In-Depth Follow Up Boss Reviews: What Real Estate Teams Must Know in 2026
Choosing the right Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software can define the success of a real estate business. With countless leads from different sources, disorganized follow-up is a direct path to lost commissions. Many agents and teams find themselves searching for comprehensive Follow Up Boss reviews to determine if this popular platform is the central nervous system their business needs. It promises to streamline communication, automate outreach, and provide clarity on which leads to focus on next, but does it deliver on that promise for every type of real estate professional?
This review breaks down everything you need to know about Follow Up Boss, from its core features and user interface to its pricing structure and customer support. We'll analyze real user feedback and compare it against its main competitors to give you a clear, unbiased picture. By the end, you'll understand exactly who Follow Up Boss is built for and whether it's the right investment to grow your real estate operations in 2026.
What to Know
- Centralized Hub: Follow Up Boss excels at consolidating leads from over 200 sources, emails, calls, and texts into a single, organized inbox, making it a powerful communication hub.
- Team-Oriented Design: The platform is built with teams in mind, offering advanced lead routing, agent accountability tracking, and collaborative tools that help team leaders manage performance effectively.
- Ease of Use: A common theme in user feedback is its intuitive interface and gentle learning curve. Agents can often get up and running quickly without extensive technical training.
- Integration is Key: Follow Up Boss is not an all-in-one solution. It relies on its vast library of integrations with other best-in-class tools for things like website creation, transaction management, and lead generation.
- Pricing Consideration: It is positioned as a premium CRM, and its cost can be higher than some competitors. This makes it a better fit for established agents and teams rather than those just starting out on a tight budget.
What is Follow Up Boss? An Overview for Real Estate Professionals
Follow Up Boss is a real estate-specific CRM designed to help agents, teams, and brokerages manage their leads and client relationships more efficiently. Unlike generic CRMs that try to serve every industry, every feature within Follow Up Boss is tailored to the daily workflow of a real estate professional. Its primary function is to act as a central command center for all lead and client interactions, ensuring no opportunity falls through the cracks.
The core philosophy of the platform is to do one thing exceptionally well: lead management and conversion. It pulls in leads from virtually any source you can think of—Zillow, Realtor.com, your website, Facebook Ads, and hundreds more. Once a lead is in the system, Follow Up Boss organizes all communication, including calls, emails, and text messages, into a single chronological timeline for each contact. This gives agents immediate context on every conversation, eliminating the need to search through different apps to piece together a client's history.
At its heart, Follow Up Boss answers the fundamental question for every agent: "Who should I call right now?" It uses smart lists, tags, and lead activity tracking to help agents prioritize their day. Instead of staring at a massive, static database of contacts, agents are presented with dynamic lists of the hottest leads who are most likely to transact. This focus on action makes it a powerful tool for driving sales activity and improving conversion rates, which is a consistent highlight in many follow up boss ratings.
A Deep Dive into Follow Up Boss Key Features
Follow Up Boss's reputation is built on a set of powerful, well-executed features designed for speed and efficiency. These tools work together to create a system that simplifies an agent's daily tasks and provides team leaders with critical business insights.
Centralized Team Inbox and Communication
One of the most praised features is the Team Inbox. It consolidates all incoming communication—new lead alerts, texts from clients, and emails—into one shared space. This ensures that every inquiry is handled promptly, even if the assigned agent is unavailable. Agents can make and receive calls and texts directly from the platform using a dedicated company number, and all of these interactions are automatically logged on the contact's record.
This eliminates manual data entry and provides a complete, transparent history of every conversation.
Smart Lists for Dynamic Lead Segmentation
Smart Lists are arguably the most powerful feature within Follow Up Boss. These are not static lists of contacts; they are dynamic, saved searches that automatically update in real-time based on criteria you set. For example, you can create a Smart List for "New leads from Zillow in the last 24 hours," "Contacts who haven't been called in 30 days," or "Leads who viewed a property on my website today." This allows agents to instantly see who needs their attention without having to manually filter through their database. It turns a reactive follow-up process into a proactive one.
Action Plans for Automated Follow-Up
Action Plans are automated sequences of emails, text messages, and task reminders that ensure consistent follow-up with every lead. You can create plans for different lead types, such as new online leads, past clients, or open house visitors. For instance, a new Zillow lead could trigger an Action Plan that sends an immediate introductory text, followed by an email a day later, and then creates a task for the agent to call on day three. This automation ensures every lead is nurtured according to best practices, saving agents time and increasing engagement.
Advanced Lead Routing for Teams
For teams, getting the right lead to the right agent quickly is critical. Follow Up Boss offers sophisticated lead routing rules to automate this process. Leads can be distributed based on a round-robin system, by zip code, price point, or lead source. It also includes a "First to Claim" option where a new lead alert is sent to a group of agents, and the first one to respond gets the lead.
This gamified approach, known as a Pond Account, encourages speed and responsiveness, which is crucial for converting online leads.
Reporting and Analytics
Team leaders and brokers need visibility into their business performance. Follow Up Boss provides detailed reporting dashboards that track key metrics. You can see agent activity levels (calls made, texts sent), lead source ROI (which sources are generating the most closings), and conversion rates at every stage of the funnel. These insights help leaders identify top performers, coach struggling agents, and make data-driven decisions about their marketing spend.
User Interface and Experience: Is Follow Up Boss Hard to Use?
One of the most consistent points of praise in follow up boss feedback is its user-friendly design. The platform was built with a clean, uncluttered interface that prioritizes speed and ease of use. This directly answers a common question from potential users: "Is Follow Up Boss hard to use?" For the vast majority of agents, the answer is no.
The main dashboard is intuitive, presenting the most important information—Smart Lists, tasks, and appointments—front and center. This design helps agents start their day with a clear plan of action. The learning curve is significantly less steep compared to more complex, all-in-one platforms that can feel bloated with features. Most users report feeling comfortable navigating the system and performing core tasks within the first few days of use.
The mobile app is another standout element of the user experience. It offers nearly full functionality of the desktop version, allowing agents to manage their business on the go. They can respond to new leads, make calls through the integrated dialer, send texts, and update contact information from anywhere. This is essential for real estate agents who spend much of their time away from a desk.
The app is known for being fast and reliable, which is a critical factor for agents who need to respond to leads instantly.
Follow Up Boss Pricing Plans Explained (2026)
Follow Up Boss is positioned as a premium CRM, and its pricing reflects its focus on serious agents and teams. While it's not the cheapest option on the market, users often justify the cost with the platform's efficiency and impact on conversion rates. As of early 2026, the pricing is structured in three main tiers. It's always best to visit the Follow Up Boss website for the most current pricing information.
| Plan | Price (per user/month, billed annually) | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grow | ~$57 | Individual agents or small teams | Core CRM, integrations, mobile app, Action Plans |
| Pro | ~$416 (for up to 10 users) | Growing teams | All Grow features + advanced lead routing, team inbox, reporting |
| Platform | ~$833 (for up to 30 users) | Large teams and brokerages | All Pro features + priority support, API access, white-glove onboarding |
1. Grow Plan: This plan is designed for individual agents or very small teams just getting started. It includes the core CRM functionalities, Smart Lists, Action Plans, email integration, and the mobile app. It's a solid foundation for organizing leads and streamlining follow-up.
2. Pro Plan: This is the most popular plan and is built for teams. It includes everything in the Grow plan but adds the essential team features: the Team Inbox, advanced lead routing rules, agent accountability reporting, and the ability to use a shared team phone number for calls and texts. This plan provides the tools team leaders need to manage their agents effectively.
3. Platform Plan: Aimed at larger teams and brokerages, this top-tier plan offers everything in Pro plus more advanced features like API access for custom integrations, a dedicated success manager, and priority support. It's designed for high-volume businesses that need a more customized and supported solution.
Follow Up Boss typically offers a 14-day free trial, allowing users to test the platform's full capabilities before committing to a subscription.
The Power of Integrations: Connecting Your Tech Stack
Follow Up Boss operates on a "best-in-class" philosophy rather than an "all-in-one" approach. This means it focuses on being the best CRM on the market and integrates seamlessly with other top tools that handle different parts of a real estate business. This is a key differentiator and a major strength for agents who already have tools they love.
The platform boasts over 250 native integrations, allowing you to connect your entire tech stack. This ensures that data flows automatically between systems, eliminating duplicate entry and keeping all your information in sync. Key integration categories include:
- Lead Generation: It connects with virtually every lead source, including Zillow, Realtor.com, BoomTown, Cinc, Real Geeks, and Facebook Lead Ads. When a new lead comes in from any of these sources, it's instantly created in Follow Up Boss, and an Action Plan can be triggered.
- Marketing Tools: You can connect email marketing platforms like Mailchimp or Constant Contact to sync your contacts for newsletters and other marketing campaigns.
- Transaction Management: Integrations with platforms like Dotloop, SkySlope, and Brokermint mean you can see a contact's transaction status directly within their Follow Up Boss profile.
- Websites and IDX: It works with most major real estate website providers, allowing you to track when leads are browsing properties on your site.
- Productivity: Connections with Google Calendar and Outlook ensure your appointments are always synced. Zapier integration opens up thousands of other possibilities for custom automation workflows.
This robust integration ecosystem allows agents to build a customized tech stack around a powerful CRM hub, rather than being locked into the mediocre features of an all-in-one platform.
Evaluating Customer Support and Learning Resources
High-quality customer support is crucial for any business-critical software, and this is an area where Follow Up Boss consistently receives high marks. Many follow up boss testimonials specifically mention the responsiveness and helpfulness of their support team. They offer support via phone and email, and users report fast response times and knowledgeable staff who understand the real estate industry.
Beyond reactive support, the company invests heavily in proactive education and training. They offer daily live webinars covering everything from basic setup to advanced strategies for lead conversion. These sessions are interactive and provide a great opportunity for users to ask questions and learn best practices directly from Follow Up Boss experts.
The online help center is extensive and well-organized, with detailed articles and video tutorials covering every feature. They also maintain an active Facebook community where users can share tips, ask for advice, and learn from other successful agents and teams. This combination of direct support, live training, and community resources ensures that users have everything they need to get the most out of the platform.
Pro Tip: When you first sign up, take advantage of the onboarding calls and daily webinars. Investing a few hours upfront to learn the system's core functionalities, especially Smart Lists and Action Plans, will pay dividends in productivity and lead conversion down the road.
Real User Feedback: Follow Up Boss Testimonials and Ratings
To get a true sense of a platform's value, it's essential to look at unfiltered user feedback. Across major software review sites like G2, Capterra, and Software Advice, follow up boss ratings are consistently high, often averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars or better. The praise typically centers on three main areas: ease of use, powerful team features, and excellent customer support.
Users frequently describe the software as "intuitive" and "the best CRM for real estate." Many testimonials highlight how it helped them get organized and finally gain control over their lead flow. Team leaders, in particular, praise the accountability features and the ability to see exactly what their agents are doing, which helps them coach more effectively. One user on G2 noted, "The platform is intuitive, fast, and incredibly powerful. I love how easy it is to track conversations, set reminders, and keep all client info in one place."
Of course, no software is perfect, and some critical follow up boss feedback does exist. The most common criticism is the price, with some solo agents or those on a tight budget finding it too expensive. Another point is that it's not an all-in-one solution. Users looking for a single platform that includes a website, IDX, and lead generation tools will need to look elsewhere or be prepared to integrate other services.
However, for many, this is seen as a strength, not a weakness.
Here is a video review that provides a balanced look at the pros and cons based on a user's experience:
Follow Up Boss vs. The Competition
Follow Up Boss exists in a competitive landscape of real estate CRMs, each with a different approach. Understanding how it compares to the alternatives is key to making the right choice.
| Feature | Follow Up Boss | kvCORE | BoomTown / Chime | LionDesk / Wise Agent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Model | Best-in-class CRM | All-in-one Platform | All-in-one Platform | Budget CRM |
| Best For | Teams focused on conversion | Brokerages wanting one system | Teams needing lead generation | Solo agents on a budget |
| Website/IDX | No (Integrates) | Yes (Included) | Yes (Included) | Yes (Varies) |
| Strengths | Ease of use, integrations, team management | Built-in lead gen, automation | Strong lead gen, predictive analytics | Affordability, broad feature set |
| Weaknesses | Higher cost, requires other tools | Steeper learning curve, less intuitive CRM | Expensive, locked-in ecosystem | Less polished UI, weaker support |
Follow Up Boss vs. kvCORE
kvCORE is a true all-in-one platform often provided by brokerages to their agents. It includes a CRM, IDX website, lead generation tools, and advanced marketing automation. Its main advantage is having everything under one roof. However, its CRM is generally considered less intuitive and user-friendly than Follow Up Boss.
The choice often comes down to whether you want an integrated but less specialized system (kvCORE) or a top-tier CRM that connects to other tools (Follow Up Boss).
Follow Up Boss vs. BoomTown and Chime
BoomTown and Chime are also all-in-one platforms that are very strong on the lead generation side. They offer predictive analytics and sophisticated advertising tools to generate new business. Like kvCORE, their CRM functionality is often seen as secondary to their lead gen capabilities. These platforms can be very expensive and are best for teams who want to buy a complete lead generation and management system.
Follow Up Boss vs. LionDesk and Wise Agent
LionDesk and Wise Agent are popular budget-friendly alternatives. They offer a wide range of features, including CRM, transaction management, and marketing tools, at a much lower price point. While they are highly functional, they generally lack the polished user interface, speed, and deep integration capabilities of Follow Up Boss. They are excellent options for individual agents or small teams who need a solid CRM without the premium price tag.
The Pros and Cons: An Honest Assessment
Every software has its strengths and weaknesses. A balanced look at the pros and cons is essential for making an informed decision.
What We Like (Pros)
- Exceptional Ease of Use: The intuitive interface means less time spent on training and more time spent selling. Agents can adopt it quickly and see immediate benefits.
- Powerful Team Functionality: From lead routing to agent accountability reports, the platform is expertly designed to help team leaders manage and grow their business.
- Superior Mobile App: The full-featured and reliable mobile app allows agents to run their entire business from their phone.
- Extensive Integrations: The ability to connect with over 250 other real estate tools allows you to build a custom tech stack that fits your exact needs.
- Top-Notch Customer Support: Fast, knowledgeable support and a wealth of training resources ensure you're never left without help.
Where It Could Improve (Cons)
- Premium Pricing: It is one of the more expensive CRMs on the market, which can be a barrier for new agents or those with a limited budget.
- Not an All-in-One Solution: You will need separate tools for your website, IDX search, and lead generation, which adds to the overall cost and complexity of your tech stack.
- Limited Built-in Marketing: While it has Action Plans for drip campaigns, it lacks the advanced email marketing and design capabilities of dedicated platforms like Mailchimp.
Best Practices for Maximizing Follow Up Boss
Simply subscribing to Follow Up Boss isn't enough; you have to use it effectively to see a real return on your investment. Here are a few best practices to get the most out of the platform.
Master Your Smart Lists
Your Smart Lists are your daily to-do list. Spend time creating lists that segment your database by priority. Create lists for new leads, leads that need immediate follow-up, past clients to check in with, and hot prospects who have been active on your website. Start your day by working through these lists from top to bottom.
Build and Refine Your Action Plans
Don't rely on the default Action Plans. Customize them to match your voice, brand, and follow-up strategy. Create different plans for different lead sources (e.g., Zillow leads get a different message than open house leads). Regularly review the performance of your plans and tweak them to improve open and response rates.
Live in the Mobile App
Speed to lead is everything in real estate. Use the mobile app to respond to new leads within minutes, no matter where you are. Use downtime between appointments to make calls from your Smart Lists and log notes directly in the app. The more you use it, the more it becomes an indispensable part of your daily workflow.
Integrate Your Most Important Tools
Connect your primary lead sources, your calendar, and your transaction management software from day one. Automating the flow of data between these systems will save you hours of manual work each week and ensure your CRM is always the single source of truth for your business.
FAQ: Answering Your Top Questions About Follow Up Boss
Here are detailed answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Follow Up Boss.
How good is Follow Up Boss?
Follow Up Boss is widely regarded as one of the best, if not the best, CRMs specifically for real estate agents and teams. Its strength lies in its simplicity, powerful communication tools, and team-focused features. It excels at helping agents manage a high volume of leads and conversations efficiently, which directly translates to higher conversion rates and more closed deals. While it's not an all-in-one solution, its performance as a pure CRM is top-tier.
Is Follow Up Boss owned by Zillow?
Yes, as of late 2023, Follow Up Boss was acquired by Zillow Group. However, the company continues to operate as an independent brand. They have stated that their platform will remain open, meaning it will continue to integrate with all lead sources, including Zillow's competitors. The goal of the acquisition was to pair Zillow's lead generation capabilities with Follow Up Boss's powerful CRM.
How secure is Follow Up Boss?
Follow Up Boss takes security seriously, as it handles sensitive client data. They use industry-standard security practices, including data encryption both in transit and at rest. The platform is hosted on secure cloud infrastructure, and they implement measures to protect against unauthorized access. For specific details on their security protocols, it's best to consult their official documentation or contact their support team.
Does Follow Up Boss record calls?
Yes, Follow Up Boss offers call recording capabilities on its higher-tier plans. When you make calls through the platform's integrated dialer, you can choose to have them recorded. These recordings are then automatically saved to the contact's timeline, which is incredibly useful for reviewing conversations, coaching agents, and maintaining compliance records. You must, however, comply with all local and federal laws regarding call recording and consent.
How many agents use Follow Up Boss?
While the exact number fluctuates, it is estimated that tens of thousands of real estate agents, teams, and brokerages use Follow Up Boss. It is particularly popular among high-producing teams and is used by a significant portion of the top real estate teams ranked in The Wall Street Journal's REAL Trends list. Its user base is a testament to its effectiveness in the industry.
Does Follow Up Boss give you a phone number?
Yes, Follow Up Boss provides users with a dedicated phone number (or multiple numbers for teams). This number can be used for making and receiving calls and texts directly within the platform. All communication through this number is automatically logged, providing a clean record of every interaction and keeping agents' personal cell phone numbers private.
Final Verdict: Is Follow Up Boss Worth the Investment?
After a thorough review of its features, user feedback, and market position, it's clear that Follow Up Boss is a formidable tool for real estate professionals. It delivers on its promise of simplifying lead management and driving productive agent activity. Its clean interface, powerful team features, and extensive integration capabilities make it a top contender in the real estate CRM space.
So, is it worth the investment? For the right user, absolutely. Follow Up Boss is ideal for established individual agents, growing teams, and large brokerages that prioritize lead conversion and agent accountability. If you already have your lead generation sources figured out and need a powerful engine to manage and convert those leads, Follow Up Boss is likely the best solution on the market.
However, it may not be the best fit for everyone. Brand new agents on a shoestring budget might find the cost prohibitive and could be better served by a more affordable alternative like LionDesk. Similarly, agents who want a single, all-in-one platform that includes a website, IDX, and marketing tools out of the box might prefer a solution like kvCORE. But for those who subscribe to the best-in-class philosophy and want the most efficient CRM to act as the hub of their business, Follow Up Boss is a clear winner.
