The Components of a Real Estate Broker’s Website
To be complete, a website dedicated to real estate brokerage must include several elements: specific pages, forms, and a data exchange system for listings. This makes it a distinct category of websites. While it is not an e-commerce platform for selling goods, promoting properties for sale or rent is far more complex than most people might imagine. This partly explains why there are significantly fewer developers specializing in websites for real estate brokers compared to commercial websites.
Here are the components of the perfect website for a real estate broker:
Homepage of a Real Estate Broker’s Website
The homepage of a real estate broker’s website is unique in its presentation of essential elements, many of which are governed by real estate brokerage regulations. For example, it is crucial to display the logo and contact information of the agency the broker is associated with, as well as the broker's personal contact details, clearly indicating their area of expertise (residential, commercial, or both).
The homepage should also include clear menus for visitors looking to buy or sell a property. Typically, two prominent buttons are placed at the center of the hero image to guide visitors.
The territory covered by the broker should be highlighted on this page. Omitting this information is a common mistake that is easy to fix. Additionally, the ideal homepage provides previews of other sections of the site to encourage visitors to explore further.
Buyer Pages
A real estate broker’s website should include pages dedicated to buyers, containing all the necessary information to guide them through the purchasing process while promoting the broker’s services. These pages may include:
- A page on the protections offered by real estate brokerage services.
- A page explaining the benefits of becoming a homeowner.
- A page for analyzing the buyer’s needs.
- A page with advice on the steps to purchase a property.
- A page on common mistakes to avoid.
- A page detailing the costs associated with buying a property.
These pages reassure potential buyers while demonstrating the broker’s expertise.
Buyer’s Guide Download Form
This section should include a form allowing visitors to download a comprehensive buyer’s guide. This form collects contact information for potential clients, enabling effective follow-up through the broker’s CRM.
Real Estate Alert Form
Allow buyers to subscribe to alerts to receive notifications about new properties matching their criteria.
Seller Pages
These pages must convince potential sellers to choose the broker to sell their property. They may include:
- A page on the protections offered by the broker and their agency.
- A page addressing common questions (sell or buy first?).
- A page with tips for preparing a home for sale.
- A page explaining the challenges of pricing a property accurately.
- A page showcasing marketing services, with concrete examples.
Seller’s Guide Download Form
Just like for buyers, a comprehensive guide is essential to inform and collect information from potential sellers.
Online Valuation Form
A detailed form to estimate the value of a home, without providing instant results, to encourage direct contact with the broker.
Testimonials Page
A dedicated page for client testimonials, including authentic photos or videos, is essential for building the broker’s credibility.
Mortgage Payment Calculator
This feature allows users to simulate payments based on their down payment and should be accessible on each property listing page.
Land Transfer Tax Calculator
This tool calculates land transfer taxes accurately based on regional and pricing specifics.
Property Listing Pages
Search Form
Allows visitors to filter properties by city, price, keywords, etc. This form can be hidden if the broker has few listings.
Property Listings
Displays properties in a list, grid (cards), or interactive map format, enabling quick access to key information.
Interactive Map
Allows visitors to view properties on an interactive map, with clustered icons for better readability.
Property Listing Details Page
The most important page on a real estate website, containing:
- A carousel of high-resolution images with support for various screen sizes (via
srcset
). - Exclusive photos to attract visitors.
- Links to videos, 3D tours, and floor plans.
- Descriptive sections organized with tabs for clear navigation.
Other Useful Components
Branding Pages
These pages include:
- Contact information
- Awards and distinctions
- Videos
- Blogs and news
Additional Forms
- Real estate alerts
- Online valuation requests
- Information requests
- Newsletter subscriptions
MLS (Centris) Integration
A good website synchronizes data with the MLS system to display listings in real-time.
With these elements, a real estate broker’s website provides a comprehensive, professional, and personalized experience.