Follow Up Boss Reviews 2026: Is It Worth It for Real Estate Teams?
Choosing the right Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system can make or break a real estate business. With leads coming from dozens of sources, agents need a central hub to track conversations, automate communication, and ensure no opportunity falls through the cracks. Many agents and team leaders searching for comprehensive Follow Up Boss reviews want to know if this popular platform truly delivers on its promises. It's designed specifically for real estate, but does that focus translate into tangible results for your business?
This review breaks down everything you need to know about Follow Up Boss. We'll go through its core features, analyze the user experience, examine the pricing structure, and see how it stacks up against the competition. By the end, you'll have a clear picture of its strengths and weaknesses, helping you decide if it’s the right investment to scale your operations.
Quick Summary
- Real Estate Specific: Follow Up Boss is built from the ground up for real estate agents and teams, focusing on lead consolidation, rapid response, and long-term nurture.
- Core Strengths: Its main advantages are a highly intuitive user interface, powerful automation through "Action Plans," and seamless integration with over 250 real estate lead sources and tools.
- Primary Drawback: The main point of hesitation for many is the per-user pricing model, which can become a significant expense for larger teams or brokerages.
- Best For: It is ideally suited for growing real estate teams and high-producing agents who need a robust system to manage a high volume of leads from various platforms and improve agent accountability.
What is Follow Up Boss? An In-Depth Overview
Follow Up Boss is a real estate CRM designed to be the central command center for an agent's or team's lead generation and client management activities. Unlike generic CRMs that try to serve every industry, its entire feature set is tailored to the specific workflow of a real estate professional. The platform's primary goal is to solve the biggest problem in real estate lead generation: speed to lead and consistent follow-up.
It works by automatically pulling in leads from virtually any source you can think of—Zillow, Realtor.com, your own website, Facebook Ads, and hundreds more—into a single, organized inbox. From there, it provides tools to instantly route those leads to agents, trigger automated text and email sequences, and track every single interaction. This ensures that every potential client receives a prompt response and is consistently nurtured over time.
It’s built for collaboration, making it a favorite among team leaders and brokers. It offers clear visibility into agent performance, showing who is following up with leads, how quickly they are responding, and how many appointments they are setting. This level of transparency helps leaders coach their agents effectively and hold the team accountable to its goals. For many, Follow Up Boss isn't just a database; it's an accountability and conversion engine.

A Deep Dive into Follow Up Boss Features
While many CRMs have similar-sounding features, the effectiveness is in the execution. The consistent positive follow up boss feedback often points to how well its features work together to create an efficient workflow for agents. Here’s a detailed look at the tools that define the platform.
Centralized Inbox & Lead Management
The foundation of Follow Up Boss is its all-in-one inbox. It consolidates new lead notifications, incoming emails, text messages, and calls into a single stream. This prevents agents from having to constantly switch between their email client, phone, and various lead portals. When a new lead arrives from any connected source, it appears in the system instantly.
For teams, the lead routing is a critical component. You can set up rules to distribute leads in a variety of ways. A "First to Claim" system, also known as a Shark Tank or Pond, puts new leads into a central pool where the first available agent can grab it. Alternatively, a Round Robin system automatically assigns leads to agents in a rotating sequence, ensuring fair distribution.
This flexibility allows teams to adapt the system to their specific business model.
Action Plans & Automation
Action Plans are arguably the most powerful feature within Follow Up Boss. These are customizable sequences of automated emails, text messages, and internal task reminders for agents. You can create different Action Plans for different types of leads, such as new buyer leads from Zillow, seller leads from a website form, or long-term nurture contacts.
For example, a new internet lead could trigger an Action Plan that immediately sends an introductory text message, followed by an email 10 minutes later. The next day, it could create a task reminding the agent to make a personal phone call. These automated touchpoints ensure every lead gets immediate and consistent attention, even when agents are busy, dramatically increasing the chances of engagement and conversion.
Smart Lists for Lead Segmentation
Smart Lists are dynamic, saved filters that automatically group your contacts based on specific criteria. Instead of manually sorting through a database, agents can click on a Smart List to see exactly who they need to contact at any given moment. This transforms a reactive database into a proactive to-do list.
An agent could have a Smart List for "New Leads Today," "People I Haven't Emailed in 30 Days," or "Hot Prospects Who Viewed a Property This Week." These lists update in real time as contact activity changes. This feature helps agents prioritize their day efficiently, focusing their energy on the most promising opportunities without having to manually search for them.
Pro Tip: Create a Smart List for contacts you haven't spoken to in over 90 days but who have recently visited your website. This is a goldmine for re-engaging old leads who are showing renewed interest.
Integrated Calling and Texting
Follow Up Boss includes a fully integrated communication system. With the built-in dialer (available on Pro and Platform plans), agents can make and receive calls directly from their computer or mobile app. The system automatically logs every call to the contact's record, and you can even enable call recording for training and compliance purposes.
Texting is also native to the platform. Agents can send individual or mass texts using a dedicated business number, keeping their personal cell number private. All text conversations are stored in the contact's timeline, giving team leaders full visibility into communications. This feature is essential for modern real estate, where texting is often the preferred method of communication for clients.
Reporting and Agent Accountability
For team leaders and brokers, the reporting suite is invaluable. Dashboards provide a clear, at-a-glance view of key performance indicators (KPIs). You can track lead volume by source, agent response times, number of calls made, appointments set, and deals closed. This data is crucial for understanding what’s working and where the team needs improvement.
The Agent Activity report shows a leaderboard of who is making the most calls, sending the most texts, and closing the most deals. This fosters a sense of friendly competition and allows leaders to identify top performers as well as agents who may need additional coaching. This focus on data-driven management is a key reason why so many teams rely on the platform.


User Experience: Is Follow Up Boss Hard to Use?
One of the most consistent themes in follow up boss ratings is its ease of use. The platform is frequently praised for its clean, modern, and intuitive interface. Unlike some CRMs that feel bloated and confusing, Follow Up Boss prioritizes simplicity and speed, which is critical for busy agents.
Getting started is straightforward. The layout is logical, with the main navigation on the left and the central workspace displaying your inbox, contact lists, or reports. The design minimizes clutter, helping users focus on the task at hand: contacting leads. Most agents find that they can get up and running with the core features within a few hours, and the company provides extensive training resources to help with the more advanced tools.
The mobile app is a crucial part of the user experience, allowing agents to manage their business on the go. It provides access to contacts, the dialer, texting, and task management. While the app is generally well-regarded for its functionality, some user feedback mentions occasional slowness or minor bugs. However, the company releases frequent updates to address these issues, and for most users, the app is a reliable tool for working outside the office.
Follow Up Boss Pricing Plans Explained (2026)
Follow Up Boss operates on a subscription model with pricing that varies based on features and the number of users. It's important to note that their pricing is structured on a per-user basis, which can make it more expensive than some competitors, especially for large teams. It's always best to visit the Follow Up Boss website for the most current pricing information, but here is a general overview of their typical plans.
-
Grow: This is the entry-level plan, often suitable for solo agents or small teams just getting started. It includes the core CRM features, lead routing, Action Plans, and integrations. It typically comes with a set number of users included in the base price.
-
Pro: This is their most popular plan and is designed for established teams. It adds significant features like the integrated dialer with call recording, more advanced reporting, and support for a larger number of users. The ability to manage the entire communication cycle within one platform is a major draw for this tier.
-
Platform: This top-tier plan is for large teams and brokerages that need the highest level of customization and support. It includes everything in Pro, plus features like a dedicated success manager, API access for custom integrations, and priority support.
The cost can be a significant factor. While the platform is powerful, its per-user fee means the monthly bill can add up quickly as you add more agents. Teams need to weigh this cost against the potential return on investment from increased conversion rates and agent productivity.
Quality of Customer Support and Learning Resources
A powerful tool is only as good as the support behind it. Follow Up Boss generally receives positive marks for its customer support and educational resources. They offer support via email and phone, with response times that are typically fast. Most users report that the support team is knowledgeable and helpful in resolving issues.
However, like any service, there are occasional reports of slower-than-expected response times, particularly during peak hours. This is a common critique for many software companies, but it's something to be aware of. Overall, the sentiment around their support is favorable.
Beyond direct support, the company invests heavily in user education. They host multiple live webinars each week covering everything from basic setup to advanced strategies for lead conversion. Their online help center is extensive, with detailed articles and video tutorials covering every feature. This wealth of resources empowers users to get the most out of the platform without needing to contact support for every question.
The Power of Integrations: Connecting Your Tech Stack
One of Follow Up Boss's greatest strengths is its ability to act as the central hub of a real estate agent's technology stack. It integrates with over 250 different applications, a number that far exceeds many of its competitors. This means you can connect nearly any tool you already use directly to the CRM.
Key integration categories include:
- Lead Sources: It connects directly with Zillow, Realtor.com, Homes.com, Ylopo, CINC, and hundreds of other lead generation platforms. This ensures leads flow into your CRM automatically and instantly.
- Marketing Tools: You can link services like Mailchimp for email newsletters or CallAction for call capture, keeping all your marketing efforts synced.
- Transaction Management: Integrations with platforms like Dotloop, SkySlope, and Brokermint allow you to see transaction statuses directly within a contact's profile.
- Flexibility with Zapier: For any tool not on their native integration list, Follow Up Boss connects to Zapier. This opens up possibilities to link with thousands of other apps, allowing for almost limitless customization of your workflows.
This robust integration ecosystem is a major selling point. It saves agents time, reduces manual data entry, and ensures that all client information is up-to-date and accessible in one place.
Follow Up Boss Pros and Cons: A Balanced Look
No CRM is perfect for everyone. To provide a fair assessment, it's crucial to look at both the strengths and weaknesses mentioned in user testimonials and reviews. Here’s a balanced breakdown.
Pros
- Exceptional Ease of Use: The clean and intuitive interface requires minimal training, allowing teams to get up and running quickly.
- Powerful Automation: Action Plans are a highly effective tool for ensuring consistent and timely follow-up with every lead.
- Superior Lead Consolidation: The ability to pull in leads from over 250 sources into one inbox is a massive time-saver and organizational benefit.
- Strong Team Features: Advanced lead routing, agent leaderboards, and detailed reporting make it an excellent choice for managing team performance and accountability.
- Extensive Integrations: Its vast library of native integrations and Zapier connection make it one of the most flexible CRMs on the market.
Cons
- High Per-User Cost: The pricing model can become expensive for large teams, making it less accessible for those on a tight budget.
- Not an All-in-One Solution: Follow Up Boss is a pure CRM. It does not include a website, IDX search, or advanced marketing design tools like some competitors (e.g., kvCORE or Chime).
- Mobile App Performance: Some users report that the mobile app can occasionally be slow or buggy, though it is generally functional.
- Limited Customization: While powerful, it offers less deep-level customization of fields and layouts compared to enterprise-level CRMs like Salesforce.
How Follow Up Boss Compares to Competitors
To understand where Follow Up Boss fits in the market, it's helpful to compare it to a few popular alternatives. Each platform serves a slightly different need, and the best choice depends on your business model.
| Feature | Follow Up Boss | kvCORE | Chime | LionDesk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Team-oriented CRM & Follow-up | All-in-one Platform (IDX, Website) | All-in-one Platform with AI Focus | Budget-friendly CRM for Solo Agents |
| User Interface | Very clean and intuitive | Can be complex and cluttered | Modern but feature-heavy | Simple, but feels dated to some |
| Best For | Teams focused on conversion | Brokerages wanting a single system | Tech-savvy teams wanting AI tools | Solo agents or small teams on a budget |
| Pricing Model | Per-user, can be expensive | Often included by brokerage | Per-user, comparable to FUB | Lower cost, more affordable |
Follow Up Boss vs. kvCORE: The main difference is philosophy. Follow Up Boss aims to be the best-in-class CRM that integrates with other tools. kvCORE aims to be an all-in-one solution that provides the CRM, website, IDX, and marketing tools in a single package.
If you already have a website you love, FUB is often the better choice. If you want everything under one roof, kvCORE is a contender.
Follow Up Boss vs. Chime: Chime is another all-in-one platform that competes closely with FUB. Chime is often noted for its strong AI features and built-in Power Dialer. However, many users still prefer Follow Up Boss for its simplicity and superior user experience.
Follow Up Boss vs. LionDesk: LionDesk is a popular choice for agents looking for a more affordable CRM. It offers many core features like drip campaigns and contact management at a lower price point. However, Follow Up Boss is generally considered more powerful, faster, and better suited for managing a team.
Real-World Success: Follow Up Boss Testimonials and Case Studies
Across various software review sites, follow up boss testimonials consistently highlight a few key themes. Agents and team leaders frequently praise the platform for bringing order to the chaos of lead management. A common success story involves a team that was struggling with leads slipping through the cracks because they were spread across multiple spreadsheets and email inboxes.
After implementing Follow Up Boss, they were able to centralize everything. By using Action Plans, their lead response time dropped significantly, and their contact rate increased by over 30%. The team leader, using the reporting dashboard, could finally see which lead sources were providing the best ROI and which agents were excelling at converting them. This data allowed them to make smarter marketing investments and provide targeted coaching.
Many follow up boss ratings on sites like G2 and Capterra give it 4.5 stars or higher, with users citing the Smart Lists feature as a favorite for organizing their day. The sentiment from a Reddit discussion in r/RealEstateTechnology echoes this, with one user stating, "It's probably the best CRM out there for real estate agents. They also have great customer service." This real-world feedback underscores the platform's effectiveness in solving common industry pain points.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Follow Up Boss owned by Zillow?
Yes. In late 2023, Zillow Group announced its acquisition of Follow Up Boss. The company has stated that Follow Up Boss will continue to operate as an independent brand and will maintain its integration partnerships with other lead sources, not just Zillow.
How does Follow Up Boss work?
Follow Up Boss works by consolidating leads from all your sources into one platform. It then provides tools like automated Action Plans, a team inbox, and an integrated dialer to help you and your team respond to, track, and nurture those leads through the entire sales cycle, from initial contact to closing.
Is Follow Up Boss hard to use?
No, Follow Up Boss is widely regarded as one of the most user-friendly real estate CRMs on the market. Its interface is clean, modern, and intuitive. Most new users can learn the basic functions within a day, and extensive training resources are available to master the advanced features.
Does Follow Up Boss record calls?
Yes, the Pro and Platform plans include a built-in dialer that has the option to record inbound and outbound calls. This feature is useful for agent training, quality assurance, and maintaining a record of important client conversations.
What are the cons of Follow Up Boss?
The primary disadvantages are its per-user pricing, which can be expensive for larger teams, and the fact that it is not an all-in-one solution (it lacks a built-in website or IDX). Some users also report occasional performance issues with the mobile app.
Can you mass text in Follow Up Boss?
Yes, Follow Up Boss has a mass texting feature. You can select a group of contacts from a Smart List and send them all a personalized text message at once. This is great for event announcements, holiday greetings, or new listing notifications.
How much is a Follow Up Boss for one person?
The "Grow" plan is typically the starting point for a solo agent. While pricing can change, this plan provides all the core CRM functionalities needed for an individual. It's best to check their official website for the most current and accurate pricing details.
Final Verdict: Is Follow Up Boss the Right CRM for You?
After a thorough review of its features, user feedback, and market position, it's clear that Follow Up Boss is a top-tier CRM for the real estate industry. Its laser focus on the needs of agents and teams has resulted in a polished, powerful, and highly effective platform for lead management and conversion.
You should seriously consider Follow Up Boss if:
- You are a team leader or broker who needs to improve agent accountability and track performance.
- You generate leads from multiple online sources and need a reliable way to centralize and distribute them instantly.
- You value a clean, fast, and intuitive user experience over having an all-in-one system with a steeper learning curve.
You might want to consider alternatives if:
- You are a solo agent on a very tight budget.
- You need an all-in-one platform that includes a public-facing website and IDX search capabilities.
- Your business requires deep, complex customization of the CRM's database structure.
For most growing real estate teams, the investment in Follow Up Boss pays for itself through increased efficiency and higher conversion rates. It excels at its core mission: helping you follow up. If that's the biggest bottleneck in your business, it's one of the best solutions available today. To see if it fits your workflow, you can explore more on the Follow Up Boss website.

