Scripts/Real Estate

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.

Conversion Rate
15%
Avg Duration
4-6 minutes
Dials/Appt
6-8 dials
Best Time
Tuesday-Thursday, 9am-11am or 4pm-6pm

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 number

Perfect 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

1

Role-play the 'Why didn't it sell?' question and practice active listening

2

Prepare a 30-second differentiator pitch explaining what you do differently

3

Memorize 2-3 expired-to-sold success stories with specific details

4

Practice handling the 'bad experience with last agent' objection without criticizing anyone

5

Drill the transition from discovery to appointment ask

6

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.

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