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How to Respond to Facebook Marketplace Inquiries

Published October 10, 2026 · 7 min read

Key takeaways

Reply to 'Is this still available?' with yes, one fact about the property, and two specific showing times.
Do not negotiate price in Messenger; steer toward a showing and a written offer.
Buyers message several listings at once, so the first helpful reply usually gets the showing.

Most Marketplace conversations start with the same five words: “Is this still available?” Facebook offers it as a one-tap message, so people send it to several listings at once. What you say next decides whether that tap becomes a showing. These scripts are written to be copied.

The goal of every reply

Answer the question, give one useful fact, and ask one question back that moves toward a showing or a call. A reply that only says “Yes” ends the conversation.

“Is this still available?”

Yes, it’s available. It’s a [beds] bed, [baths] bath in [neighborhood], and I have showings open [day] and [day]. Which works better for you?

Offering two specific times gets more answers than “when are you free?”

“What’s the lowest you’ll take?”

The sellers have it listed at $[price], and they’ll look at any written offer. Have you been able to see it in person yet? I can get you in [day].

Don’t negotiate in Messenger. Move it to a showing and a written offer.

“Can you send more pictures?”

Here’s the full photo set and floor plan: [link to the listing]. Is there a room you want a closer look at? I can also do a quick video walkthrough.

Rental inquiries

Yes, it’s available [date] at $[rent]/month. What move-in date are you looking for, and would you like to see it [day] or [day]?

Ask every prospect the same questions, in the same order: move-in date, lease length, and whether they want to schedule a showing. Treating everyone the same way is both good practice and what fair housing rules expect. Leave questions about family, religion, national origin, or disability out of it.

When a buyer already has an agent

Happy to help. Have your agent reach out to me at [phone] and we’ll set up a showing. If you’re not working with anyone yet, I can show it to you myself.

The no-show

Sorry we missed each other today. The home is still available, and I have [day] at [time] open if you’d like to reschedule.

One follow-up is enough. If there is no reply, move on.

Messages to be careful with

Requests for a verification code. Someone who asks you to read back a code sent to your phone is trying to take over an account. Never share it.
Offers to pay a deposit without seeing the home. Especially with an overpayment and a request to refund the difference.
Pressure to move the chat to another app right away. Real buyers are fine arranging a showing first.

Speed matters more than polish

Because people message several listings at once, the first helpful reply usually gets the showing. A few habits help:

Keep these scripts in your phone’s notes or as keyboard shortcuts, so a reply is two taps.
Turn on Messenger notifications for the hours you’re working.
Take down listings that are sold or leased, so you only get messages you can act on.

The more listings you post, the more of these conversations you start. ZillowLister Pro posts a listing from Zillow to Marketplace in under a minute, which leaves the time for answering. See the Individual plan.

Frequently asked questions

How do I respond to 'Is this still available?' on Facebook Marketplace?

Say yes, add one fact about the property, and offer two specific showing times. For example: 'Yes, it's available. I have showings open Thursday and Saturday. Which works better for you?'

How fast should I reply to Marketplace messages?

As fast as you can during working hours. Buyers and renters message several listings at once, and the first helpful reply usually gets the showing.

Should I negotiate price over Messenger?

No. Acknowledge the question, say the sellers will consider a written offer, and steer toward a showing.