With the seemingly never-ending surge of real estate shows like Selling Sunset and Million Dollar Listing offering vicarious experiences, almost anyone can feel like a real estate agent nowadays. But any good agent knows the importance of creating a website and developing a strong online presence to reach potential buyers and showcase properties.
Even though Millennials and Zoomers are delaying the home buying experience compared to previous generations, over 50% of home buyers are using the internet as their first step in their home search. Whether you're an experienced agent or just starting a business in the industry, this step-by-step guide will walk you through how to make a real estate website that stands out and closes deals.
Building a website for your business, passion project or side hustle should be easy and exciting. With Wix, you can customize and launch a professional website in minutes, no coding needed. We’re all about simplifying the process so you can focus on what matters most–bringing your ideas to life. So why wait? Let’s get started on creating the website you’ve always wanted.
How to make a real estate website in 8 steps
01. Secure your domain and hosting
When making a real estate website, start by choosing a domain name. This name is your online business identity, so craft one that's easy to remember and relevant to your real estate business. Consider adding real estate-related keywords to boost its search engine visibility and attract new visitors. If you're stuck, use a domain name generator to brainstorm ideas. Once you find a domain name you like, you'll need to perform a domain search to see if it's available and then buy the domain.
Tip: Choosing one of the more popular domain extensions such as .com or .net can help you establish credibility.
After you've settled on a domain name that represents your business, the next step is to secure a reliable hosting website. Hosting provides the essential online storage space for all your website files, ensuring that your web content is accessible to users at all times. When deciding on a hosting provider, it's important to weigh factors such as budget, expected website traffic and technical requirements. By carefully evaluating these aspects, you can choose the hosting solution that best aligns with your needs and supports the growth of your web presence.
Tip: When using Wix, you can create a free domain name and get free web hosting with premium packages.
Learn more: Web hosting cost
02. Choose a website builder and template
A website builder, like Wix, simplifies the process of creating a website by providing user-friendly tools and templates. It requires no coding skills, saving time and effort. It's deal for individuals and small businesses looking to make a website.
Learn more: How to make a website with AI, Wix vs Squarespace
When choosing a website template, keep in mind the overall look and feel you want to portray on your website. Do you prefer a sleek and modern design or something more traditional? Consider your target audience and what will appeal to them. Wix offers a variety of customizable real estate website templates. Simply select a template that speaks to your brand and start customizing it.
Ready to get started on your real estate website? Create an AI generated website today.
03. Design your real estate website
Real estate is a highly visual industry. While it's important to showcase properties and generate leads, you also want to create an aesthetically-pleasing and user-friendly experience that encourages visitors to explore further. Once you've chosen which website builder to use, you can start selecting the right templates for your website design.
Here are some things to consider during your design phase:
Call to action buttons: Your call to action (CTA) buttons are what ultimately convert your website viewers into active clients. These buttons should be strategically placed throughout your homepage and website, encouraging visitors to take the next step in their home buying journey. Use phrases like "Schedule a showing" or "Contact us now" to prompt action.
Simple navigation: When planning your website, ensure that it reflects your customers’ research process and makes it as simple as possible for them to find the information they need. Make sure your navigation bar is easy to locate and use dropdown menus for subcategories to further simplify site navigation.
Mobile friendly capabilities: A well-formatted and appealing mobile view improves the user experience and makes it a pleasure to keep scrolling through the information on your real estate website. With busy clients searching for properties on the go, it's crucial that your website and its properties look good on both mobile devices and desktops. By ensuring easy mobile access, you'll reach and retain more visitors, expanding your audience and keeping them engaged.
Social media integration: Social media marketing is a big part of real estate, with platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok becoming a staple to reach wider audiences. Integrate a social media bar with clickable icons directly on your real estate website to make it easy for visitors to explore your social channels. You can test out different content styles, like using trending sounds or songs layered on top of a video showcasing a property, to increase the visibility of your videos. Plus, placing share buttons under your real estate website content allows readers to easily share your valuable content on social media. Don’t forget to use relevant hashtags to connect with those searching for real estate content.
Logo: Your logo and real estate slogan are crucial aspects of your real estate brand identity. It's the first thing potential clients will see—both on and offline—so it needs to be visually appealing and representative of your business. Beyond your website and social channels, think of your logo and brand name appearing on for sale signs outside of properties, adding a personal touch.
Learn more about how to make your own logo and use a real estate logo maker to craft your own. You can also check out the best real estate logos for inspiration, or learn how to make a real estate logo.
04. Add properties and visuals
Your real estate website is a digital storefront where homebuyers can view properties. To build an effective real estate website, you'll need to highlight your properties with images, videos, virtual tours and 3D property viewings. These will help clients get a better sense of the property and become more engaged in their search.
Each property should have its own page on your website, complete with detailed data and visuals. When prospective clients view listings on your website, they want to know everything about the home. By incorporating these details, you'll keep them on your website longer and demonstrate your value before even working together.
Generally, a property page should include:
Photos of the property
Map with the address marked
Key details and attributes
The person who listed the property
Ability to get in touch with the property owner
To compete in the online real estate market, in addition to the specifics mentioned above, you can also incorporate:
Floor plans for visualizing the space
Local info on schools, crime, commute and shops
Ratings and reviews about the district
Price trends for informed decisions
New listings near the house
Visuals play a significant role in purchasing decisions, so prioritize their quality and presentation. 85% of home buyers found photos on property registry websites very useful. You may need to use a photo resizer to post images that meet standards for size, format and resolution on your platform.
Adding images is by far the easiest method to visualize a property. However, technology has advanced significantly, providing more sophisticated methods to help users visualize a property:
360° photography: Used for both interior and street views, this technology enables users to get a full view of the property from all angles.
Virtual augmented reality: VR capabilities provide an experience for the customer, allowing them to view the property as if they were there.
Video tours: These narrated tours can be pre-recorded or live and give a comprehensive overview of the property, giving potential buyers a feel for the space and layout.
Drone footage: Aerial views of the property and surrounding areas help depict a more complete picture for buyers. This is especially useful for highlighting large properties or properties with unique features.
Interactive floor plans: These allow the user to click through different rooms and areas of the property, giving them a better understanding of the layout and flow.
Virtual staging: Instead of physically staging a property, virtual staging allows for furniture and decor to be digitally added to photos, giving buyers an idea of how the space could look furnished.
Interactive 3D models: Similar to interactive floor plans but with a more immersive experience, 3D models allow users to virtually walk through a property and get a real sense of its dimensions and features.
Tip: Wix's Video Maker you can effortlessly create professional videos for your real estate website. Easily incorporate drone footage or 360° views to showcase your properties.
A good real estate website should connect users to multiple listing service (MLS) data, providing them with comprehensive and up-to-date data on properties for sale. MLSs are local databases of properties for sale, allowing sellers and property owners to make their property visible and accessible to multiple agents. An MLS integration links your website directly to the local MLS database.
05. Determine key real estate website features
Think about incorporating the following features into your real estate website to improve the user experience and drive conversions. You can explore these website ideas for more inspiration and consider adding these to your website:
Advanced search filtering and sorting: Make it easy for users to find their dream property with advanced search filtering and sorting options. Most buyers or renters have specific factors in mind for their ideal property. By utilizing advanced search, they can narrow down longer lists to a more manageable shortlist of properties they may be interested in. Some common filters include price range, property type (such as house, apartment, condo, etc.), location (city, neighborhood, zip code), number of bedrooms/bathrooms, square footage and amenities like a pool, gym or garage.
Contact info forms and live chat: Make it easy for future clients to reach you by building clear and visible contact forms on your website. These can be simple online forms for general inquiries, as well as more detailed questionnaires for interested buyers or sellers. A live chat feature can supply instant assistance to users while they are browsing your website. This allows you to connect with clients in real-time and provide them with a personalized experience, increasing the chances of converting them into leads.
About us page: This is where you can introduce yourself and your team, share your values and mission statement and list any awards or recognition you have received in the real estate industry. A well-crafted About Us page with agent profiles can help build trust with prospective clients and make a personal connection with them before even meeting
Client testimonials and reviews: Showcasing positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied clients can help build credibility and trust with potential buyers or sellers. Incorporate these on your website, either as a separate webpage or throughout the site in relevant sections. You can also ask for reviews from past clients to add to your website periodically to keep content fresh.
Registration and CRM system integration: Encourage visitors to register on your website by offering exclusive access to additional property facts or a personalized search. You might even consider creating a membership website to offer exclusive listings or information in a protected gate of your website. By collecting this valuable data, you can track user behavior, helping you better segment your audience and follow up with potential leads. Integrating a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system can help you manage and streamline client information in one centralized location. This will make it easier to communicate and track where the leads are in their own home purchase or sale journey.
Calendar integration for scheduling appointments: Make it hassle-free for clients to schedule showings with an appointment scheduler on your website. This allows them to view your availability and book an appointment directly, saving time and increasing the chances of securing their business.
06. Start a real estate blog (optional)
Present your knowledge by starting a blog and regularly posting informative articles on your website. This will help establish you as a trusted resource in the real estate community and can also improve your website's SEO. Distributing helpful assets such as buying guides or market reports can attract new visitors and keep them engaged on your site. Read more on how to build an online community to help bring together a range of parties interested in real estate. This can include brokers, homeowners, agents and investors.
Tip: Read more about how to start a real estate blog to create content and reach the right audience.
“Blogging is to build online presence, authority and prove expertise in a topic. Also, great to manage a brand's reputation, especially in markets where less campaign resources are invested.”
Giorgia Foscarini, Team Lead, International Blogs Team at Wix.com
Some content you can write:
Local facts: The best way to show that you know your market—the people who live there and the people who want to live there—is to provide relevant information about the location. Highlight local events, activities and attractions to showcase the area and entice buyers or renters.
Community profiles: As a realtor, you have a unique perspective of different neighborhoods and streets. Sharing this guidance can demonstrate your expertise to clients, helping them understand various lifestyles and draw attention to areas that they may have overlooked.
Calculators: Mortgage calculators and other interactive tools for financing can help buyers estimate their budget and payments or how much a seller’s home is worth, making your website a one-stop-shop for all their home purchasing needs.
Market reports: Regular market reports can keep clients updated on the current state of the real estate market and help guide their decisions.
Downloadable resources: Offer downloadable PDF tools to your visitors, like e-books, house purchasing guides and property checklists, to demonstrate your expertise in the purchase and sale of real estate. These resources can help buyers stay organized and informed during their exploration and will make them feel like there is more where that came from if they continue the process with you.
In addition to providing valuable information and resources on your blog, you can use it to collect email addresses from your audience as part of your marketing strategies. Develop email marketing campaigns that send targeted, personalized content, keeping your audience updated and engaged with the newest properties and market trends.
07. Optimize for local SEO
Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of improving your website’s visibility in search results. Utilize location-specific keywords in your website content, meta tags and headings, such as the name of your city or neighborhood, to improve your search engine rankings for those areas. This can help future clients in your target location find your website more easily. Claim and optimize your business on local directories like Google My Business, Yelp and Zillow to increase visibility and credibility in your local market. Additionally, you can create location-based landing pages for different neighborhoods or regions you serve.
08. Launch and maintain your real estate website
Before launching a new website, make sure to thoroughly review all your website content and designs and test all functionality to ensure everything is working properly. Ask friends or colleagues to navigate and give feedback on the user experience. Once you are confident in the functionality and your website design, it's time start attracting leads and building your brand as a successful realtor. Remember to regularly review and update your website to keep it fresh and relevant for new business.
Learn more:
Real estate websites examples
Take a look at some of these real estate websites that all happen to be built using Wix.
San Diego Smart Stay
The homepage of the San Diego property management, San Diego Smart Stay, opens with gorgeous visuals and immersive 360° videos to captivate visitors and draw them into the features of the property.
Chris Della Rosa
Real estate agent, Chris Della Rosa, uses his blog to support his real estate business with articles on the history and local events, as well as market reports and his latest listings, he provides valuable insights for his target area.
Tanya Soule
Nevada-based agent, Tanya Soule, showcases the awards she's won and customer testimonials right on the homepage, establishing immediate credibility and trust. Additionally, she includes a link to a simple contact form in her main navigation menu, so visitors can easily submit inquiries and get in touch.
Michael J. Balbuena
Michael Balbuena is a dedicated realtor with a website that showcases his expertise in residential real estate and his journey, providing visitors with a way to get to know him on a more personal level.
Belville
The London based firm, Belville, includes a series of customer testimonials directly on the homepage to highlight their success and build trust among prospective clients.
Private Elite Realty
Private Elite Realty is a boutique real estate agency specializing in high-end properties and exclusive client experiences. Their website features a convenient home tour booking option, allowing visitors to check their availability and schedule a date and time that suits them.
Looking for the perfect platform to build your real estate website? Check out the best real estate website builders for agents and professionals.
Types of real estate websites
When you create a website, it's important to understand the type of business it will serve to help you decide which features you need. A real estate website with thousands of properties has different technical needs than a boutique real estate investment firm. Identifying your needs now can save time in the future. Explore the common types of websites in the real estate sector:
Property listing website
A property listing website displays all homes for sale or rent in the buyers' desired area. These sites typically have advanced search, filtering and sorting options to help users find their dream property. If something strikes a buyers' fancy, they can submit a request to speak to an agent or book a tour through that property.
Examples: Realtor, Remax
Agency website
An agency website is typically used to showcase the properties and services offered by a real estate agency. This type of website may also have information about the team, their mission statement and client testimonials.
Examples: LeadingEdge, Laurie Wotus
Real estate marketplace
A real estate marketplace acts as the go-between for property owners and purchasers. Multiple firms and individual agents can list their properties for sale or rent. These sites often have advanced filtering, user profiles and reviews for agents.
Examples: Zillow, Redfin
Investor website
Investor websites are tailored for individuals looking for real estate investments, particularly rental properties. A real estate investor seeks to promote their services and opportunities to those seeking passive income through real estate investments. These sites may provide guidance about return on investment, property management services and the current rental market.
Examples: Gateway Equity Partners, Roofstock
Property management website
A property management website offers solutions to landlords and rental property owners, such as tenant screening, maintenance coordination and rent collection. The site may also post data about available rentals and an online portal for tenants to make payments or submit maintenance requests.
Examples: Oakenwood Properties, Next Door Alliance
Why create a real estate website?
Lead generation
Compared to traditional forms of advertising, such as print ads or billboards, creating a professional real estate website is a cost-effective way to market your services to a wider audience. With the ability to share listings, testimonials and valuable resources on your website, you can attract new clients without breaking the bank.
Branding and credibility
A well-designed website with personalized branding can make a lasting impression on potential clients and set you apart from competitors. It also serves as a central hub for all your online real estate marketing efforts, increasing your credibility and professionalism.
Establish expertise
Buying and selling property is a major decision. With so much money at stake, both buyers and sellers need assurance in their choices. A real estate website is the ideal platform to display testimonials, case studies and other elements that foster consumer trust and manage reputation.
Other types of websites to create
How to make a real estate website FAQ
How much does a real estate website cost?
The cost of a real estate website can fluctuate based on the complexity of your web design, integration of features and the level of customization required. Factors like hosting, domain registration and ongoing maintenance also contribute to the overall website cost. Investing in professional photography and virtual tours can further enhance the website, but may incur additional expenses.