FRBO Scripts: How to Talk to Property Owners About Renting Their Homes

Introduction

Talking to property owners who are renting out their homes on their own (FRBOs or “For Rent By Owner”) can be a goldmine for property managers. But the conversation needs to be done right. These owners are often overwhelmed, uncertain, or skeptical of property management services. That’s why having the right script can make all the difference.

In this article, we’ll share tested FRBO scripts you can use to start conversations, build trust, and ultimately convert these leads into long-term clients. We’ll also explore when to use each script, how to personalize them, and how to follow up effectively. You’ll also gain insights into the mindset of FRBOs, why timing matters, and how your outreach strategy can position you as a helpful partner rather than another service provider.

 

What Is an FRBO?

An FRBO, or For Rent By Owner, is a property owner who has chosen to rent out their property without using a real estate agent or property manager. These owners usually post listings on platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Zillow, or local classifieds, trying to find tenants and manage the rental process themselves.

There are many reasons why an owner might choose to go the FRBO route: they may want to avoid paying management fees, they may believe they can do it just as well themselves, or they may simply not know a better option exists. Often, they underestimate the time and complexity involved in managing tenants, maintenance, and leasing logistics.

For property managers, FRBOs are high-intent leads. They already have rental property—and they already feel the pain of managing it themselves. They’ve stepped into the landlord role and are quickly learning how overwhelming it can be. The key is approaching them with empathy and value, not a hard sales pitch.

Why Scripts Work With FRBOs

Having a script doesn’t mean sounding robotic—it means being prepared. Scripts are your cheat code for:

• Speaking confidently, especially when you’re doing outreach at scale
• Anticipating objections and knowing how to respond
• Guiding conversations toward your value proposition
• Staying consistent while still sounding personal and natural

FRBO outreach isn’t about reading from a sheet—it’s about starting real conversations. But when you’re reaching out to dozens of leads each week, having pre-built language makes it easier to stay professional, engaging, and persuasive.

Script #1: The Cold Outreach Message (Text or Email)

Hi [Owner’s Name], I saw your rental listing at [Property Address] and wanted to compliment how well it was presented. I help landlords like you lease faster, handle showings, and take tenant communication off your plate. Would you be open to a quick call to see if we’re a fit?

Why it works: It’s friendly, specific, and complimentary—plus it subtly introduces value without pushing a hard sell.

When to use it: Within 24–48 hours of the FRBO listing going live. Early outreach means less frustration for the owner and more openness to solutions.

Extra Tip: Track where you saw the listing so you can refer to the source. Saying “I saw your listing on Zillow” or “in the local Facebook group” makes it feel more intentional.

Script #2: The First Phone Call

Hi [Name], thanks for taking the time to chat. I noticed your property at [address]—looks great. I work with property owners who want to keep their income but offload the day-to-day stress. Curious—what’s been the most challenging part of renting it out yourself?

Why it works: It shifts the conversation to the owner’s pain points and opens the door for a consultative dialogue. You’re not selling—you’re solving.

Follow-Up Questions You Can Ask:

• Have you had any inquiries or showings yet?
• How are you handling tenant screening?
• What’s your plan if the tenant stops paying rent?
• Have you ever worked with a property manager before?

Asking smart, open-ended questions helps you uncover the gaps they may not even realize they have.

Script #3: Objection Handling

“I’m not sure I need a property manager.”

Totally fair—many owners feel that way. Out of curiosity, what made you decide to self-manage in the first place? [Let them answer] That makes sense. The reason many of our clients switch is because they realize their time and peace of mind are worth more than the 8-10% they save on fees.

Why it works: It respects their viewpoint while gently introducing a new perspective.

Other common objections to prepare for:

• “I’m trying to save money.”
  

  That makes sense. A lot of owners think that at first. But when you add up lost time, missed rent, vacancies, and tenant headaches, they often find it actually costs more to go solo.

• “I already found a tenant.”
  

  Great! Are you planning to manage them long-term or just handle the lease and move-in? If you’d ever like help with rent collection, maintenance, or tenant issues down the road, I’m happy to be a resource.

• “I’ve had a bad experience with a property manager before.”
  

  I’m really sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, that’s more common than it should be. That’s exactly why we focus so much on communication, transparency, and results.

Script #4: Follow-Up Message

Hey [Name], just wanted to check in and see how things are going with the rental at [address]. If you’re still handling it solo and ever want help filling it fast—or just want to compare options—I’d be happy to chat. No pressure at all.

Why it works: It’s low-pressure and keeps the relationship warm. Many FRBOs don’t convert right away—but they often come back when things go wrong.

Tip: Keep a simple follow-up spreadsheet or use a CRM. Set calendar reminders to reach back out. Sometimes the difference between a lost lead and a signed client is one well-timed follow-up.

Script #5: Social Media Direct Message (DM)

Hi [Name], I came across your rental listing on [Facebook Marketplace] and wanted to say it looks like a great property. I help local landlords save time and lease faster. If you’re ever interested in seeing how we could help with your rental, I’d be happy to connect. No pressure either way!

Why it works: DMs on Facebook or Instagram feel casual and personal. You’re meeting them where they already are.

Bonus Tip: Look for listings in Facebook groups or neighborhood-specific forums. Engage with their posts before sending a message—it builds familiarity and makes your outreach feel more natural.

Tips for Using These Scripts Effectively

• Personalize every message. Use the property address, their name, and a specific detail you noticed in their listing or photos.
• Use their language. If they refer to tenants as “renters” or call their home a “duplex,” mirror that in your message.
• Be human and helpful. The best scripts don’t feel like scripts. Focus on listening and adapting.
• Follow up multiple times. Most conversions happen after several touches—especially once the owner realizes the workload isn’t worth the savings.
• Use multiple channels. Don’t rely only on one email or one DM. Text, email, call, DM—each touchpoint builds familiarity.

What to Do After They Say Yes

Once an FRBO shows interest:

1. Set up a discovery call. Keep it short, friendly, and focused on their challenges.
2. Walk through your services. Emphasize pain points they’ve shared—don’t just list features.
3. Present pricing clearly. Be upfront, and if possible, tie cost to value: time saved, vacancy reduced, risk managed.
4. Have your documents ready. A clean management agreement, offer letter, and onboarding checklist go a long way.
5. Set expectations. Let them know what comes next, how communication works, and what results to expect.

Final Thoughts

FRBOs don’t need to be hard sells. With the right outreach, follow-up, and value-focused messaging, you can build trust and show property owners why hiring a manager is the smart choice.

These scripts are a starting point. Make them your own, adapt them to your local market, and use them to grow your business—one owner at a time.

The more you practice, the easier and more natural these conversations become. And over time, you’ll go from cold outreach to warm referrals as your reputation grows with every happy converted client.

 

We’ve worked with hundreds of property managers, and we know how to optimize property management businesses to achieve impressive results. Whether you’re a fit for our Mastermind program and our in-depth pricing coursework or you’re a startup looking for the basics, our team will help you to identify how DoorGrow can best help you to achieve your investment goals. Schedule you free kickstart call now!