Let me guess...

You picked up the phone, dialed that expired listing, and hit them with theclassic, “Hi, are you still looking to sell your home?”

And what’d you get?

A cold shoulder.
A snarky “Not interested.”
Maybe even a dial tone faster than you could say “commission.”

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Here’s the ugly truth:

Most expired listing scripts SUCK because they sound like... well... scripts.

You might as well be reading from a teleprompter labeled “Pleasetrigger this prospect’s defenses.”

You’re treating a bruised seller like a hot new lead.

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When in reality?

They're standing on the curb next to their bruised ego and 180 days of dashedhopes.

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So today, I’m giving you two fresh ways to open expired calls thatdo something your competition's canned lines never do:

Disarm the seller.
Spark curiosity.
Position YOU as the helpful guide — not another vulture.

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Let’s roll...

EXPIRED OPEN #1: “The Aged Expired Assist”

This is pure empathy wrapped in curiosity and sprinkled with some softpsychology.

Script:
Hey Paul,
Yea, hey, it’s just Vikram Deol… I’m holding a copy of the recent MLSlistings and I noticed your property—umm—it looks like it was at 123 Real Road.It looks like it came off the market a while ago, but I was wondering if youcould possibly help me out for a moment?

(Pause — let them ask “Who is this?”)

Oh yeah, I apologize, I don’t have much time either… and I don’t know ifthis would even be helpful for you…

But I actually represent a couple high-end buyers who’ve been looking forsomething specifically in your neighborhood. Like, they’re eyeing that exactpocket and were recently looking in your price range…

Would you be totally opposed to possibly listing the home again… if youcould actually get the price you wanted, and a faster sale this time around?

Why it works:
You're not pitching, you're inquiring.
You're not trying to “close,” you're offering an opportunity (onethey thought had already passed them by).

You lead with curiosity.
You keep it casual.
You stay on their side of the table.

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EXPIRED OPEN #2: “The Glitch in the System”
This one’s all about framing. You're not selling—you’re investigating.

Script:
Hey Paul,

Yea, hey, it’s just Vikram Deol… I’m holding a copy of the recent MLSlistings and I noticed your property—umm—it looks like it was at 123 Real Road.Are you still the owner?

I mean… I’m not sure if I’m seeing this right, but it says the house is nolonger for sale. Umm… did you guys sell it, or did our system just glitch out?

(Let them tell you: “No, we just took it off.”)

Oh really? That’ssurprising… honestly, homes in that area—especially when they’re priced welland in decent condition—they usually move pretty fast. I’m curious… what do youthink happened there?

Why it works:
This frames YOU as someone who's shocked their home didn’t sell (and whowouldn't love to hear that?).

It feels like you’re on their side. Not “trying to get a listing,” but trying tosolve a mystery. People open up when you treat them like humans, not leads.

THE TAKEAWAY
Stop sounding like a pushy real estate robot.

Start sounding like the curious, confident problem-solver who already assumestheir home should’ve sold.

Every expired listing carries two things: a wound and a question.

Why didn’t it sell?
Can we try again without all the pain?

Your job is to answer that—without triggering their defenses.

Now go try these two.

And when you get a “Yes, we might be open to it,” hit reply and tell me aboutit.

I love those stories.

To more listings

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Cody & kram

Founder ofSheridan St.
Host of The Re Agent Podcast

P.S. Want me to break down what to say after they say “Yeah,maybe we would consider listing again…”?

Let me know & I can show you exactly how our clients are booking 2 - 3 expired appointments in 1 - 2 hours of calls. Not bad right?

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