The year 2020 has reinforced the importance of having a strong online presence. Thankfully, the majority of real estate professionals are already using the world wide web to market their expertise. In fact, NAR.Realtor.com tells us that 93% of brokerages and 70% of individual agents already utilize a website. But how many of those websites are providing visitors what they need? After all, many real estate websites are an unfortunate cluster of different listings with generic search engines. Homebuyers and sellers deserve more information than just a list of active property types and prices. After all, top producing real estate professionals build long lasting and trusting relationships with their clients. A large part of developing that trust with prospective buyers and sellers begins from the moment they click on your website.
Here are five of the most important features prospective buyers and sellers find helpful when conducting their online real estate searches:
Detailed Community & Neighborhood Information
For prospective buyers (especially those who are moving to a new area that is unfamiliar), having the ability to access reliable neighborhood and community information is key. Naturally, many real estate professionals will notate that every property is in a “nice” area, but what about the specifics? Dynamic community pages that segment listings to areas of interest, provide search functions within the area by price, and showcase your market knowledge will be a game-changing tool for prospective buyers.
Map Search Functionality
For many of your website visitors, having a listing’s address information is fairly inconvenient without a map to reference. If possible, always make sure to provide the option to view and search for properties on an interactive map. Comprehensive maps in combination with extensive community information will encourage your buyers to feel confident in their decision making.
Buyer & Seller Portals
It’s no secret keeping active clients informed and engaged in the buying & selling process is incredibly important for repeat business. Providing your current buyers with an online portal where they can login, create searches with specific criteria, opt in to receiving notifications about newly listed properties, and save listings that peak their interest creates a streamlined and organized digital buying process. A seller portal can transparently show property website views, changes to competitive listings in the area, and completed marketing actions the agent is taking to sell their home for the best price possible.
Informative & Engaging Blogs
Not only are blogs great for SEO performance, but they also give website visitors valuable information that they can apply to their home buying and/or selling process. Blog posts with topical subjects and helpful tips (for example: how to secure a great mortgage rate) will aid in establishing your relevancy and authority in the marketplace. Regularly posted blogs aid in cultivating trust online before you even communicate to your prospective clients.
Landing Pages
It should go without saying, but potential clients will not contact you unless you provide them with an easy way to get more information. Both buyers and sellers can be moved closer to the point of sale with a simple CTA of a landing page. Make sure your landing pages are mobile-optimized, and you’ll be able to capture leads at every turn!
Your website should be more than a lead engine, it should be an extension of your business that develops valuable relationships over time and serves to increase market share. Using these website features can help you provide leads with the information they need to make a knowledgeable and informed buying and selling decisions.
Back At You provides clients with mobile-first, visually editable websites for real estate professionals, AND an all-in-one solution designed to make companies more efficient, improve office communications, streamline operations, and reduce operating costs! If you’re interested in learning more, simply email us at hey@backatyou.com .