Overview
Before your emails can be reliably delivered, your email domain needs three DNS authentication records: SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. Without them, email providers may flag your messages as spam—even if your email content is great.
The DNS Configuration Wizard walks you through adding all three records step by step, right from BoldTrail. It generates the exact values you need, validates your setup, and— f you don't manage your own DNS—creates a ready-to-send instruction block for your IT team or domain administrator.
Please Note: If BoldTrail hosts your DNS, your records are already configured automatically. You will not see the setup prompt described below.
Who Needs to Complete This Setup
Your situation | What you'll see |
Custom/vanity domain (e.g., yourname@yourbrokerage.com) and DNS is not hosted by BoldTrail or Cloudflare | Setup prompt — action required ✅ |
Free email domain (Gmail, Hotmail, etc.) | No prompt—your mail routes through BoldTrail's relay system automatically |
Domain hosted by BoldTrail or Cloudflare | No prompt—your records are configured automatically |
Custom domain already properly configured | No prompt—you'll see a green checkmark on your profile page |
Where to Find the Wizard
The DNS Configuration Wizard is accessible from two places in BoldTrail:
Profile page — Look for the DNS status button in your profile side panel. If setup is needed, the button is clickable. If your DNS is already configured, you'll see a checkmark instead.
Email editor — A banner alert appears at the top of the email composer each time you go to send email, if your DNS is not yet configured. Click the link in the banner to open the wizard.
Setting Up Your DNS Records
Step 1: Open the Wizard
Click the DNS setup button on your profile page or the link in the composer banner. The wizard will automatically detect your email domain (the part after the @ in your BoldTrail email address) and load the required record values.
Step 2: Add Your SPF Record
The wizard displays the Host/Name, Value, and TTL for your SPF record, with copy buttons and instructions.
Already have an SPF record? SPF requires exactly one TXT record at your domain root. Do not create a second one — you must merge BoldTrail's values into your existing record instead.
Add the following to your existing SPF record: include:sendgrid.net and ip4:198.202.27.0/24
Example: If your existing record is v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all, the merged result should be: v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com include:sendgrid.net ip4:198.202.27.0/24 ~all
Step 3: Add Your DKIM Record
The wizard displays the DKIM selector subdomain and key value (this is typically a long string). Add it as a single TXT record at your DNS provider.
Step 4: Add Your DMARC Record
The wizard displays the _dmarc host and the recommended value: v=DMARC1; p=none;
Already have a DMARC record? You may keep your existing policy. If your current record uses p=quarantine or p=reject, that's fine — the BoldTrail value is a recommendation, not a requirement. Your stricter policy will not break authentication.
Step 5: Validate Your Records
Once you've added all three records at your DNS provider, click Validate DNS Records in the wizard. The wizard checks each record and shows a per-record status.
All records pass: You'll see a success confirmation and the button on your profile will update to a checkmark.
One or more records fail: See the troubleshooting section below.
If You Don't Manage Your Own DNS
If you're in a large brokerage or your company's IT team controls your DNS, you don't need to do this yourself.
On any step of the wizard, click "I'm not the domain owner/admin." This generates a complete, pre-formatted block with all three records — including Record Type, Host/Name, Value, and TTL — plus instructions for adding them. Click Copy All Instructions and paste the block into an email or IT ticket for your DNS administrator.
Troubleshooting
Issue | What's Happening | What to Do |
Validation fails right after adding records | DNS changes take up to 24–48 hours to propagate — this is normal, not an error | Wait and click Validate DNS Records again later |
SPF validation fails with a duplicate record error | You have two SPF TXT records at your domain root, which is not allowed | Merge BoldTrail's values into your existing SPF record and delete the duplicate. See Step 2 above for merge instructions. |
"DKIM key generation failed. Please try again later." | No DKIM value is available to add right now | Retry later. If the message persists, contact BoldTrail Support. |
Validation shows green but emails still go to spam | DNS authentication is just one factor in deliverability — domain reputation and email content also play a role | See the FAQ below for more context |
Re-validating still shows a prior result | Validation results can be cached after a successful check | Wait a bit longer, then try again. Contact support if the issue persists. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I see this prompt if BoldTrail hosts my DNS? No. If your domain is hosted with BoldTrail, your records are automatically configured and you'll see a checkmark with no action required.
What if I use Gmail, Outlook, or another free email? You will not see the DNS prompt. Your emails are routed through BoldTrail's relay system (realstatealerts.com), which is already authenticated. No setup is needed on your part.
I set everything up and validated successfully — why are my emails still going to spam? DNS authentication improves deliverability by signaling to inbox providers that your mail is legitimate—but it doesn't guarantee inbox placement. Spam categorization is also influenced by:
Domain reputation — New domains, or domains with low engagement history, are treated more cautiously by email providers. If you recently switched to a new domain, allow time to build engagement by starting with low send volume to highly engaged contacts.
Email content — Overly promotional content can trigger spam filters regardless of authentication.
Contact list hygiene — Sending to contacts who haven't opened or engaged in six or more months signals to providers that you may be sending spam. Regularly audit your contact list and turn off search alerts or campaigns for unengaged contacts.
I'm an admin — will I see this for all agents in my account? No. The wizard is based on the domain you personally send from. If your agents use different email domains, each agent will see the prompt (and complete setup) for their own domain. Note that agents using a company domain that's already configured at the company level will not see the prompt.
How do I know if my DNS is already set up? Visit your profile page. If you see a green checkmark on the DNS status button, you're all set. If the button is clickable, setup is still needed.
What if I already have SPF or DMARC records and I'm not sure how to merge them? The wizard includes instructions for the most common DNS providers (GoDaddy, Cloudflare, Namecheap, and others). You can also open BoldTrail's AI assistant alongside the wizard for step-by-step guidance on merging records.
Have more questions? Reach out to Customer Support via the blue chat bubble or by emailing support@insiderealestate.com.