You need more CURB APPEAL on your social media posts!

Just Like the Home You're Trying to Sell, the Better the Curb Appeal, the Quicker They Stop the Car—You Need a Great Hook to Stop the Scroll

Let’s be real—social media is a noisy, chaotic place. If you don’t grab someone’s attention in the first few seconds, they’re already onto the next video of Moo Deng the baby pygmy hippo splashing around and stealing hearts. As a real estate agent who has built a business using social media, I can tell you firsthand: hooks make all the difference.

Think about it like curb appeal for your post. When you’re selling a house, you want the outside to look inviting so buyers stop the car and take a closer look. If the house looks dull, they drive right by. The same goes for your social media posts—a strong hook makes people stop scrolling and pay attention.

But what exactly is a hook? A hook is the attention-grabbing element of your content—the thing that makes people stop, listen, and want to know more. Think of it like the front porch of a home: if it’s inviting, people will step inside. On social media, a great hook can be a bold statement, a question, a striking visual, or a compelling soundbite that makes people pause their scrolling and engage with your content.

So, if you want to keep people from scrolling past your posts faster than a buyer running from a home with an avocado-green kitchen, listen up. Here are five killer hook categories you need to master that will get your audience to stop, watch, and (hopefully) send you a DM asking how to buy or sell a house with you. 

1. Text Hooks – The Attention-Grabbing First Line

Where to Use: Instagram Captions/descriptions, Facebook Posts, Carousel Posts on Instagram

If your first line isn’t pulling people in, you’ve already lost them. Think about it like curb appeal for your post. If it’s boring, no one’s coming inside.

Example Hook:
 “I hate to break it to you, but your Zestimate is lying to you.”

How to Use It: Drop this as the first line in your Instagram caption when explaining how online home value estimates are wildly inaccurate. Then, educate your audience on why a real-life agent (aka YOU) is their best bet for real numbers.

2. Audio Hooks – The Sound That Stops the Scroll

Where to Use: Instagram Reels, TikTok Videos

Ever notice how some videos just suck you in within seconds? It’s not magic—it’s a great audio hook. Whether it’s your voice, a trending sound, or a dramatic gasp (yes, I’ve tried that), the first thing people hear makes them stay or scroll.

Example Hook:
 “If you’re waiting for home prices to crash… we need to talk.”

 How to Use It: Say this right at the start of a Reel or TikTok, then dive into the reality of the housing market. No fear-mongering, just facts (and a little humor because let’s be honest, buyers love to wait until it’s too late).

3. Visual Hooks – What Stops the Scroll

Where to Use: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube Thumbnails

A picture is worth a thousand words… or at least enough to get someone to stop scrolling and read what you have to say. Make it dramatic, unexpected, or just plain funny.

Example Hook:
A photo of you holding your head in shock with text overlay: “Buyers, STOP doing this!”

 How to Use It: This works for an Instagram carousel, Facebook post, or even a YouTube thumbnail. Use it to introduce a post about common homebuyer mistakes (like buying furniture before closing… please, don’t do that).

4. Spoken Hooks – What You Say First in a Video

Where to Use: TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts

If you start a video with “Hey guys, I just wanted to talk about…” stop. Delete. Try again. You have TWO seconds to convince people not to swipe away.

Example Hook:
“Did you know you can buy a house with NO money down? Here’s how.”

 How to Use It: Use this as your opening line in a short-form video. Then, drop some real knowledge about zero-down loan options. No fluff, just value (with a side of personality).

5. Engagement Hooks – Get People to Interact

Where to Use:  Facebook, Instagram Stories

Want more comments? Ask for them. No, really—it’s that simple. Engagement hooks create FOMO (fear of missing out) and get people to talk to you in the comments or DMs.

Example Hook:
“Would you rather buy a fixer-upper or a move-in ready home? Tell me in the comments!”

How to Use It: Use this on an Instagram story or Facebook post with two property photos side by side. People LOVE giving their opinions (especially about real estate), and the engagement will boost your post visibility.

Final Thoughts: Hook ‘Em Like a Pro

At the end of the day, your content is only as good as your hook. Whether it’s a killer caption, a bold opening line, or an unexpected visual, these five hooks will help you stop the scroll, increase engagement, and get more eyes on your business.

So, pick one and try it out today. And if you nail it, tag me on Instagram (@PinkyKnowsNaples) so I can hype you up. Now go out there and get people HOOKED! 🚀