How ClearClose obtains and manages SMS consent for real estate transaction reminders
ClearClose is a real estate transaction management platform that sends automated reminders to buyers and sellers about important transaction milestones (inspections, contingencies, closing dates). The only message sent before consent is the one-time opt-in invitation itself. No transaction reminder SMS messages are sent without explicit written consent from the recipient.
A licensed real estate agent logs into ClearClose and navigates to the Transactions page at clearcloseapp.com/Transactions
Transaction Form Fields:
The client opens their private transaction timeline link (delivered by email when the transaction is created) and completes the "Get Text Reminders (Optional)" form themselves: they select their name, enter their own mobile number next to the full SMS disclosure (ClearClose identification, transaction-reminder purpose, expected frequency, message & data rates, STOP/HELP information, and Terms/Privacy links), and tap "Send Verification Text". Only then does ClearClose send the verification SMS through the sendSMSOptIn backend function. The agent adding a phone number to a transaction never sends a text.
Example SMS Message:
The client receives the SMS and must reply "YES" to provide explicit written consent. No reminders are sent until this consent is received.
Consent Response:
Client replies:
YES
ClearClose confirms:
ClearClose: Thanks [First Name]! You'll now receive ClearClose text reminders about key dates in your transaction. Typically 5-10 msgs/transaction. Msg&data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Terms: clearcloseapp.com/Terms
When a client replies "YES", ClearClose's Twilio webhook (twilioWebhook function) processes the response and updates the client's record in the database, setting sms_consent: true,consent_date to the exact time of the reply, and consent_source tosms_keyword_reply.
Database Record:
{
"first_name": "John",
"last_name": "Doe",
"email": "john@example.com",
"phone": "+15551234567",
"sms_consent": true, // Set to true only after YES reply
"consent_date": "2026-09-15T14:22:31.000Z",
"consent_source": "sms_keyword_reply",
"opt_out_date": null
}In addition, every enrollment request from the client timeline form and every YES, NO, STOP, and HELP reply is written to an SMS Consent Audit Log recording the phone number, event type, timestamp, source (client timeline form or SMS keyword reply), associated client, and affected transactions — providing complete consent evidence.
Only after consent is confirmed, ClearClose sends SMS reminders about upcoming transaction milestones. The sendMilestoneReminders function checks for sms_consent === true before sending any SMS. Every reminder SMS identifies ClearClose and ends with "Reply STOP to opt out".
Example Reminder SMS:
Clients can opt-out at any time by replying STOP, STOPALL, NO, UNSUBSCRIBE, CANCEL, END, or QUIT to any SMS message.
Opt-Out Example:
Client replies:
STOP
ClearClose confirms:
ClearClose: You have been unsubscribed and will receive no further SMS messages. Terms: clearcloseapp.com/Terms Privacy: clearcloseapp.com/Privacy
When a client opts out, their sms_consent is set to false, their opt_out_date is recorded, the opt-out is written to the SMS Consent Audit Log, and no further SMS messages are sent to them.
Clients can reply HELP at any time to receive an automated response with program information, opt-out instructions, and links to the Terms, Privacy Policy, and support contact page.
Example HELP Response:
sendSMSOptIn - Public, token-gated endpoint that stores the client's self-submitted number from the timeline form and sends the verification texttwilioWebhook - Processes YES/NO/STOP/STOPALL/UNSUBSCRIBE/CANCEL/END/QUIT/HELP replies, updates consent status, and records every event in the SMS consent audit logsendMilestoneReminders - Sends reminders only to clients with sms_consent=trueConsent status is stored in the Transaction entity's clients array, with each client having an sms_consent boolean field that defaults to false, plusconsent_date,consent_source, andopt_out_date fields. Every consent event is also written to a dedicated SMS Consent Audit Log entity.
ClearClose uses Twilio as the SMS provider. All SMS messages include required TCPA compliance elements: ClearClose sender identification, opt-out instructions (STOP), HELP instructions, message frequency disclosure, message & data rate disclosure, and Terms/Privacy links on the opt-in message.
Explicit Written Consent: Required YES reply before any reminders
Clear Opt-Out Instructions: Every reminder message includes "Reply STOP to opt out"
HELP Keyword Handling: Replying HELP returns program info, opt-out instructions, and Terms/Privacy links
Consent Evidence: Every opt-in and opt-out is timestamped and recorded in an audit log with the phone number, source, client, and affected transactions
Message Purpose Disclosed: Initial SMS clearly states the purpose (transaction reminders)
Sender Identification: Messages identify ClearClose as the sender
Privacy Policy Link: Initial SMS includes link to privacy policy
Transactional Nature: Messages are transaction-specific reminders, not marketing
For questions about this consent process or to verify any details, please contact:
ClearClose Support
Website: clearcloseapp.com
Privacy Policy: clearcloseapp.com/Privacy
SMS Terms & Conditions: clearcloseapp.com/Terms
SMS Opt-In Info: clearcloseapp.com/SMSOptIn