How to answer a DM that just says 'price?'

Someone watches a reel, taps through, and types one word. Most brokers reply with a number and never hear from them again. The number was never the question.

Why the number ends the conversation

A price with no context can only be judged against a budget, so the reader does one of two things: decides it is too expensive and leaves, or decides it is affordable and goes to look at four other listings with the same information. Either way you have handed over your only reason to keep talking.

Answer, then ask

Do not withhold the price — that is transparently a tactic and it irritates people. Give it, add one piece of context they could not have got from the post, and ask one question.

Weak: AED 2.1M

Better: AED 2.1M, and the service charge on that one is on the higher side for the building because of the chiller setup. Are you looking to live in it or rent it out? Changes which floor I would point you at.

That reply does three things: gives the number, proves you know the building, and asks something they can answer in four words.

One question, not three

A DM that asks budget, timeline and purpose in one go reads like a form. People do not fill in forms in their inbox. Ask the single question that most changes what you would show them, and get the rest later in conversation.

Speed matters more than polish

A reply in ten minutes while they are still on their phone is worth several perfectly worded replies the next morning. If you cannot answer properly, answer briefly and say when you will follow up.

Move it off Instagram, but not immediately

Asking for a WhatsApp number in the first reply reads as a grab. Have the exchange, be useful twice, and then move it: 'easier to send you the floor plans on WhatsApp — what is the best number?' By then it is a convenience rather than a demand.

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