Your real estate website isn’t just a portfolio—it’s your 24/7 lead generator, credibility booster, and closing tool. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to create a real estate website that not only looks professional but actually gets you more calls, leads, and deals.
This section is written for serious real estate professionals who want more than just a digital brochure. If you want a website that actively drives leads, converts visitors, and positions you as a local market authority—this is your blueprint. Each step reflects industry best practices, platform-specific tools, and user experience principles tailored for real estate success.
Avoid general-purpose builders that limit functionality. Use WordPress with Showcase IDX for deep MLS integration and SEO control, or Wix with CRM and built-in lead capture. Make sure the builder supports custom fields for listings, responsive design, and analytics tracking. Bonus: check for integrations with email marketing or CRM tools like HubSpot or Follow Up Boss. Use platforms like WordPress (with IDX plugins), Wix (with CRM tools), or Squarespace. Make sure your builder supports listing integration and mobile responsiveness.
Choose a theme designed specifically for real estate—ideally one with a homepage search bar, featured listings carousel, agent spotlight, and testimonial block. Look for themes that support custom post types for listings and are optimized for schema markup (e.g., property structured data) to boost your local SEO. Select a layout designed for agents or agencies—look for one with homepage search bars, featured listings, and clear CTAs.
Use IDXBroker, Realtyna, or Showcase IDX to integrate MLS listings with advanced search, filters, and map views. If you're adding listings manually, maintain consistency: include key info (price, beds/baths, size, neighborhood) and high-resolution media. Bonus: group listings by neighborhood or property type to improve UX and SEO. Use IDXBroker, Realtyna, or Showcase IDX to pull in MLS listings, or add your properties manually with a consistent format.
Focus on benefits, not just features. Instead of “3-bed, 2-bath,” try “Spacious family home with sunlit kitchen and walkable access to parks.” Include keywords your buyers search for—like “move-in ready” or “near top-rated schools.” Use bullet points for clarity and break up long text with headings. Highlight unique selling points, location benefits, and lifestyle advantages. Avoid jargon. Include details buyers are searching for.
Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights and GTmetrix to identify and fix slow-loading pages. Compress images (JPGs under 200KB), lazy-load media, and use a lightweight theme. Ensure mobile tap targets (buttons, menus) are accessible and clickable. A site that loads in 3 seconds or less reduces bounce rate and increases lead form completions. Use Google PageSpeed Insights to test loading times. Compress all images under 300KB. Make sure buttons and maps work perfectly on phones.
Include agent headshots, certifications, languages spoken, market specialties, and links to their social profiles or Calendly links for direct bookings. About pages should humanize your brand—share how long you’ve served your community, success stories, and awards or sales milestones. Showcase yourself or your team with bios, headshots, specialties, and personal notes. Add social proof like awards or press features.
Use sticky contact buttons, exit-intent popups, and scroll-triggered forms. Create gated content like “Top 10 Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make” or “Neighborhood Price Report.” Use forms integrated with your CRM so no lead slips through the cracks. Use sticky contact buttons, popups, and gated content (e.g. “Download the Ultimate Homebuyer Checklist”) to capture email leads.
Add a testimonial slider on the homepage, star ratings, badges like “Top Producer” or “Zillow Premier Agent,” and logos of associations (e.g., NAR, MLS). Show average days-on-market, properties sold, or total volume to back your claims with numbers. Embed Zillow reviews, client testimonials, and brokerage logos. Highlight average time-to-sale or local success metrics.
Write 2 SEO-optimized posts per month—focus on local market trends, buyer/seller tips, or area spotlights (e.g., “Best Schools in [Neighborhood]”). Use images, charts, and CTAs to keep readers engaged. Blogging improves search rankings and increases return visits. Publish content 1–2x per month focused on local housing trends, financing tips, or selling strategies. This boosts SEO and keeps users returning.
QA everything: forms, menus, mobile views, and link structure. Add conversion tracking via Google Analytics and Meta Pixel. Promote your launch with email campaigns, social posts, and Google Business Profile updates. Use a launch offer like “Free Seller Market Report” to drive early traffic and engagement. Check on mobile, test lead forms, and sync Google Analytics. Promote the launch through email, local groups, social media, and your Google Business Profile.
Anastasia Belyh
Anastasia Belyh is a senior tech writer with over 15 years of experience in marketing, sales, and business software. Having worked in investment banking, management consulting, and founded multiple companies, her in-depth knowledge and hands-on expertise make her software reviews authoritative, trustworthy, and highly practical for business decision-makers.