A well-crafted professional real estate website is more than just a digital representation of your real estate business – it’s a powerful way to communicate with your audience.
According to the Trends Report by the National Association of REALTORS Research Group, across all demographics, the Internet has become the primary starting point for property searches (source). For agencies and individual brokers alike, having a well-designed website builds trust, showcases professionalism, and creates meaningful connections with potential clients.
In our article, we will share everything you need to know about real estate website development, from its planning to its successful launch. Whether you choose a simple approach using a Content Management System (CMS) like WordPress, leverage AI-powered website builders, or opt for a more complex solution through custom software development services, this guide is here to help you make that informed decision and make sure your newly built real estate website caters to your needs.
Before we dive into a step-by-step guide to how to build a long-lasting real estate website, let’s talk about something important: not all websites are built the same because not all businesses need the same thing. For example, a solo broker looking for a one-pager with basic property listings will need a vastly different solution compared to a large real estate agency or property development firm.
Broadly, there are three main approaches to developing a real estate website:
To clearly understand what real estate website development approach you will need to define your goals, assess whether you will need any customizations or features you might need, the audience, etc. We will help you with this below.
3 Main Approaches to Website Development | Ascendix Tech
Creating a successful real estate website requires careful planning and systematic execution, and while you might be eager to jump straight into development, taking the time to understand the process of real estate website development process is crucial. A well-defined vision and a roadmap will guide your development process and prevent costly mistakes.
Real Estate Website Development: Stages | Ascendix Tech
Here’s a detailed guide to help you master each development stage:
Before diving into technical specifications, you need to define your website’s purpose and strategic direction. This will define every subsequent development decision and feature implementation in real estate web development.
Here’s what you might want to consider:
Remember to make your goals specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound to ensure effective progress tracking and implementation.
The discovery and planning phase sets the foundation for your entire real estate website development. This stage requires thorough research and strategic thinking to ensure your platform meets market demands and business objectives.
Understanding your target audience is crucial for creating a website that resonates with visitors. Consider:
Strategies to Make Your Real Estate Website Resonate with Audience | Ascendix Tech
Taking the time to map out these details and build clear buyer personas will help you design a website that fits your audience like a glove – from features to the overall look.
It’s a good idea to study your competitors’ websites to understand their features and user experience, examine successful real estate platforms across different markets, and stay informed about current real estate technology trends. This will help you identify opportunities for innovation and ensure your platform has the most effective solutions.
Clear strategic planning sets the foundation for successful real estate website development. It is crucial to set realistic milestones and deadlines while also measuring and planning resources and budget allocations to ensure the website looks like you expect it to and fulfills its function.
During your initial real estate website development for real estate, you may want to include every possible feature. But at this early stage, it’s more practical to keep your focus on core features that will create your website’s foundation for its first version or Proof of Concept (POC). Ask yourself:
For example, you may want to start with some basic property listing functions plus search tools and a contact form to launch your real estate website. Additional complex features such as AI property search and information exchange will follow later.
Here are some features you might want to include in your website:
Essentials needed for almost any real estate website:
Features for optimal user experience:
Features for enhanced client engagement:
Advanced functionality:
As mentioned earlier, the main approaches to real estate website development are:
Each has its own strengths and weaknesses and will be best suitable for different types of real estate companies, brokerages, and agencies. Let’s discuss in more detail how to choose the most suitable approach for your company.
| Aspect | AI Website Builder | CMS (WordPress) | Custom Development |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Very High | High | Low |
| Cost | Low to Medium | Low to Medium | High |
| Customization | Limited | Moderate to High | Very High |
| Development Time | Very Short | Short to Moderate | Long |
| Scalability | Limited | Moderate | Very High |
| Technical Expertise | Minimal | Basic to Moderate | High |
| Maintenance | Low (Managed) | Moderate | High |
AI website builders are modern tools that have revolutionized real estate. These platforms help users create their real estate websites quickly and easily by generating website design and content based on the information from the input prompts.
Some of the well-known examples of AI website builders are:
The most significant benefit of AI builders is that they offer great reduction of website development time, which means it can be launched within hours rather than weeks. These platforms are also quite cost-effective, as there is no need for professional developers to get professional-quality results. Additionally, AI builders often include automated content generation and user-friendly interfaces that don’t require deep technical expertise.
However, they also come with certain limitations. The main drawback is extremely limited customization options, which can make it challenging to create truly unique designs and content. Users might find themselves stuck with generic templates that will make the website look similar to competitors. Scalability is another concern, particularly for growing real estate businesses, because AI-generated websites do not allow for up- or downscaling, and there’s often a degree of platform dependency that may limit flexibility in future.
Benefits and Drawbacks of AI Website Builders | Ascendix Tech
Considering the existing benefits and drawbacks, AI website builders will be the most suitable for independent individual real estate agents, small real estate agencies, and real estate startups looking for quick market entry. Developing a real estate website with an AI builder will be most suitable for anybody who needs to establish an online presence quickly with a professional appearance on a limited budget, and who will not need to add new features or upscale their business in any time soon.
A Content Management System (CMS) is a software platform that allows users to create, manage, modify, and publish digital content without a lot of technical coding knowledge. WordPress is arguably the most common tool for doing so, however, there are also other options available like Joomla or Drupal, which, though, require more technical knowledge from the user.
Some advantages of CMSs in website development include robust content organization capabilities and extensive functionality. They provide complete control over website structure, can support multiple users with different access levels, and offer additional SEO tools available through plugins.
However, CMSs also present certain challenges. They typically require a steeper learning curve compared to AI builders, and initial setup often demands technical knowledge or professional assistance from real estate web developers. While there is higher flexibility than in AI builders, it also comes with increased complexity in maintenance, content management responsibilities, and the need for initial design and development of the website by professionals to achieve a truly unique website.
CMSs are most suitable for individual brokers, real estate agencies, and small to medium real estate businesses that prioritize content control over unique branding and tailored functionality. They’re ideal for organizations that can invest in initial setup and ongoing maintenance, are ready for technical training, and do not require exclusive or extremely specific features and functions.
Custom real estate website development involves building a website from scratch, tailored specifically to a business’s unique requirements and specifications. This approach means you would need to hire professional developers who will create a completely customized solution specifically for your business.
The main advantages of custom development include unlimited customization possibilities, unique design, and functionality that perfectly matches the business’s needs. With a custom website, you can integrate any desired features, from advanced property search algorithms to complex CRMs. Such websites also have superior performance, better security measures, and full control over data. They’re also highly scalable and can evolve alongside business growth without platform limitations.
Some concerns regarding custom real estate web development are the fact that it requires substantial initial investment, and the development timelines are longer, typically taking months rather than days or weeks. Ongoing maintenance and updates would also require professional support, and any major changes or additions need developer intervention.
Custom website development is suitable for all types of real estate enterprises, real estate portals with complex functionality, property management companies, and real estate agencies with specific operational requirements. This solution is a great choice for businesses that prioritize unique branding, exclusive custom features, and complete control over their digital presence.
“ A well-developed real estate website with advanced search filters, virtual tours, and integrated CRM capabilities can significantly improve lead generation and help agencies convert more prospects into clients. ”
As you already have a clear vision of what is expected from the website, what functions it will serve and what features will be included, it’s time to search for the help of professional real estate website developers.
This is actually one of the most important steps, as a highly skilled team experienced in real estate will not only execute your vision of a website but also consult you on must-have and nice-to-have features, as well as provide clear guidance on how your idea can be implemented best.
Make sure to check the team’s case studies and clients – this will help you understand better if your expectations match and goals align.
Not ready to invest in a dedicated team yet? Learn how a fractional team model can serve your purpose.
Ascendix offers end-to-end real estate website development services backed by two decades of industry expertise.
The architecture and design phase in real estate web development transforms your planning into visual and structural frameworks. This stage focuses on creating intuitive, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing user experiences.
Steps in Designing a Real Estate Website | Ascendix Tech
As you have already started a collaboration with a dedicated team of real estate website developers, they will likely conduct this and all the following steps in the real estate website development, before they eventually deliver the project and bring your website to life.
Here are the main things you need to consider at the design stage:
A solid technical foundation is crucial for your real estate website’s long-term success. This phase requires careful consideration of scalability, performance, and security requirements to support your growth.
“ By investing in high-quality website, real estate businesses create powerful online platforms with integrated client portals and property management tools. For example, a well-designed website will let potential buyers to schedule viewings, access detailed property information, and communicate with agents. ”
The development phase requires coordination and smooth collaboration between designers, architects, developers, and you, of course. Once the planning stage is done, the team will begin real estate website development:
Example of a CMS System on a Website | Source: Wix
As the real estate web development goes on, the team would need to implement integrations with various external services to provide a complete user experience.
Here’s what the development team would need to integrate:
Ascendix offers end-to-end real estate website development services backed by two decades of industry expertise.
Before launching a real estate website, thorough testing is essential to ensure everything works perfectly for users. There are several key areas that you need to focus on in testing real estate web development:
When the real estate website development is done and your website is ready to go live, the team executes the launch process:
After your real estate website goes live, the work continues to keep it running smoothly and improving over time. The team collects and analyzes user feedback to identify what works well and what needs improvement. Regular monitoring is conducted to ensure the website performs well. This includes checking loading speeds, user engagement, and overall system health. All these ongoing activities ensure your website remains a valuable tool for your real estate business, growing and adapting with your needs.
With unique experience in real estate and AI development, Ascendix can help you create a one-of-a-kind website that will use AI to streamline your business operations.
When starting a real estate website, you might be tempted to use a simple website builder or CMS-based website to save money and time. While these options might be a solution for solo brokers as mentioned above, they often fail to deliver the top-notch experience expected by today’s property buyers and sellers and created by professional real estate web developers.
If you look at renowned successful real estate websites like Zillow and Realtor.com, it becomes clear that custom website development for real estate has significant advantages compared to template-based solutions. Let’s explore the key reasons why investing in a professional real estate website will be more beneficial for your business success.
By investing in a professional real estate website, you’re not just creating an online presence; you’re building a powerful business tool that can drive growth, enhance client relationships, and establish your authority in the real estate market.
It’s important to understand the distinct categories of real estate websites before the real estate web development starts, as each type serves unique business objectives and requires different technical approaches. Further, we explore the main categories to help you determine which best aligns with your goals:
Types of Real Estate Websites | Ascendix Tech
Probably the most common real estate website type, property marketplaces are whole real estate ecosystems where buyers, sellers, renters, and landlords can interact: buy, sell, or rent. Unlike traditional listing sites, they handle the entire transaction process, from property discovery to deal closure. They typically include features like instant messaging, offer management systems, and secure document sharing, which must definitely be considered during the search for real estate website development services providers.
A widely known example of such a website is Zillow, which operates as a property marketplace, allowing users to list properties, search for homes, connect with agents, and access various real estate tools and services all in one platform. The success of real estate marketplaces lies in their ability to create a seamless, transparent, and efficient transaction process for all parties involved.
Key features of marketplaces typically include:
These websites are basically digital showcases for real estate agents and brokers used to display their property inventory. Unlike marketplaces, it is not possible to directly communicate with the property owner or rent out a home. Property listings typically feature detailed property descriptions and images, virtual tours, and direct contact options with agents. Modern platforms often include advanced search filters, saved search functionality, and smart property matching for potential buyers.
Designed specifically for landlords and property managers, these platforms streamline rental property operations, like collecting rent, property checks, and issue resolution. During the real estate web development of these, it’s important to include integrations with accounting software and mobile apps for on-the-go management.
These are branded websites for real estate companies showcasing their services, team members, and exclusive listings. They focus on building the agency’s brand and generating leads through content marketing, property searches, and contact forms. Website development for real estate sites of this type often includes creating agent profiles, success stories, and market analysis tools.
Focused on real estate investors, these websites provide tools for analyzing property investments, calculating ROI, and identifying market opportunities. The required functionality for this type of real estate website includes features like investment calculators, market trend analysis, and comparison tools for different investment properties.
Quite different from a stereotypical image of real estate, these sites are specialized platforms that deal with the marketing of new construction projects and developments and provide users with detailed information on the projects. These websites often feature interactive site plans, construction updates, detailed floor plans, and pre-sale registration systems. They also may include high-end visualization tools and virtual reality tours of yet-to-be-built properties.
These platforms collect and display listings from multiple sources, providing users with a comprehensive view of the market. They often include price comparison tools, historical data, and market trends analysis. Modern aggregators frequently incorporate AI-powered recommendations and automated valuation models.
Focused specifically on commercial properties, these websites are focused on business property needs. Although commercial real estate platforms have features quite similar to the ones of residential listing sites, they also include detailed business demographics, zoning information, and commercial-specific search filters, which helps to analyze business potential and investment opportunities.
These websites have the high aim of spreading real estate knowledge and sharing resources. You could find reports, notes, and articles with market analysis, investment strategies, and other educational content for both professionals and consumers. Many of them feature online courses, webinars, and certification programs related to real estate.
“ Modern real estate websites with integrated analytics help agencies track leads, monitor market performance, and identify growth opportunities. Professional real estate website development ensures these tools effectively support business operations and drive sales. ”
As the real estate industry is experiencing a technological renaissance, high-tech solutions are now reshaping how properties are bought, sold, and managed. Here are the key trends driving modern real estate website development:
AI and ML are revolutionizing property valuation and buyer matching in the real estate sector. AI-powered algorithms have the potential to achieve higher accuracy in property valuations, compared to traditional subjective and lengthy methods.
Modern real estate platforms use machine learning to analyze thousands of market data points, including historical sales data, neighborhood trends, and property features, to provide precise pricing recommendations.
Juniper Research shows that AI-powered chatbots handle up to 70% of initial customer inquiries, providing 24/7 support and qualifying leads before human intervention.
Moreover, predictive analytics are helping agents identify potential property sellers months before they list their properties, with some systems showing up to 85% accuracy in predicting which homes will go on the market.
Natural language processing enables more sophisticated property searches, allowing buyers to use conversational queries instead of rigid search parameters.
Smart home technology and IoT integration have become crucial elements in modern homes. Real estate websites increasingly incorporate live data feeds from IoT sensors to display real-time information about property conditions, energy usage, and security status.
Smart building management systems integrated during real estate website development help property owners automate monitoring and maintenance scheduling. IoT sensors also can provide data for accurate property valuation, with factors like noise levels or utility efficiency influencing pricing.
IoT Features in Real Estate Website Development Process | Ascendix Tech
Previously widely known for its utilization in the gaming industry, virtual reality has quickly found its place in real estate. Businesses adopt augmented and virtual reality for virtual property tours, real-feel property staging, property renovation plans, and construction, with virtual property tours becoming a standard feature among real estate developer websites rather than a luxury.
Zillow, for instance, states that property websites incorporating VR tours report an average increase of 48% in engagement time compared to those without virtual viewing options. Modern VR solutions allow potential buyers to measure spaces, visualize furniture placement, and even simulate different lighting conditions throughout the day.
Technology has almost replaced physical property viewing as it saves time for both agents and buyers. Even more, interactive AR features help buyers visualize renovation possibilities by overlaying different design options onto existing spaces, making the property purchasing decision much faster.
Let the Ascendix team guide you through every stage of website development to maximize your platform’s potential.
In real estate website development, certain elements are non-negotiable for success. Let’s discuss the must-have features you must consider implementing on your website.
The heart of any real estate website lies in its search capabilities. The convenience and user-friendly experience of your website are key, and the vast majority of buyers emphasize the importance of effective search tools in their property hunt.
Your search feature should include:
Most importantly, the search function should be intuitive and provide instant results to maintain user engagement.
High-quality visual content is crucial for an effective and appealing property showcase. Nice and professional property photos sell faster than the ones sloppily arranged in the listing.
Your website should support:
While collaborating with your real estate website development company, ensure that your platform will be able to handle these media types without compromising load speed.
Website design directly impacts user behavior and conversion rates. Though many use desktop versions of real estate websites during property search, a lot of mobile users abandon sites that take longer than three seconds to load.
In the designing stage, focus on:
Converting visitors into leads is crucial. To increase conversions on the site, during the stage of website development for real estate, consider essential tools:
A robust CMS is vital for maintaining fresh, relevant content. Here are some ideas of feature requirements during real estate website development you might want to add:
The security of your customers should always be a top priority. Real estate websites are some of the prime targets for data breaches.
Therefore, during the development phase, implement:
These features form the foundation of a successful real estate website. Regular monitoring and updates based on user feedback and market trends will ensure your platform remains competitive and effective.
Check out the overview of the proptech consulting and software development projects we delivered to our clients.
Building a real estate website takes time and effort, but with the right approach, it can become a powerful tool for your business. While there are many steps involved, following this guide will help you create a website that stands out and serves your users well.
Remember that success isn’t just about adding features – it’s about making something truly useful for your visitors and their unique needs. The real estate industry and technology are always changing, so your website should be able to grow and improve over time. Keep listening to your users, make regular updates, and focus on quality.
“ A well-developed real estate website with integrated CRM capabilities streamlines lead capture, automates follow-ups, and tracks client interactions - turning your website into a powerful tool for converting visitors into closed deals. ”
With 16+ years of experience in real estate, we speak your language. You won’t need to explain industry concepts or spend time educating us about real estate specifics.
As developers of our own real estate products, we understand the challenges of website development in this industry, and we have handled them successfully, with our clients like JLL and other industry leaders.
And how can we help you?
We can guide you through the real estate website development process, ensuring your platform meets your specific business needs, whether you’re a broker, property manager, or real estate investor.
We can build custom real estate websites that serve your target audience effectively while integrating with your existing business processes.
You can get a real estate portal tailored to your needs, whether it is property management, listing portal, or mortgage portal for lenders and borrowers.
We provide real estate technology consulting services, in case you are not sure about the best way to optimize your operations with modern technologies.
If you are unsure about how it is best to implement AI into your system, we provide comprehensive AI guidance specifically for real estate businesses.
Our team can develop specialized real estate and AI features like smart property search, CRMs, MLS integration, and payment processing.
If you already have a website, we can audit it, optimize performance, add new features, or help with cloud migration.
Contact Ascendix today and let’s discuss how we can create your perfect real estate website.
“ Ascendix are true consultants, meaning they don’t just do as they’re told without providing feedback and input where they feel it would be helpful.
They actually think through the process and are knowledgeable about commercial real estate. Not many consulting firms can offer that kind of expertise and industry knowledge. ”
Leverage Ascendix’s real estate technology expertise to build a real estate website that drives your business forward.
Yana is a proptech enthusiast and a technology fan. In her articles, she explores the world of real estate software, including proptech news, useful resources, and real estate technology insights, assisting everyone involved in the industry to modernize and optimize their business.
(19 votes, average: 4.63 out of 5)
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