March 01, 2026

The latest apps and platforms can make a big difference in real estate, but for some REALTORS®, nothing beats traditional, analog methods of doing business—at least for certain tasks. Texas REALTOR® magazine asked members what they do that is still low-tech. Here are their responses.

Print It Out to Help Clients and Yourself

Packets offer consistency and tangible resources

I still create a buyer packet for the first time I meet buyers to tour homes. It includes a buyer’s guide, printed MLS sheets, any documents the listing agent has provided on the MLS, and buyer documents, such as the written representation agreement and the Information About Brokerage Services (TXR 2501, TREC IABS 1-2).

It has been extremely helpful for clients because they have something tangible to refer to versus getting lost in a string of seemingly endless emails throughout the process. My clients have all provided feedback of gratitude and found it useful. It’s an educational tool more than anything.

It also allows for a consistent process for each buyer I work with. Consistent processes can help protect against fair housing violation claims. So, it benefits my clients and me in my business practices.

Amber Brown, Owner/Designated Broker, White Label Realty, Waco

MLS sheets help clients follow along

On buyer tours, I print out the MLS sheets and staple them in the order of the tour so buyers can write notes on them. I’ve added a clipboard and a pen with my phone number and logo on it. It takes away the question of what’s next and helps them remember details about each home when they take notes.

Katrina Heifner, Agent, Remax DFW Associates, Frisco

Printouts are a quick way for you to take notes

I still print MLS sheets to use during showings. I use the sheet for reference as well as to jot notes about what a client loved about the home, any questions they had, or any items that may need to be addressed. Having physical printouts means I never have to worry about internet access or a dead phone battery. At open houses or events, I also have paper copies in addition to QR codes.

Mesia Davis, Real Estate Consultant, OnDemand Realty, Frisco

Write It Down to Stay Organized

Notebooks provide a tangible way to capture new information and serve as a reference

While serving as a commander and federal agent, I carried around a little bound notebook to document daily activity. I’ve continued this practice as a real estate agent and now a broker. As a rural property and land focused real estate professional, my notebook is a fantastic portable tool that allows me to quickly draw floor plans, maps, and diagrams, document client responses, and create action items for later. If I need to remember what was said, I have years of past notebooks I can reference in my office. My notebook has served me well for 30 years and continues to do so today.

Travis Hunt, Broker Associate and Owner, Texan Team, Farmersville

Color-coded calendars keep everything organized

I use a calendar that I purchase every year. I add the dates and times of work or personal appointments so I don’t over-book or double-book myself. I also highlight by category. Green is real estate, including classes, showings, and content days. Blue is everything family and kids, such as parties, soccer games, and practices. Pink is everything having to do with myself: nail appointments, gym, church, my hobbies, and outings.

Every Sunday, I review my colors for the week. If I have more green than blue and pink, that means I need to incorporate some me-time to avoid burnout. If I have more blue and pink than green, I have to start making some calls to keep business moving! This has worked for me over the last five years, and I don’t intend to transfer everything into my Google Calendar simply because I love my paper and pen.

This approach fits best for my business because I can keep track of all my appointments so that I am prepared, on time, and never scrambling at my desk figuring out what to do with my time.

Candie Robles, Agent, Vaughn Realty powered by Keller Williams Clear Lake, Houston

A paper calendar doesn’t need reception

I have a paper calendar. I can’t depend on my phone calendar, since I live in the country with iffy Wi-Fi. And if I don’t write it down, business meetings, showings, and doctor appointments won’t happen!

Shari Kirk, Agent, Coastal Country Real Estate, Sinton

Maintain Your Sphere ofInfluence with Hand-Written Notes

Holiday, birthday cards strengthen relationships

I mail holiday cards with handwritten notes in them and birthday cards personalized to each recipient. It adds a personal touch and lets clients know I still think about them. Hardly anyone mails holiday cards these days. When the recipients need to buy or sell a house, or know someone who does, they may think of me. I feel like this strategy leads to more business.

Cathy Harris, Sales Agent, Coldwell Banker Realty, Heath

Handwritten messages leave a lasting impression

Sending our clients handwritten notes has made our connections with our clients more tangible and personal. We all get tons of emails and text messages, and, frankly, I believe that no one likes them. But send a handwritten note, and almost all the time, the client will reach out to you personally thanking you for taking the time to write. This builds trust and confidence that we really care about and are looking out for their best interest. It also goes a long way toward building deeper relationships for strong long-term growth for your business.

Lee Wheeler, President/Broker-Owner, Wheeler Commercial, Beaumont

Notes keep you in touch with past clients

Handwritten notes help me stay in touch with my sphere of influence and past closed clients. They keep me top of mind. Plus, everyone loves a card in the mail!

Kim Taylor, Broker/Owner, KTREG Real Estate, Justin

A thank you note after closing is customer service

I choose to personally hand-write thank you cards for my clients after closing. This small gesture has always been truly appreciated and considered quite precious. In a world where everything is either automated or delegated to someone else, this is something I like to do that reflects on our time together.

I not only thank my clients for allowing me to be by their side during such an important part of their lives, I also mention the laughs, the craziness, the hurdles, the joy, and anything else that made this transaction so personal not only for them, but for me as well.

Though it might not be as efficient, each client absolutely appreciates the thoughtfulness and always comments on how kind the sentiment is. That alone has always made sending the cards worth it to me.

Melissa Summers, Broker/Owner, Country Roots Realty, Tenaha

Meeting in Person Builds Connections

Peer networking can lead to opportunities

After COVID, there aren’t as many professional gatherings. I felt like there was a desire in the market to get back out there. Instead of relying on larger groups and boards, I started a networking group. We meet four times a year so real estate agents in our area can get to know each other, share ideas, and build friendships. We offer food and drinks and two or three hours of networking.

I’ve gotten a big response. People are always asking me, “When’s the next one?” It’s also an opportunity if someone wants to come talk with me. Perhaps someone wants to ask how I do business, ask about our brokerage, or ask about a mentorship opportunity.

To me, low-tech means keeping things simple, honest, and friendly. I use technology when it helps, but I believe real success in Texas real estate comes from caring about people and building strong relationships.

Eric Gonzalez, Broker/Owner, Carte Blanche Real Estate Group, Mansfield

Hand-delivered gifts reinforce relationships

Each year, we personally deliver charcuterie boxes to our clients. It’s our way of staying connected and showing appreciation long after the closing table. These drop-offs create meaningful face-to-face moments and strengthen the relationships we value most.

We also extend this tradition to local teachers during special days and school events. Supporting educators is important to us because they play a vital role in our communities.

Whether it’s a client or a classroom, these small gestures reflect our commitment to gratitude, connection, and giving back. We believe real estate is built on relationships, not just transactions. Delivering charcuterie boxes is our way of saying thank you to the clients who trust us year after year.

Katie Cooper, Broker, and Rachel Merks, Agent, Home Sweet Home Real Estate Group, Conroe

Mail Can Make a Big Impact

Reaching out could turn your client’s neighbors into future clients

My brokerage sends 100 just-listed or just-sold postcards to surrounding neighbors every time we take a listing, have a closing, or sell a coop company’s listing. We’ve had times when, three years later, we’ll get a call out of the blue saying, “I tucked your postcard in a kitchen drawer just in case we ever wanted to downsize.” We do get business from it.

We also promote going door-to-door* to the surrounding neighbors after taking a listing or after a closing. When I used to list and sell, it worked unbelievably well. Sometimes people answer the door and sometimes you leave a little door hanger on the door with your business card tucked in. If someone’s home, you can ask if he or she has given any thought to moving, knows anyone who might move, or have any interest in investing in real estate.

We believe strongly in using modern methods of getting business, but many are not proactive—the agent is waiting for business to come to him or her. The old-school methods are more proactive. At its core, our business is about conversations and making appointments with prospective buyers, sellers, renters, and landlords.

Scott Myers, Broker/Owner, Century 21 Scott Myers, REALTOR®, San Antonio

*Check with local ordinances and HOA regulations when advertising door to door.

Skip the email and mail that report

I send out printed REALTORS® Property Resource (RPR) reports as mailers to specific properties. I find them useful when trying to obtain land listings for investors and developers. It makes me stand out from everyone else who just emails everyone or does mass-market mailers. It gets the attention of prospects. It’s low-tech but effective.

Bruce Inman, Associate Broker, Better Homes and Gardens Gary Greene, Houston

Don’t Underestimate the Humble Branded Calendar

Calendars keep you top of mind

I still send an annual paper calendar. I’ve done it for 30 years, and my clients still call to request it, sometimes even in October. I don’t do any other advertising; I just send out the calendar. People don’t think about paper calendars much, but they still use them even with all our technology. It helps keep my name front and center. They’re looking at my name every day.

Catherine Perkins, Sales Associate, Remax Space Center, Houston

Calendars create a reason to follow up

I send out calendars at the beginning of the year. I can’t tell you how many years I’ve sent them out. Like anything, you have to do this consistently. I’ll run into people and they’ll say, “I like my calendar!” Even the highly tech-savvy people. They like it because it’s a quick glance.

I also like the calendars because I can follow up throughout the year to ask my clients how they’re enjoying them. I can ask if they saw this month’s quote on there and ask what they think about it. It’s a great reason to call. It’s a good conversation starter and a constant reminder of my business.

Pat Morgan, Broker/Owner, Morgan Realty Team, Plano