Strategies for Cold Calling Expired Listings

🔑 TOP PERSUASIVE LINES FOR EXPIRED LISTING CALLS

1. "I saw your home came off the market—did it sell, or did something change?"

• A gentle opener that shows you're informed, not pushy.

• Allows them to vent if they’re still frustrated or share if they’re done.

Why it's persuasive:
It feels like a genuine inquiry, not a sales pitch. Most expired sellers want to talk—but only to someone who listens.

2. "Are you open to selling if the right buyer came along—or are you taking a break from the market completely?"

• Low-pressure question that reopens the door without hard-selling.

• Gives them agency and keeps you in the conversation.

Why it's persuasive:
It lets them feel in control while giving you an opening to offer real value.

3. "I work with a lot of homeowners who were frustrated after their home didn’t sell. Most of the time, it’s not the house—it’s how it was positioned. Would you be open to a quick conversation about what could be done differently?"

• A powerful way to suggest hope without criticizing them or their former agent.

• You shift blame from the home to the process—then offer a better one.

4. "I’m not calling to tell you I’m the best agent in the world—I’m calling because your home deserved better exposure and strategy than it got."

• This breaks the pattern of agents pitching themselves.

• It validates the seller’s experience and centers the home’s worth.

Bonus: It also implies you do have a better strategy, without sounding arrogant.

5. "When I looked at your listing, a few things stood out to me right away that likely affected your results. Would you be open to a 5-minute conversation about that?"

• This teases valuable insight.

• You’re offering an audit, not asking for a listing appointment right away.

Why it works:
It piques curiosity and implies expertise without demanding a commitment.

6. "May I ask—what kind of feedback were you getting from showings or your previous agent?"

• This uncovers gaps and pain points that you can solve.

• Lets the seller do the talking—and you the listening.

7. "Can I tell you what I would’ve done differently—based just on what I saw in your previous listing?"

• Direct, yet respectful.

• You’re not trashing their agent—you’re offering insight from a fresh set of eyes.

Follow-up with:

“The photography didn’t tell the story of the home... and there was no strategy to drive urgency. I believe in pricing to create demand—not just listing and hoping for the best.”

8. "Most sellers I talk to in your situation are either fed up with the process—or they still really want to sell, but don’t know who to trust. Can I ask which one you are?"

• This empathetic line names their emotional state, which builds trust.

• It allows you to meet them where they are—and be the solution.

9. "I’m not looking for a long conversation today. Just want to offer a free market analysis, show you what may have gone wrong, and give you some options. No pressure."

• You remove fear of a sales trap.

• You offer real value up front.

10. "If I brought you an offer in the next 2 weeks, would you still consider selling—or is the door closed for now?"

• This tests motivation gently but clearly.

• It puts the focus on outcomes, not commitment to you.

💬 SAMPLE MINI SCRIPT (Blending a few of the above)

“Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] with Lime Rock Realty. I saw your home recently came off the market—I was just calling to see if it had sold or if you’ve hit pause for now.

I work with a lot of homeowners who were in the exact same spot—not because their home wasn’t great, but because the marketing or strategy wasn’t working in their favor.

I had a chance to review your listing, and a few things stood out that I believe made a big difference in the lack of results. I’m not calling to ask for anything—just to offer a quick conversation about what I’d do differently, and if that might help you move forward, great. If not, no pressure.”

🎁 BONUS TIPS FOR MAX EFFECT

• Stand out immediately: Mention their home specifically. “Your kitchen looked amazing in the photos, by the way—it just wasn’t being shown to the right buyers.”

• Offer something free and specific: CMA, listing audit, 15-min strategy call.

• Use a calm, confident tone: You’re not desperate. You’re a professional with solutions.