8 Best Expired Listing Scripts Used by Top Agents (2026)

Why Expired Listings Are Still the Best Lead Source in 2026

Expired listings remain one of the highest-converting lead sources in real estate. We’re talking about homeowners who already tried to sell, already accepted the reality of paying a commission, and are frustrated enough to consider switching agents. That’s not a cold lead—that’s a warm opportunity waiting for the right approach.

Expired listing leads convert at 43% within 90 days and 60% within one year, crushing the conversion rates of portal leads and most other prospecting strategies. In 2026, expired listings boast a 44% list rate and a 20.7% sold rate nationally, with an average conversion cycle of about 30 days from lead to list.

But here’s the challenge: every other agent in your market knows this too. The day a listing expires, that homeowner gets bombarded with calls. Your script needs to cut through the noise without sounding like everyone else reading from the same playbook.

Where to Find Expired Listing Leads in 2026

Your MLS shows expired listings, but it doesn’t give you phone numbers. Manual research eats up time you should spend on the phone actually talking to sellers.

Most successful agents use a lead service that provides verified contact information daily. REDX is a popular option, with expired leads priced at $69.99/month. If you’re just getting started with expireds, I highly recommend trying REDX for Expired listings—you could save $150 off REDX by following this link.

Other options include Vulcan7, Mojo Dialer, and LandVoice. Start with one lead source and scale as your conversion improves.

8 Expired Listing Scripts That Still Work

These scripts come from top producers and real estate coaches who’ve generated millions in GCI from expired listings. Use them as frameworks, not word-for-word recitations. The goal is to sound natural, confident, and different from the 15 other agents who already called that morning.

Script 1: Jeff Glover’s Two-Fold Approach

Jeff Glover is a top-selling Michigan agent and real estate coach at GloverU. His script gets straight to the point without being pushy.

Hi, this is [Your Name] with [Your Company]. The reason for my call is two-fold… one, to be sure you know that your home is no longer listed for sale… and two, to see what your plans are for the property?

Had the home sold, where were you moving to? What takes you there? How soon did you want to be there?

[Name], what do you think stopped your home from selling? How did you happen to pick the last agent you listed with? What did that agent do that you liked best? What do you feel they should have done? What will you expect from the next agent you choose?

I would like to apply for the job of selling your home. Are you familiar with the techniques we use to sell over 300 homes a year? When would be the best time to show you—Monday or Tuesday at 4:00?

This script works because it frames the conversation as curiosity, not desperation. You’re gathering information to understand what went wrong, not immediately pitching yourself.

Script 2: TheRealEstateTrainer’s Direct Opener

TheRealEstateTrainer offers multiple opening variations. Test these to see which matches your personality.

Version A: “Hi, I’m looking for [Name]. This is [Your Name] with [Your Company], and I’m calling because, as I’m sure you’ve figured out, your home has come up as an expired listing. So I’m calling to see when you plan on hiring the right agent to sell your home?”

Version B: “Hi, I’m [Your Name] with [Your Company], and I’m calling about the house that was listed in the multiple listing service that expired. I wanted to interview for the job of getting your home back on the market and sold. I’d like to show you the techniques I use to get my listings sold.”

Version C: “Hi, this is [Your Name] with [Your Company], and I noticed that your listing on [Address] is no longer active. I wanted to see if you are going to take this opportunity to interview a different agent. If so, I’d love to share my marketing methods for getting homes sold quickly.”

The assumptive language here—”when you plan on hiring the right agent”—positions you as confident without being arrogant. Version C is softer and works well if you’re uncomfortable with aggressive openers.

Script 3: Jim Remley’s Market Analysis Approach

Jim Remley from Secrets of Top Selling Agents uses curiosity and value to book appointments.

Hello, Mr./Mrs. [Name]. This is [Your Name] with [Your Company]. I have been going over my MLS records today and I noticed your home is no longer listed for sale. Do you still want to sell the home?

Well, your home is in my market area and I am curious as to why it did not sell. Would you be interested in finding out why it did not sell?

What I can do is a free analysis that will determine the reasons why your home may not have sold. Would you be offended if I stopped by for a few minutes later this week and shared that information with you? Would Thursday or Friday be more convenient? Morning or afternoon?

This script positions you as a consultant, not a salesperson. You’re offering value before asking for the listing. It works especially well in markets where agents are more relationship-driven.

Script 4: Ian Alexander’s Objection-Handling Script

Ian Alexander’s script from Ian Alexander’s website here digs deeper into objections and closes hard for the appointment.

Hello, Mr./Mrs. [Name]. This is [Your Name] with [Your Company]. Look, I’m just giving you a quick call. I saw your property over there on [Address] came off the market. I’m just calling to see when you’re going to be interviewing agents again for the job of actually getting it sold?

Was your agent giving you any feedback as far as what was stopping the property from selling? Had the property actually sold, where were you moving to? What was bringing you there? What was your time frame for selling the property?

In your opinion, what do you think stopped the home from selling?

If they blame the market: Hmm, we’re actually in one of the best markets in a long time.

If they blame their agent: How did you come across him? Did he do anything you liked? What would you expect from the agent you do choose? What is your agent going to do in the next 6 months that they didn’t already do in the last 6 months?

Before you get yourself tied up again for another 6 months, don’t you feel you owe it to yourself and your family to at least get a second opinion?

Close: So would tomorrow at 6 pm work? Sure, I can go ahead and pencil you in and you can confirm with your husband/wife. I’ll call you to confirm tomorrow.

This is a more aggressive approach. It challenges the homeowner’s reasoning and uses urgency to push for the appointment. It requires confidence to pull off without sounding pushy.

Script 5: Mike Ferry’s Classic Expired Script

Mike Ferry is a legendary real estate coach. His expired script has helped thousands of agents build their businesses.

Hi, I’m looking for [Name]… Hi [Name]… my name is [Your Name] with [Your Company]. I’m sure you’ve figured out that your home came up on our computer as an expired listing, and I was calling to see… when do you plan on interviewing the right agent for the job of selling your home?

If they say “Never”: Terrific! / Really! If you sold this home, where would you go next?

Response: That’s exciting! How soon do you have to be there?

[Name], what do you think stopped your home from selling? Really! How did you happen to pick the last agent you listed with? Great! What did that agent do that you liked best? Ouch! What do you feel they should have done? Really! What will you expect from the next agent you choose?

Terrific! Have you already chosen an agent to work with? Wonderful! I would like to apply for the job of selling your home. Are you familiar with the techniques I use to sell homes? You’re kidding! What would be the best time to show you—Monday or Tuesday at [time]?

Mike Ferry’s approach is direct and assumptive, assuming the homeowner still wants to sell and positioning you as the logical next step. It eliminates small talk and focuses exclusively on getting qualified listing appointments.

Script 6: Tom Ferry’s Opening Script

Tom Ferry (yes, related to Mike) is another major force in real estate coaching. Check out Tom Ferry for more resources and events.

Hi, I am looking for [Name]. This is [Your Name] with [Your Company]. I noticed your home was no longer on the market. I was calling to see—do you still want to sell?

This is the opening. Tom’s full scripts include deeper questioning similar to the Mike Ferry approach, but this simple opener cuts straight to intent. No fluff, no apologies, just a direct question.

Script 7: Keller Williams Script for Building Trust

The Keller Williams Expired Listing Scripts PDF includes variations that focus on empathy and trust-building.

Hello [Name], this is [Your Name] with [Your Company]. I noticed your home at [Address] is no longer on the market, and I wanted to reach out. I understand how frustrating it can be when a home doesn’t sell.

I specialize in helping homeowners in situations like yours get their properties sold. I’d love to stop by and share a few ideas on what we could do differently this time around. Would you be open to a quick conversation? I promise I’ll respect your time.

This approach acknowledges the homeowner’s frustration without immediately pitching. It works well in markets where relationships matter more than speed.

Script 8: The Empathetic Follow-Up Script

Not every expired seller is ready to relist immediately. If they’re not ready, offer to check back in a few months and keep them updated on market activity in the meantime. This keeps you top of mind without being pushy.

I completely understand that now’s not the right time to relist. Why don’t I check back in with you in a few months, and in the meantime, I’ll keep you updated on the activity in the market. Does that sound good?

Would you mind if I kept you updated with market data so you’re informed and ready to go when the time is right?

This positions you as a helpful resource, not just another agent looking for a quick listing. Follow through on this promise—send actual market reports, not just automated emails.

How to Use These Scripts Without Sounding Robotic

Scripts are training wheels, not handcuffs. The agents who succeed with expireds internalize the structure and make it their own. Here’s how:

Practice out loud. Read these scripts 20 times before you make your first call. Record yourself. Listen back. Do you sound natural or like you’re reading?

Focus on tone. Confidence matters more than perfect words. Confidence is critical when conveying your value during phone conversations with potential clients. A confident agent who stumbles over words will book more appointments than a nervous agent with a perfect script.

Ask questions and listen. The best agents on expired calls talk less than the homeowner. Ask one good question, shut up, and let them vent. They’ll tell you exactly what went wrong and what they need to hear to hire you.

Personalize every call. Reference the property address, the neighborhood, recent sales nearby. Show you’ve done your homework. “I noticed your home on Maple Street—I actually sold a similar property two blocks over last month” is infinitely better than “I noticed your listing expired.”

Handling Objections on Expired Listing Calls

You will get objections. Every agent calling expireds does. Here are the most common and how to handle them.

“We’re taking the home off the market.”

“I understand. Can I ask—if I could bring you an offer at a price you’re comfortable with, would you still consider selling? I have buyers looking in your area right now.”

“We’re relisting with our same agent.”

“That’s great that you have that loyalty. Can I ask—what is your agent going to do in the next six months that they didn’t do in the last six months? I’d love to share a few strategies that might complement what they’re doing.”

“We didn’t get the price we wanted.”

“I get that. Pricing is tricky, especially in this market. Would you be open to me running a fresh comparative market analysis? Sometimes a few small adjustments to pricing or presentation make all the difference.”

“I’m getting too many calls from agents.”

“I totally understand—I’m sure your phone has been ringing off the hook. I’ll make this quick. I just want to share one or two things that could help you sell faster this time around. Can I have two minutes?”

Acknowledge their frustration, empathize, and pivot to value. Never argue with an objection—agree and redirect.

The Reality of Expired Listing Prospecting in 2026

Let’s be honest: calling expired listings is hard. It’s difficult because after months of keeping their home in tip-top shape, open houses, and offers falling through, homeowners are frustrated, and the day the contract expires, they’re bombarded with calls from agents.

Many agents call for a week or two, get discouraged, and quit. The agents who succeed treat it like a discipline, not a lottery ticket. Most listings don’t come from the first call, but rather the 4th, 5th, or even the 12th, meaning following up more often helps you outlast other agents and convert more leads.

Successful agents know it takes commitment, and in the beginning, they focus on activity, not results—too many agents give up after not seeing immediate results.

Set activity goals: 50 calls per day, 5 days per week. Track your numbers. How many dials did it take to get a conversation? How many conversations to book an appointment? How many appointments to sign a listing?

Once you know your ratios, you know your business. If it takes 100 dials to book one appointment and three appointments to sign one listing, then you know exactly what you need to do to list five homes this month.

Post-NAR Settlement: What’s Changed for Expired Listings in 2026

In March 2024, the National Association of REALTORS® reached a settlement ending litigation related to broker commissions. Offers of compensation are no longer allowed on MLS platforms, though sellers can still offer compensation off an MLS.

This changes expired conversations slightly. When you call an expired listing in 2026, commission is more openly negotiable. Some sellers may expect you to explain exactly how you’ll be compensated. Be ready to have that conversation clearly and confidently.

The fundamentals haven’t changed: expired sellers are still frustrated, still motivated, and still interviewing agents. You just need to be more transparent about fees and what you’re offering in exchange.

Bottom Line: Scripts Are Just the Start

The best expired listing script in the world won’t save you if you don’t have the confidence to execute it. And confidence comes from repetition. Make 100 calls. Then make 100 more. You’ll get hung up on, yelled at, and told no more times than you can count.

But you’ll also book appointments, sign listings, and build a business that doesn’t depend on Zillow leads or hoping your sphere remembers you exist. One REDX user from Austin reported earning more than $3.0 million in GCI, mostly from expired listings, listing between 50-75 expireds per year.

Use these scripts as your foundation. Test them. Adjust them. Make them sound like you. Then get on the phone and start dialing.

If you’re serious about building an expired listing business, start with a reliable lead source. Try REDX and get accurate phone numbers delivered daily. Then pick a script, commit to the work, and watch your pipeline fill up.