Should I follow up with buyers who didn't include a phone number?

If you receive an enquiry through Realestate.com.au or Domain that only has an email address and a generic message like "I'm interested in this property," don't delete it!
While it might look like spam, it is usually a real person who is simply wary after past dealings with agents.

Why enquiries arrive with one click

The major property portals are designed for speed. When a buyer is browsing on their phone, they can tick a few pre-loaded checkboxes (like "I'd like to inspect" or "Please send a contract") and hit send in under two seconds.

• It’s not laziness: The platform encourages this one-click behaviour.
• It’s not a bot: Because these enquiries are sent through the portal's secure system, they are almost always from a registered, verified user.

Why buyers hold back their number

Many buyers have had bad experiences with traditional agents. They know that as soon as they provide a phone number, they might be hounded by a salesperson for the next six months.

• They want a low-pressure start: By only providing an email, the buyer is trying to maintain control. They want to see if you are responsive and professional before they hand over their number.
• Your advantage as a private seller: Once they realise they are dealing with the owner and not an aggressive agent, they usually relax and provide their number quite quickly.

How to respond without wasting time

You don't need to write a novel. Use a short, professional template to see if they are serious.

Example template:

"Hi [Name], thanks for reaching out regarding [Address]. I saw your enquiry and wanted to provide some more info. I'm the owner of the property, so I can answer any specific questions you have directly. I’m currently arranging inspections for [Day/Time]—would you like me to book you in for a viewing? Also, I’m happy to send over the contract or a digital brochure if that helps. Let me know the best way to get this info to you."

Quiet enquiries can turn into sales

Some of our most successful sales have started with an enquiry that said almost nothing. By being the one person who responds politely via email without demanding a phone call immediately, you stand out as a breath of fresh air compared to the local agents.

Treat every enquiry as a $500,000 lead until they prove otherwise. It only takes 30 seconds to hit reply, and that 30 seconds could save you $15,000 in commission.

Updated on: 04/09/2026