Without the Reps
We make thousands of calls every week. Let us handle the prospecting while you close deals.
Book Your Strategy Call