When you’re in the real estate business, it is critical to stand out and attract new clients. One of the most effective ways to do so is through a functional real estate web design. In today’s digital age, a sleek website is often the first point of contact for potential clients. A strong first impression goes a long way in building a brand and generating leads. A professional web design can showcase your properties and services, establish your brand, and provide a seamless user experience for visitors.
What does a good real estate web design need?
1. Live search features
A live search function allows visitors to quickly find properties based on their specific criteria. A search plugin will use location, price range, number of bedrooms, and other factors to display listings that are relevant to your users’ interests. Not only does this save time but gives your users the chance to browse around before reaching out to you.
2. Detailed listings
Detailed listing information is an essential component of any successful real estate web design. This helps attract and retain potential buyers by giving them an accurate and attractive overview of the properties you deal with.
Instead of uploading a PDF of a brochure document that contains listings, opt for a dynamic user interface where clients can interact with the website to choose and compare multiple listings. Here’s a list of key points to include with each listing:
- Address
- Type of property – apartment, townhouse, or house
- Square footage
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Lot size
- Age of the property
- Parking features
- Special features (fireplace, swimming pool, basketball court, etc.)
- Pricing information (asking price, closing costs, payment terms)
- Location details (neighbourhood and community)
- Proximity to amenities (schools, shopping centres, transport hubs, etc.)
- Relevant legal and zoning information
- Home inspection/appraisal reports
- Historical/architectural details
- Contact information of the real estate agent
3. High-quality images and videos
One of the most important details of a real estate web design is high-quality images and videos of your properties. Prominently display professional shots of your properties to attract clients.
Paula Glynn from Pixelstorm advises, “Do not forget to watermark all your images and follow strict rules for photo quality, resolution, and style. Tastefully taken images will pique interest in your listings and will boost credibility. ”
4. Strong SEO
As with any website, SEO can help you connect with potential clients in your area. A 2022 study showed that adding a keyword to your URL increased click rates by 45%, so use keywords wisely. Clients might look for keywords like “real estate Melbourne” or “properties for sale Brighton.” Appearing in these relevant search results can boost your visibility.
Having worked with real estate companies for over 15 years, we at Pixelstorm know just how important a strong SEO strategy is. A smart strategy is having different landing pages for each office location – this positions you as the local expert and shows off your local team. You can also have specific landing pages for each service you offer, like property management and real estate sales. You might also benefit from a good blog, as this shows clients that your team is knowledgeable in both real estate and the local area.
5. A responsive website design
It is especially important in the real estate industry to have an accessible real estate web design as potential clients may search for properties ad viewing times on their phones and tablets. A website with a responsive, seamless, and clean design builds brand value. A good user experience is more likely to have higher conversion as it shows that you pay attention to detail.
Clients might visit your website from a variety of devices, so double-check that everything on your site is optimised for mobiles and tablets. This is particularly important when you have a lot of high-resolution images and videos on your website. Your website should be easy to navigate and read on a small screen, with buttons and links that are easy to tap.
6. 3D/AR/VR viewings
Take things up a notch by including video or AR, or VR tours of the properties. This attracts elite clientele and gives users a feel of the proper without you having to organise viewings. They make it easier for agents to show properties to potential buyers, especially if they are not able to physically visit the property due to distance or other constraints. Not only does this help agents expand their reach, but could also help close more sales.
VR and AR tours also provide a much more immersive and interactive experience for buyers compared to conventional photos or videos. This gives them a better idea of the layout of the property, which might otherwise be difficult to visualise from 2D images.
You should make it as easy as possible for site visitors to reach you, so make sure to include a live messaging extension in your website. Ensure that someone is always available to answer queries from the website during business hours. In addition to a messaging plugin, add a contact form so clients can schedule an in-person appointment with your agents if necessary.
8. Client testimonials
Users appreciate client testimonials as they add reliability and trust to your brand. Include snippets of client testimonials on your home page and add a separate page for longer testimonials so that potential clients can get an idea of how your services work. You might also want to include images of sold properties so clients know the kind of houses you deal with.
9. A well-written team page
Pay attention to your ‘About Us’ page – is it well-written and informative? Does it have information about the qualifications and specialities of your realtors? This is important because it helps establish the credibility and professionalism of your company.
Additionally, potential clients can get a sense of the level of expertise and local know-how that your agents bring to the table if they can see their qualifications and experience in the industry. It lets your clients get to know you on a more personal level and provides transparency. This is particularly important in the real estate industry as clients need to feel safe and confident when they make significant financial decisions.
Final thoughts
A visually appealing, easy-to-navigate website can set your agency apart from the competition and show clients that you mean business. Want expert advice on setting up a website for your firm? Reach out to us today!
