The Text Message You Send When a Seller Goes Dark

The text you send when a seller ghosts you, can mean the difference between a dead lead and a signed deal.

Blogs

May 24, 2025

Everything was going well. They liked your offer.

They said, “Let me think about it.”

You followed up… and then? Radio silence.

It happens all the time.

But how you respond next, the text you send when a seller ghosts you, can mean the difference between a dead lead and a signed deal.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

  • Why sellers go dark (even when they seemed ready)

  • The psychology behind a perfect re-engagement text

  • 3 proven messages you can send (with variations)

  • How to know when to follow up again, or back off

Let’s bring those cold leads back to life.

Why Sellers Go Silent (Even When They Were Interested)

Silence doesn’t always mean no.

In fact, most of the time, it means:

  • They got overwhelmed (life stuff, family, job)

  • They’re afraid of making the wrong decision

  • They’re waiting on something else (an agent, another offer)

  • They’re unsure how to say “not yet” without burning a bridge

The key is to remove pressure, rebuild trust, and reopen the door, without sounding desperate.

That’s where your re-engagement text comes in.

What the Perfect Text Does (in Under 160 Characters)

A great follow-up text:

  • Acknowledges the silence without guilt

  • Leaves space for the seller to re-engage

  • Reaffirms your role as the helpful, low-pressure option

  • Sparks a micro-conversation, not a sales pitch

And above all? It sounds human.

3 Proven Text Templates (That Feel Personal, Not Pushy)

✅ Option 1: The Friendly Nudge

“Hey [Name], just checking in, no pressure at all. Wanted to make sure my last message didn’t get buried. Happy to pick things back up if it’s helpful.”

Why it works:
Casual, respectful, and implies you’re still here, but they’re in control.

✅ Option 2: The Open Loop

“Hey [Name], quick Q: are you still considering selling the property, or has something changed?”

Why it works:
It’s short, direct, and invites a clear answer, yes, no, or maybe. Low friction, high clarity.

✅ Option 3: The Permission-Based Reopen

“Hi [Name], would it be okay if I sent over a quick update? I may have a new option that could help, but only if the timing’s still right for you.”

Why it works:
This creates curiosity and gives them the power to say yes. You’re not pitching, you’re checking in.

Bonus: Re-engagement for “Almost Closed” Sellers

If you had a seller who was really close to signing but stalled out:

“Hey [Name], just wanted to say, whatever timeline works for you, I’m here. We can always revisit options when the time’s right.”

“PS: If anything new pops up on your end, feel free to text me. I’ll make sure you’ve got a fast solution ready.”

This soft-close approach shows patience and professionalism, which is exactly what they need if they’re feeling anxious or stuck.

What to Avoid: The 3 Worst Kinds of Follow-Up

“Hey, just following up again…”
(Feels like spam. Offers no value or reason to re-engage.)

“Please let me know if you’re still interested.”
(Too passive. Puts pressure on them to justify their silence.)

“I assume you’re not interested anymore.”
(Defensive tone = door closed.)

Remember: your goal is to re-open, not reprimand.

How Often to Follow Up After a Ghost

Here's a general cadence that works well:

  • Day 1: Light check-in text (like Option 1)

  • Day 3–5: Curiosity text (like Option 2 or 3)

  • Week 2: “Just here if you need me” message

  • Month 1+: Re-engagement campaign (value-added touchpoint, not just “Are you ready?”)

Every message should earn its place.

If they’ve gone totally dark after 3–5 attempts over a month, tag them for a long-term nurture sequence, and move on. Goliath makes it easy to automate that.

Silence Isn’t the End

Ghosting is normal. Most of the time, it’s not personal, it’s emotional.

  • They might be stuck in the “what if I regret this?” loop.

  • They might be unsure how to say no without sounding rude.

  • They might be waiting for a sign that you’re still safe to talk to.

That’s what your message is.

Not pressure. Not a pitch. A signal that you’re still here, still helpful, and still human.

Send the text. Re-open the door. And when they’re ready… you’ll be the one they call back.

Written By:

Austin Beveridge

Chief Operating Officer

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Discover

Join Thousands Of Satisfied Operators

Discover why top teams rely on Goliath to find motivated sellers. Get everything you need to prospect, nurture, and close more deals.

679

Live Users

$
23
M

Closed Deals

11
%

Satisfaction Rating

11
+

Markets Live

Discover

Join Thousands Of Satisfied Operators

Discover why top teams rely on Goliath to find motivated sellers. Get everything you need to prospect, nurture, and close more deals.

679

Live Users

$
23
M

Closed Deals

11
%

Satisfaction Rating

11
+

Markets Live