Your realtor website design plays a critical role in determining your success as a real estate agent. That’s why the importance of getting the best design can never be overstated.
A real estate website is a must-have tool for all agents. Every agent whose worth of his/her salt has a site to display their listings and share their solutions and background with prospects. But even so, some agents still get it wrong. They overload their website with distracting content that makes it hard for users to find whatever it is they are looking for. Others pack their sites with information that’s not relevant to the client. It’s also not uncommon to come by platforms that are not responsive or user-friendly. Unfortunately, all this pushes users away and gives search engines a wrong impression of you.
The objective of your realtor website design should be to make it easy for users to access the information they’re seeking and to establish your authority and relevance in the local market. A 2014 study by NAR revealed that 43% of homebuyers check out online properties first before making their buying decision. 12% searched online for information about the process of buying a home.
Having a real estate agent website allows prospects to go through the property selection funnel without the need to call you for help. This not only saves time but also enables you to get qualified leads. Again, since most clients hang out online, it is too risky not to have a website – you can think of it as your survival in the digital era.
With that in mind, let’s look at how you can build a successful real estate website:
To create a site that would succeed, you have to consider adding features that both product owners and prospects would like to see on the site. These features include:
Listing and mapping
When potential buyers land on your page, they expect to see lots of listings – to give them more options to select from. You have two options when it comes to listings – you can either use your database or get an MLS for more houses. You can even use both options. Online platforms, real estate companies, and listing brokers can give you access to their Multiple Listing Service (MLS). An MLS contains images of a property, description of amenities, price, area, and location.
Responsive design
Your real estate platform needs to fit on different kinds of screens – including mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. Additionally, you should ensure that your site loads fast enough and that it is not cluttered. Otherwise, you will lose them to your competitors. Responsive design takes care of your user’s needs – especially those that are using their smartphones to browse the net. It also allows you to be in line with Google’s mobile-first indexing.
Search and filters
Thoughtful search with filters makes it easier for users to find whatever it is they are looking for. The fact that they can narrow down their search based on their preferences gives them a reason to stick to your site longer. Some filtering options include listing type, address or ZIP, price, year built, home type, number of beds and bathrooms, and square feet.
High-resolution images
Buying a home is a considerable investment – and people won’t waste their time looking at some funny-looking pictures. That is why you have to invest in professional images that spark the clients’ interest. Prospects will likely contact you once they like what they see, meaning, conversions may depend on how good your listing looks in pictures. But while at this, remember that your site’s loading speed is also critical. But since high-res images may cause your site to drag, a good idea might be to compress the photos with minimal quality loss. A simple change from PNG to JPEG or JPEG/PNG to SVG can work the magic.
Cost calculators
It’s easy to overlook such a feature, yet it plays a crucial role in increasing conversions. Calculators keep prospects aware of the cost of the property and enable them to make informed decisions. Some examples of realty calculators include mortgage, refinance affordability, debt to income, and rent vs. buy.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system
A robust realty CRM is an excellent tool for effective clients and communications management. These systems are designed to track all interactions with clients automatically. Based on your preferences, you may build a CRM from the ground up, personalize a unique solution (like Zoho, Pipedrive, MoxiEngage) or use it as is to avoid additional costs.
Blog
This is where you will be sharing all the tips, how-tos, guides, among other relevant information that prospects are looking for. Blogs are essential because they allow you to write informative content that will not only educate your prospects but enhance your SEO.
Conclusion
These are the core features that you should integrate into your real estate website to make it successful. Working closely with your website designer can ensure that you get the best out of it.
