Why Email Marketing Is Making a Comeback for Real Estate Agents in 2026
As we enter into a new year—holy cow, 2026 already—I’ve been thinking about how I’ve been witnessing, interacting with, and participating in the marketing world over the last few years. Then I started to notice some recent shifts in marketing—especially in this new AI-saturated world. A few marketing podcasts I listened to recently actually reaffirmed what I’ve been picking up on.
What I’ve noticed is this: I am completely overstimulated by social media and feel a unique kind of AI fatigue while flipping through carousels, reading AI-written captions, and being constantly “sold to” online by influencers and business owners. The way people market feels louder than ever. It’s not only hard to keep up with—it honestly gives me anxiety.
But here’s what’s interesting… I’ve started noticing a subtle shift back to personal communication. A real way to connect with the people around you—friends, family, and yes, your ideal client. I couldn’t love this shift more.
I’ve always been someone who values quality over quantity in my real estate marketing. If I can show up really well for a small group of people or show up “meh” to a large group—I will always choose the former. To me, an amazing way to use technology to build trust with our clients is through email. Email is not in your face, but it can provide a much longer effect than an instagram reel or story. Email marketing for real estate agents is a vastly under utilized tool in my opinion. That’s why a big part of my products at Real Estate Roots are email templates.
Email still works in 2025, and I predict it will only become more effective in 2026. Email lets you speak personally to your network, to the people who’ve already said they want to hear from you. By focusing on quality content for the people in your corner, you can nurture relationships and stay top of mind without being “always on” or constantly in their face. The truth is, your people don’t need a perfectly designed, robotic real estate newsletter. They just need to hear from you - the real, genuine, helpful you. Let the goal be that they get to know you, and understand that you are a real and trusted guide for their real estate needs.
How to Start Email Marketing
- Use a simple platform with a simple layout. (Flodesk is my favorite.)
- Start with 3 core emails: a monthly market update, a welcome email for all new subscribers, and an annual homeowner check-in to all past clients. Check out my pre-made email templates here
- Don’t overthink the tone—just write like you talk. Just because AI can write all your emails doesn’t mean it should.
Prioritizing the quality of your email content is number one. Number two? Increase the number of people who actually receive your emails. Spend time thinking about who your ideal client is, and make sure your emails speak to them. Then, show people what they can expect. Don’t just ask them to sign up—first share something valuable. A short example, a preview, or a takeaway. Then say something like: “If this is helpful, sign up to get more like this every month.” You can do this through a quick Instagram or Facebook post, a link in bio, a sign-up banner, a link in your email footer—or even a QR code on all your printed marketing.
So if you’ve been feeling scattered or burnt out by trying to show up everywhere, all at once, in a perfect way—try this instead. Email your people. Genuinely check in and provide value. Be helpful. You might be surprised by the growth that follows.
If you want more marketing help for your real estate business, specifically email marketing for real estate agents, view my services here.
