Most of us are receiving way too many of those generic emails that are trying to sell something. Half the time, the subject line is all it takes to send it to trash.
Unfortunately, that’s how most agents are reaching out to past clients (and ofcourse they get ignored). Others don’t even TRY for fear of being thought of as desperate.
This doesn’t have to be complicated! The way to stay connected and avoid being seen as spammy is to send personal, thoughtful messages with the genuine intent of building a connection.
Think about the people you know that you feel good about. The co-worker who jokes about your sports team. The cheerful barista who asks about your dog. That’s exactly what you want when you’re reaching out to old clients.
You’ve built a real relationship with them! So why do your follow ups sound like you’ve never met them before?
Here are 7 reach outs that will get responsesThese work because they are
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#1 Reference their favourite sports team
Who doesn’t love a shared moment of victory or defeat. Or even some small news about a player.
People are OBSESSED with their teams. And if you’re the realtor who remembers their team and reaches out? They just remembered why they liked you.
Some examples:
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Pro tip: Remember to ask your clients about their sports & team preferences. Put it in your notes. Set a reminder for when playoffs or big games happen.
#2 Congratulate them on a work milestone
People post on Linkedin when they get promoted, change jobs, hit work anniversaries, or win awards. That's a great cue to reach out!
There’s the added bonus for your business - a new job might mean a relocation or a promotion might mean a bigger house. But even if not, they’ll appreciate that you care about their success.
Some examples:
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Pro tip: Add your clients on Linkedin and turn on notifications so you see their updates. 10 minutes a day to scan their feed.
#3 Send them a pet meme (If they have one)
I know this sounds less “professional”, but really, who can resist the funny animal videos on tiktok!
Extra points if you remember their pet’s name and reference them. They’re instantly going to feel warmer towards you.
Some examples:
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Pro tip: Save notes with their pet’s name and details on your phone. Add a picture if you have one. You will never run out of material to share.
#4 Send them a local community event
This one is easy and genuinely valuable. There’s usually something interesting happening in the neighbourhood – new restaurant opening, a local market, a musical event.
Sending it also positions you as the person “who knows everything about this area”
Some examples:
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Pro tip: Follow local Facebook groups, neighbourhood news pages, and community calendars for your areas.
#5 Drop a "saw this and thought of you" work article
Industry news is another great way to always find something relevant to reach out with. It also makes you seem curious and engaged with different spheres.
Some examples:
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Pro tip: When you're scrolling Instagram or reading news, ask "who would find this interesting?" Then send it. Takes 30 seconds.
Check out the blog on how to set up a full system to double leads from past clients: Read Full Blog
#6 Comment on something you see on social media
This is the easiest one on the list. Your clients are posting on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn. The comment & engagement will delight them!
Some examples:
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Pro tip: Spend 5 minutes a day scrolling through past clients' social feeds. Comment on 3-5 posts. DM one person about something you saw. That's your daily outreach done.
#7 Check in on home stuff (But make It specific)
Okay, this one IS about real estate, but you're doing it in a helpful way, not a salesy way. Don't say "how's the house?" Say something specific based on the season or their situation.
Some examples:
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Pro tip: Set reminders based on seasons and key dates e.g. spring = check on maintenance needs.
Why this works SO well
No one wants to be on the other side of an awkward, “anyone you know looking to buy or sell” message.
The easiest way to be remembered as a realtor they like? It’s to continue to build a real relationship with them. Personal and contextual messages let them know you’re reaching out “just because”, not just trying to push for more business.
What you can do right now
Pick 5 past clients. Look at their social media. Check LinkedIn. Match what you know with one of these 7 approaches.
Send each one a personal message and watch what happens. I bet at least 3 respond.
Read more
5 tips for doubling leads from past clients
10 ways realtors can use AI in 2026
Why we built Regards
I’m bad at staying in touch. Not because I don’t value people. Its a lot of work, and I didn’t have a system. This started as my fix. A quiet assistant that helped me nurture relationships thoughtfully. When people noticed the difference and asked what I was doing, it slowly evolved into a product. And the love has been incredible. Regards, Khuze
