Real Estate Text Message Marketing/How to Start/Pick Your Number

How to pick the right texting number for your real estate business

Need a texting number for your real estate business? I’ll share the difference between three popular number services.

Dani Henion
Dani Henion wrote in
• May 3rd 2024

Before you start texting your clients from an SMS marketing platform, you’ll need to choose which type of business texting number is best for your real estate business. 

Below, I’ll walk you through three popular number options and when to pick each one: 

  1. Local numbers
  2. Toll-free numbers
  3. Dedicated short codes

💡 If you already have a business landline number that you want to use for texting, we can text-enable it for you.

Local numbers

Local number texting, also known as 10-digit long codes (10DLC), allows real estate agents and brokers to send a high volume of texts from a local area code. 

📌 Why do some agents prefer to text from local numbers?

  • Local numbers have recognizable area codes, which build trust with customers in that location.
  • They are approved for high-volume bulk SMS.
  • Getting started with a local number is quick and easy.
  • They’re approved for sending mass texts and having two-way conversations.
  • Set up is quick and budget-friendly.

If you already have a local number that you prefer to use, SimpleTexting can easily enable it for texting. Calls will function as usual, and texts will be directed to our SMS marketing platform. 

Wireless carriers require local numbers to be registered, and we can walk you through the process. Our support team is available seven days a week to give you a hand.

Toll-free numbers

Toll-free numbers (those with prefixes like 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833) are also approved for mass messaging and two-way communication. 

📌 What makes toll-free numbers appealing to real estate businesses?

  • The numbers’ prefixes, which aren’t location-specific, are useful for large businesses that send mass texts across North America.
  • They’re enabled for mass messaging and two-way communication, especially for internal communications between brokerages’ offices and agents.
  • Import your existing contact list.
  • Set up is fast and simple, like 10DLC number services.

If you already own a toll-free number, we can enable texting services for it within 48 hours, in most cases. 

With a toll-free number, you can start texting as soon as you upgrade to a paid SimpleTexting account, although there may be some sending limitations until your number is verified by wireless carriers. 

Our customer support team will guide you through the verification process, which usually takes 4–6 weeks.

Dedicated short codes

Dedicated short codes (DSC) are unique 5- or 6-digit numbers that are exclusively assigned to your business. 

📌 Key information about dedicated short codes:

  • You can send high message volumes in seconds.
  • They’re the most expensive option.
  • You can only use DSC for mass texting.
  • The numbers are short and easy to remember.
  • Most companies use DSC for keyword opt-ins.
  • They support both SMS and MMS messaging.

Due to their cost and setup time, few small and medium-sized companies choose to use DSC. Leasing a dedicated short code can range from $1,000 to $1,500 per month, with an additional setup fee, such as SimpleTexting’s $2,500 fee. 

However, if you plan on sending a high volume of text messages, the investment may be worthwhile.

At SimpleTexting, we have extensive experience in provisioning short codes and will assist you throughout the entire process, from completing the service approval form to testing your short code.

Now that you have an understanding of the different types of business texting numbers, you can choose the one that best suits your real estate SMS marketing strategy. 

💡 Want more texting tips and inspiration for your real estate business? Check out our guide on how to get started with real estate SMS.

A real estate text number options snapshot

Ultimately, your choice will come down to your budget and whether you plan on using mass texting, one-on-one messaging, or both. 

Here’s an overview of your business text number options:

 Local NumbersToll-freeDedicated short code
Format10 digits10 digits    5 to 6 digits
Primary Use1-on-1 comms, mass texting1-on-1 comms, mass textingMass texting
ThroughputMedium-HighHighHigh
Setup CostLowLowHigh
Setup Time1 dayDays (with limited throughput until the number is verified)Weeks

Real estate texting number FAQs

What is a business texting number?

A business texting number is a number that can send and receive text messages through an SMS marketing platform. Businesses use these numbers to reach out to their customers, prospects, and employees with ease.
To secure a text number for marketing your real estate business, you can sign up for a business texting service. The program may offer you different options like 10DLC, toll-free numbers, and dedicated short codes. 

At SimpleTexting, we provide all three options, and we even offer the option to text-enable your existing business number.
Changing your business number won’t disrupt your current contact lists. However, some of our customers choose to send a campaign to their contacts to inform them about the number change.
Yes, even after text-enabling your existing phone number, you can still receive voice calls from customers, just as you always have. Text messages from customers will go directly to your SimpleTexting dashboard.
Absolutely! You have the option to add multiple numbers to your account and manage them from one dashboard.

Ready to choose your SMS marketing number?

Whether you’re new to texting or have been in the game for a while, SimpleTexting is here to assist you. You can reach out to our support team seven days a week by clicking the blue chat bubble in the bottom corner of your screen. 

Want to test drive SimpleTexting’s real estate text marketing service? Sign up for a free 14-day trial today to send your first message.

📌 For more answers to common questions about real estate text marketing, check out our How to Start guide.