Most WhatsApp enquiries die in the first two messages: a slow reply, a vague “it’s available”, or a price that changes at inspection. The fix is a set of ready-made scripts that reply fast, ask four qualifying questions, send the full move-in cost, and book a specific time. Below are 12 you can copy, plus how to save them as WhatsApp Business quick replies so each one takes two taps. All free. (Updated October 2026.)
THE AI PROPERTY AGENT SERIES · PART 4 OF 6
- Start here: AI for estate agents in Nigeria
- 50 ChatGPT prompts for agents
- Set up the WhatsApp AI agent
- The Lagos 5% agency fee bill
- 12 WhatsApp scripts that book inspections (you are here)
- Protect your commission
- Facebook and Instagram ads on a small budget
Free guides for Nigerian estate agents. Send AGENT on WhatsApp to get the free chapter of our agent guide when it’s released.
Here’s the thing about “Is it still available?” The person asking has probably sent the same message to five other agents. Whoever replies first, clearly and honestly, usually gets the inspection. These scripts are written for Nigerian rentals and sales, in plain English you can adjust to your own voice. Swap the bits in [brackets] and keep the structure.
How do you save these scripts in WhatsApp Business?
Save each one as a quick reply. In the WhatsApp Business app, go to Settings → Business tools → Quick replies, tap Add, paste the script and give it a shortcut like /first. In any chat, type “/” and pick it. You can store up to 50.
While you’re in Business tools, also turn on a greeting message (script 1) and an away message (script 2), and create labels such as New enquiry, Inspection booked, Offer made and Closed. Labels let you see at a glance who needs a follow-up.
Step 1: The first reply
Script 1: Greeting message (automatic, for new chats)
“Hello, thanks for messaging [Your name / agency]. I’m a LASRERA-registered agent [reg. no.]. Tell me which property you saw, or what you’re looking for (area, bedrooms, budget), and I’ll reply with full details shortly.”
Script 2: Away message (outside working hours)
“Thanks for your message. I’m away right now and will reply by [9am tomorrow]. To save time, send me: the property or area you want, your budget, and when you want to move in.”
Script 3: “Is it still available?” /first
“Yes, the [3-bed flat in Yaba] is available as of today. Rent is ₦[X] a year. Before I book you in, can I ask a few quick questions so I don’t waste your time?”
If it’s gone, say so straight away and offer the closest match. Never say “available” to get someone to an inspection for a different property. That’s how agents earn the scammer label.
Step 2: Qualify in four questions
Script 4: Qualifying questions /qualify
“1. When do you want to move in?
2. What’s your budget for the year’s rent?
3. How many people will live there?
4. Have you seen this property or spoken to the landlord before?”
Question 4 matters more than it looks. If they’ve already dealt with the landlord, you’re probably not the one who’ll earn the commission. Read why in how to protect your commission.
Step 3: Send the full cost before the inspection
Script 5: The full move-in cost /cost
“Here’s the full cost to move in, so there are no surprises:
Rent (1 year): ₦[X]
Agency fee ([10]%): ₦[X]
Legal fee: ₦[X]
Caution deposit (refundable): ₦[X]
Service charge: ₦[X] a year
Total: ₦[X]
Is this within your budget?”
Clients hate finding new fees at the gate. Agents who send the total first get fewer inspections, but far fewer wasted ones. In Lagos, agency and legal fees on rentals are capped at 10% of the annual rent each.
Script 6: Your fee terms (before you share the address)
“Before I send the exact address: my agency fee is [10]% of the first year’s rent, payable if you take this property, whether you pay through me or directly to the landlord. Please reply ‘Agreed’ and I’ll book your inspection.”
Step 4: Book a specific time
Script 7: Booking /book
“I can show you the flat on [Saturday at 11am] or [Monday at 4pm]. Which works better? I’ll send the location pin once you confirm.”
Two specific choices get more yeses than “When are you free?”
Script 8: For clients abroad (video inspection)
“I can do a live video walkthrough on WhatsApp so you see the actual flat, the street and the meter. Would [Saturday at 3pm UK time] work? Please don’t pay anything until you or someone you trust has seen the property and the documents.”
That last line costs you nothing and builds a lot of trust with diaspora clients, who’ve heard the horror stories. See our guide to sending money home safely.
Step 5: Remind them
Script 9: Day-before reminder /remind
“Hi [Name], a reminder that we’re inspecting the [Yaba flat] tomorrow at [11am]. Here’s the location pin: [pin]. My number for the day: [business number]. Please let me know if anything changes.”
Step 6: Follow up
Script 10: After the inspection /after
“Thanks for coming today. What did you think of the flat? If you’d like it, the next step is [an application form / meeting the landlord]. Other people are viewing this week, so let me know by [Thursday] if you can.”
Only say other people are viewing if they are.
Script 11: No-show
“Hi [Name], I waited at the [Yaba flat] at [11am] but didn’t see you. No problem if plans changed. Do you want to rebook, or should I send you similar options?”
Script 12: Gone quiet (one week later)
“Hi [Name], just checking in. Are you still looking for a [2-bed in Yaba]? I have [one new option] within your budget. Want the details?”
One follow-up, maybe two. After that, label the chat “Cold” and move on.
What do clients worry about that these scripts answer?
- “Is this agent real?” Your LASRERA number in the greeting answers it before they ask. Clients can verify a LASRERA agent themselves.
- “Will the price change at inspection?” Script 5 settles it.
- “Am I wasting a trip?” Scripts 4 and 7 make sure the property fits before anyone travels.
Watch out: scripts help you answer questions; they don’t replace paperwork. Tenancy agreements and sale documents must be prepared by a lawyer, and every payment should go to a verified account with a receipt.
Can’t reply fast enough? Meta’s free AI agent in WhatsApp Business can send these answers for you, day and night.
Want more enquiries to use these on? Our guide to Facebook and Instagram ads for agents shows how to send ad clicks straight into WhatsApp. And our 50 ChatGPT prompts help you rewrite any script in your own voice.
Frequently asked questions
How do I set up quick replies on WhatsApp Business?
Open Settings, then Business tools, then Quick replies. Tap Add, paste your message and choose a shortcut like /first. In a chat, type “/” to pick it. You can save up to 50.
How fast should an estate agent reply on WhatsApp?
Within minutes if you can. People usually message several agents at once, and the first clear reply tends to get the inspection. Use an away message or the WhatsApp AI agent when you can’t.
Should I tell clients the full price before inspection?
Yes. Send rent, agency fee, legal fee, caution deposit and service charge in one message. It saves wasted trips and builds trust.
What should I ask a client before booking an inspection?
Their move-in date, budget, how many people will live there, and whether they’ve already seen the property or spoken to the landlord.
Method. Scripts written by Lands of Nigeria for Nigerian rental and sales enquiries. WhatsApp Business features (quick replies, greeting and away messages, labels) as described in WhatsApp Business app guides, checked October 2026; menu names can vary slightly by app version. Lagos fee caps as reported by The Guardian. Last updated: 2 October 2026. Journalists and researchers may cite this with attribution to LandsofNigeria.com.
