Methodology

What information determines a lead reply score?

The information in a seller's text reply dictates its score, primarily focusing on clear intent to sell and any immediate property details. We look for specific keywords and context that show a genuine desire to move forward.

October 17, 2026 · 3 min read

Direct intent to sell signals

The most crucial factor in a lead reply score is a clear, direct indication that the seller wants to sell. Phrases like "Yes, I'm interested in selling," "Tell me your offer," or "How much for my house?" are strong signals. These show he or she has considered selling and is ready to engage.

A reply that states a timeline, even vaguely, also boosts the score. For example, "I need to sell in the next few months" or "I'm looking to move soon" demonstrates a tangible motivation that is more actionable than just curiosity.

Keywords indicating property condition

Beyond intent, any mention of the property's condition adds valuable context and improves the lead score. If a seller says, "The house needs a lot of work," or "It's inherited and hasn't been updated," it immediately tells you he or she understands the property might not be market-ready. This aligns with what cash buyers are looking for.

Even negative comments about condition, such as "The roof leaks" or "It needs a new kitchen," are helpful. They indicate the seller is being realistic about the property and not expecting top retail dollar, which is a good indicator of motivation.

Seller's stated timeline and motivation clues

A seller's urgency or reason for selling provides insight into how motivated he or she truly is. While not always stated directly, clues like "I'm dealing with an inheritance," "Moving for a job," or "Need to downsize" suggest external pressures driving the sale.

We also look for how quickly the seller replies and the tone of the message. A prompt, detailed response usually indicates higher engagement than a one-word reply after several days. Speed to Seller focuses on validating these types of text replies for listing.

Replies that lower a score (or get discarded)

Replies that explicitly state "Not interested," "Do not text me again," or "Remove me from your list" are immediate disqualifiers and are not listed. We respect opt-out requests immediately. A reply asking "Who is this?" without further context typically scores lower, as it suggests confusion rather than selling intent.

Replies that are clearly spam, contain offensive language, or are completely nonsensical are also filtered out. The goal is to provide you with replies from actual homeowners considering selling, not junk. You can learn more about how we verify replies for validity by reading /learn/how-speed-to-seller-ensures-text-reply-validity-for-listed-leads.

How multiple replies from one seller are handled

Sometimes a seller will send multiple texts. We consolidate these replies to extract all relevant information for the lead score. For example, if the first text is vague but a follow-up clarifies intent or property details, all this information contributes to the final score. This ensures you get a complete picture of the seller's initial communication. If a seller replies with partial information, Speed to Seller still aims to list valid leads. For more on how we handle incomplete replies, you might find /how-speed-to-seller-handles-partial-or-incomplete-replies helpful.

Questions people ask

Do vague replies get listed?

Vague replies can get listed if there's still a hint of selling intent, but they'll have a lower score. For example, 'Maybe, tell me more' might be listed, but 'Who is this?' usually won't be unless followed by more context.

What if a seller just asks a question?

If the question relates to selling, like 'What's your offer?', it will contribute positively to the score. If it's a general question not related to selling the property, it might lower the score or be filtered out.

Does mentioning an agent affect the score?

If a seller says he or she is already working with an agent, or plans to, that lead typically won't be listed, as it indicates he or she is not a direct-to-investor opportunity. However, if they are exploring options, it might be listed with a lower score.

What about replies with typos?

Typos do not affect the lead score as long as the intent and meaning are clear. We focus on the substance of the message, not perfect grammar or spelling.