What Is the 3-3-3 Rule in Real Estate?

The 3-3-3 rule in real estate is a mental model for evaluating decisions across multiple time horizons. It encourages looking beyond first impressions to consider short-term, medium-term, and long-term outcomes.

The Quick Answer

At a Glance

• For Buyers: Evaluate purchases over 3 days, 3 months, and 3 years

• For Agents: Follow up within 3 hours, 3 days, and 3 weeks

• Purpose: Balance immediate reactions with long-term thinking

• Application: Works for property decisions AND lead nurturing

Version 1: The Buyer's 3-3-3 Rule

When evaluating a property purchase, consider:

3 Days

• First impressions: Does the home feel right?
• Logistics: Can you visualize daily life here?
• Deal breakers: Any immediate concerns?

3 Months

• Settling in: Will the layout work for your routine?
• Neighborhood: How will you feel about the commute, neighbors, noise?
• Hidden costs: Maintenance issues that weren't obvious?

3 Years

• Life changes: Does the home accommodate potential changes (kids, remote work, aging parents)?
• Equity building: Will the property appreciate?
• Resale potential: Could you sell it if needed?

Version 2: The Agent's 3-3-3 Rule

For lead follow-up, the 3-3-3 rule focuses on contact timing:

3 Hours

• Immediate response: Reply to new inquiries within 3 hours
• Hot leads: Buyers who just attended an open house
• Why it matters: Speed-to-lead determines conversion rates

3 Days

• Second touch: Follow up if no response
• Value add: Share relevant listings or market insights
• Keep momentum: Don't let leads go cold

3 Weeks

• Long-term nurture: Check in with leads not ready to act
• Stay top-of-mind: Market updates, neighborhood news
• Automated: This is where email automation shines

AgentSequence automates these touchpoints so no lead slips through the cracks while you focus on high-value conversations.

Related Rules in Real Estate

The 4-3-2-1 Rule (Investment)

A rental property evaluation method:

• 4x gross monthly rent should cover the purchase price
• 3% of value budgeted annually for repairs
• 2 months vacancy per year estimated
• 1 great property manager is worth their fee

The Rule of 3 (Showings)

Many buyers make offers after seeing 3 homes. If a buyer has seen 10+ homes without making an offer, expectations may need resetting.

Applying the 3-3-3 Rule to Your Business

1. Set up automated follow-up — Tools like AgentSequence handle the 3-day and 3-week touches automatically
2. Train for speed — Respond to new leads within 3 hours (or faster)
3. Coach buyers — Encourage the 3-3-3 evaluation to reduce buyer's remorse
4. Review quarterly — Apply 3-3-3 thinking to your own business decisions

Ready to Automate Your 3-3-3 Follow-Up?

AgentSequence ensures every lead gets the 3-hour, 3-day, and 3-week touches without manual effort.

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