It is easy to assume that a website is just a website as long as it is online, and people can find it. However, there is a big difference between a realtor website design and other business website design, as you will notice in this article.
We live in a digital age where people turn to the internet to find whatever solutions they are searching for – whether its electronics, cars, destinations, or even homes. This is why businesses are embracing the use of websites to win prospects. Today, any company that does not have a website is missing out. Unlike years back, when people preferred to buy an item physically, they now value the convenience and variety that the internet brings.
According to Statista, online shopping is growing at a record rate – so much so that it is expected to reach 4 trillion this year (2020). Statista also revealed that the US would have about 300 million online buyers in 2023. If you are a numbers person, you can see that online shopping is huge. With this in mind, the question now becomes, how do you tap into this booming industry?
Well, there are numerous ways to get these online clients – including through social media, email marketing, paid search, online public relations, affiliates, and organic search. In this article, we will focus more on organic search (and websites, to be specific). We will also tell you the features that differentiate realtor website design from an average business website design.
Map view
An average website might not need the map view feature because users don’t have to travel all the way to purchase the product. Better yet, they may not need to have a view of the surrounding areas and amenities like roads, schools, churches, or hospitals. However, property buyers are usually very keen on such things, and it’s why a map view is very critical.
Filtering
Real estate websites must include filters that allow clients to narrow down their searches based on aspects like bedrooms, location, price, featured, age, and so on. This allows the visitors to get the properties they need with a single click rather than jumping from one page to the next. Ecommerce platforms may need this feature too, but it is not usually necessary for other business sites.
Advanced search
The search feature is essential and should be included in all kinds of websites. However, when it comes to real estate websites, there’s need for an advanced search tool because homebuyers are often very particular as to what they are searching for. It is always about narrowing down the search to make it easier for users to find whatever it is they are looking for.
Image gallery
Images play an essential role in captivating users while on a business website. It is what makes prospects stay longer and feel engaged. However, when it comes to real estate, images are more functional than aesthetic. Homebuyers must see the property first before they develop any interest. Studies show that homes with more images get more views. This is why top realtors upload 10 to 15 pictures to display the property features. So, basically, realtor websites are image-focused than an average business website.
Latest listings
The most updated thing in an average website is the blog page. But when it comes to a real estate website, there is a need to ensure that the listing includes the latest properties. Users do not want to visit the site only to find old listings every time.
Internal Data Exchange
Commonly referred to IDX, Internal Data Integration is a set of policies and rule or software standard that’s used to display multiple listing services (MLS) properties on realtor sites. They allow agents (and prospects) to have the latest information about broad spectrum of listings. An IDX system makes it easy for agents to generate more leads. However, IDX systems are not necessary for other types of websites. So, it is yet another vital feature that sets real estate websites apart from other business websites.
Design
Last but not least is the design. Unlike some business websites (think of financial institutions, healthcare services, etc.), real estate websites have highly visual designs. Buying a property is a massive investment, and no homebuyer will waste a moment of their time looking at a dull and outdated platform. For these reasons, agents work with high-end designers to come up with an appealing, responsive, yet highly functional site that will nudge the customer to keep browsing.
Conclusion
These features differentiate real estate websites from other kinds of sites. That’s why you cannot have an inexperienced designer handle your realtor website. It is best to have a professional who understands these differences to work on your site. It’s the only way to ensure you get the best possible outcome.
