Optimal Timing for Real Estate Marketing Emails

In real estate, timing is everything — and that includes your email marketing. Whether you’re announcing a new listing, sending out a market update, or following up with past clients, when you hit “send” can have a major impact on your results.
Why Timing Matters
Even the most well-crafted email can go unopened if it lands in a cluttered inbox at the wrong time. The goal is to show up when your audience is most likely to be checking emails and, in the mindset to engage.
Studies across various industries (including real estate) show that open rates and click-throughs fluctuate significantly depending on the day and time. By aligning your send schedule with your audience’s habits, you increase your chances of getting noticed and generating action.
Best Days to Send Real Estate Emails
Tuesday to Thursday: The Sweet Spot
Midweek tends to deliver the best open and engagement rates. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are considered the most productive days for email campaigns.
- Tuesday is often the top-performing day, as people are settled into their week and catching up on tasks.
- Wednesday offers consistency, especially for newsletters or market reports.
- Thursday is ideal for promoting open houses or weekend events.
Avoid Mondays and Fridays if possible — Monday inboxes are often flooded, and by Friday, your audience is mentally checking out for the weekend.
Best Times to Send
Morning Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Emails sent mid-morning tend to have the highest open rates. People are at their desks, going through their inboxes, and more likely to click through your message.
Early Afternoon: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Right after lunch is another prime time, especially for mobile users who check emails on the go.
Evenings: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (For Homeowners or Busy Professionals)
If your target audience includes working professionals, evening sends may be effective. Many people scroll through emails on their phones after dinner or while watching TV.
Weekend Sends
While weekends traditionally see lower engagement, Sunday evenings can be a smart time to email about Monday listings or upcoming showings. It’s when many people plan their week ahead, especially if they’re house-hunting.
Test, Track, and Adjust
While general timing guidelines help, the best time to email your database ultimately depends on your specific audience. Try A/B testing send times, track open/click rates, and refine based on results.
Use tools like:
- Email analytics from your CRM or platform
- Click heatmaps
- Engagement metrics by segment
Final Thought
In real estate, relationships drive business. And great email timing shows respect for your clients’ time — it says, “I know when you’re most likely to be listening.”
Send smarter, not just more often.
Pro Tip: Combine perfect timing with relevant content — like new listings, local events, or maintenance tips — and your emails will become something clients look forward to, not overlook.