What should you say first when a Zillow buyer calls?

Say your name + brokerage, confirm the property address, and ask what they want next (questions vs showing). Then ask if they’re already working with an agent and whether they’re pre-approved, so you can schedule fast and avoid agency confusion.

How do you handle calls during an open house without looking unprofessional?

Don’t take long calls while you’re talking to guests. Use a 20–30 second script to confirm availability and offer two showing times, then switch to text for details like parking, disclosures, and offer deadline.

Should you give a seller a price over the phone?

Avoid a firm number without seeing condition and upgrades. Ask about kitchen/roof/HVAC and offer a quick pricing walk-through where you bring comps and a net sheet so the seller sees a real range and their likely bottom line.

What’s the fastest way to turn a ‘just looking’ buyer into an appointment?

Offer two specific showing times and send a text confirmation with the address, instructions, and what they need if they want to write (pre-approval, proof of funds, ID). Speed and clarity beat long conversations.

How do you respond when a seller asks you to discount commission?

Acknowledge it, then tie your value to net proceeds and deal risk (pricing, negotiation, inspection/appraisal management). Offer two service options (full vs limited) and compare likely net results so it becomes a decision, not an argument.

Can an answering service actually help a Realtor win more business?

Yes—because many buyers and sellers call multiple agents and go with the first professional response. A service like SkipCalls can answer instantly, capture urgency and details, and book showings so you call back with context instead of starting from scratch.

Phone Scripts

Phone Script Templates for Realtors (2026)

Realtors lose deals for one simple reason: you can’t answer the phone while you’re in a showing, hosting an open house, or sitting at a listing table. These scripts are built for the exact calls that decide commissions fast—hot buyers, new listings, investor repeat clients, and deadline-driven offer/counter situations.

New Zillow/portal buyer inquiry (calls 7–10pm)

Use when a buyer calls from Zillow/Realtor.com and you need to win the relationship fast.

“Hi, this is [Name] with [Brokerage]. Thanks for calling on [address]—are you looking for a showing, or do you have questions first? Just so I don’t waste your time: are you already working with an agent under a buyer agency agreement? If not, I can help—what’s your ideal timeline: this weekend, or sooner? Are you pre-approved, and what price range are you comfortable with? If you’re free, I can get you in as early as [two time options]. I’ll text you the address, parking notes, and a quick list of what to bring for an offer if you love it.”

Tips for this scenario

-Ask about an existing agent early—Zillow callers often shop 3–5 agents and you don’t want an awkward surprise at the door.
-Offer two specific showing times; it sounds confident and moves them from browsing to scheduling.
-Always ask pre-approval status so you can position them for a same-day offer if needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

!Talking too long before asking if the caller is already working with an agent (you waste time and can create agency confusion).

!Giving a firm price estimate to a seller without seeing condition/upgrades, then getting pinned to a bad number.

!Not asking about pre-approval/proof of funds early, which delays offers and loses bidding wars.

!Failing to set a clear next step (two showing times, a consult time, or a pricing appointment) so the lead drifts to another agent.

!Sounding distracted at showings/open houses—clients hear it and assume you’re disorganized, even if you’re busy.

Phone Script Templates for Realtors (2026)

New Zillow/portal buyer inquiry (calls 7–10pm)

Tips for this scenario

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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Pro Tips

Frequently Asked Questions