Podcast Episode Summary: Your Daily Real Estate Podcast with Tristan Ahumada
Episode 817: Why This is Our #1 Most Watched Video (Stop Ghosting Your Leads)
Date: February 24, 2026
Host: Tristan Ahumada

Main Theme & Purpose

In this episode, Tristan Ahumada addresses a persistent challenge facing real estate professionals: re-engaging with non-responsive leads in your database. With the goal of maximizing every contact and revitalizing old leads, Tristan shares actionable call and text scripts proven to increase response rates. The episode is concise, practical, and aimed at helping agents “stop ghosting their leads” to grow and sustain their business.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Value of a Non-Responsive Database

• Every agent has dormant leads: Most real estate professionals have a segment of their database that’s gone cold or never responded.
• Potential in re-engagement: Tristan encourages not to dismiss these leads—there’s latent opportunity just waiting for the right outreach.

Effective Outreach Methods

• Text before call:
  • “Text right now is the easiest way to communicate with people and people will respond typically well to that if they're engaging.” (00:45)
• Don’t abandon cold calling:
  • Suggests complementing texts with calls, as “cold calling in some instances is doing really good.”
• Different strategies for different lead types:
  • While cold calling works for just listed/sold or FSBOs, the episode focuses on past database leads specifically.

Proven Call and Text Scripts

• Call Script Example:
  • “Hi, Joe, this is Tristan with Y Realty. You came through our database a while back and I think you inquired about [buying, selling, or specific property]. And honestly, I never followed up with you at the time... I don't know if you ever ended up buying or selling... Is that something you still want to do?” (01:25)
• Script Modifications:
  • “Are you still thinking about it or did you already get taken care of?” (02:00)
• Text Script Example:
  • “Hey Joe, it's Tristan with Y Realty. You inquired about real estate a while back. Did you ever buy, sell, or is it still on your mind?” (02:20)

Subtle Script Tweaks That Work

• Personalization Matters:
  • Mention the city or property type: “Hey Joe, you inquired about real estate in Malibu, in Thousand Oaks... a mobile home... a condo or land or a house.” (02:28)
• Psychological angle:
  • Tristan tests the phrase: “Did you give that up already?”
  • “Because giving up on something makes people feel like—I didn't give up, I just put it on hold. No, I'm still looking. Or take me off your list.” (02:45)
• The real goal:
  • “Regardless of what, this is what you get back. You get a response. That's what matters.” (02:58)

What to Do When They Respond

• Start the conversation right:
  • “If they are texting you back and saying, ‘You know what, we're still looking’—great. Just want to make sure I have the right areas, right?” (03:08)
• Be an active listener:
  • “The whole goal is to connect with people and give them exactly what they want.”
  • Ask questions like: “Where are you looking?” (03:25)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “There are parts of our database that need love and we think... it's just not worth it anymore. They haven’t responded in years.” (00:08)
• “Even if you have AI set up to automatically nudge them or reach out to them... you might be reaching out to them in the wrong way.” (00:18)
• “Did you give that up already? That's what I've been testing out to get good responses.” (02:38)
• “You get a response. That's what matters. Now the rest is up to you.” (02:58)
• “The whole goal is to connect with people and give them exactly what they want.” (03:25)

Important Timestamps & Segments

• 00:08 – Importance of revisiting cold database leads
• 00:45 – Why texting works best right now
• 01:25 – Tristan's proven call script in action
• 02:00 – Adaptable script variations
• 02:20 – Tristan's recommended text script
• 02:28 – Tailoring messages for higher response rates
• 02:45 – The “did you give up?” psychological nudge
• 02:58 – The ultimate aim: spark a reply
• 03:25 – The power of listening to continue the conversation

Summary

Tristan Ahumada’s quick-hitting episode delivers practical scripts and the motivation to reach out to “dead” leads in your database with new energy. By sharing psychologically informed tweaks and emphasizing simple, authentic communication, he makes it clear that every lead offers potential—if you show up with the right message and listen closely when they respond.

For scripts or details, Tristan encourages listeners to reach out on Instagram.

Action Step:
Stop ghosting your own leads. Try one of Tristan’s scripts—via text or call—and see what’s waiting in your database.