If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that having an online presence was more important than ever. We were forced to move into the virtual world - conducting virtual open homes, managing remote teams and the competition to be seen online was elevated.

The team at ReNet have been building real estate websites for over 15 years! We’ve launched over 1,000 websites during this time while seeing the industry shift and change. Designing and launching a new website can be an overwhelming task. However, with the right team, building a website can be a fun and creative experience.

We’ve pulled together the top 3 must have features for any real estate website. If any of these features are missing on your website, it may be time to consider an upgrade. If you’re yet to launch a website of your own, let 2021 be the year it happens!

Here are the top 3 features every real estate website must have in 2021

1. Aesthetically Pleasing Design

We can’t skip the obvious here, so we’re starting with the basics. If you’re going to invest time and money into building a professional website, it needs to be aesthetically pleasing (plus being user friendly and rich in functionality - we’ll get to that later).

While some websites that look visually stunning (yet lack functionality) can fly under the radar, a dated website that looks like it was built on a Windows 98 PC cannot. First impressions count! In a recent study, 94% of first impressions relate to your site’s web design while 89% of consumers shop with a competitor after a poor user experience. If your website is dated plus lacks visual finesse and functionality, consider the amount of potential clients you’ve lost due to these key elements.

ReNet’s design principles are simple, yet powerful - all websites are built with ease, longevity and functionality in mind. Thus resulting in a clean, modern and versatile design. Aesthetically pleasing, intuitive user interfaces and a vibrant listing design features are top of the list.

We’ll let our templates speak for themselves. Browse our expansive collective here and take them for a test drive or download our Website Design Packages here.

2. Lead capture to convert visitors into qualified prospects

If your website does not have the functionality to capture leads, this is like watching a potential buyer attend an open home and letting them leave without taking down their details. There’s no point spending time advertising the open home and getting people through the door if you have a way to follow up with them after.

This is what happens any time a potential client lands on your website. Do you have a way of capturing their details so you can continue the conversation and build a relationship with them? Or are they slipping through the cracks never to be seen again?

Every real estate website (or every website for that matter) must have a reliable way to convert website traffic (ie visitors to your website) into potential leads that you can nurture and add to your database. In the case of ReNet’s websites, we use Smart Form Integrations to make this a seamless process. Functionality of your website is just as important as being visually appealing. After all, no one wants to spend $200k + on a Lamborghini only to have the engine of a small 4L hatchback.

An effective lead capture strategy is to capture potential client interests through a multitude of pre-integrated forms to intuitively collect and handle client data. This results in hot, qualified leads straight into your database.

ReNet have a variety of smart form integrations such as:

• Market Appraisal
• Property Alerts
• Marketing sign-ups
• Agency contacts

These smart forms are even more powerful when a CRM is connected to your website (lucky ReNet offers both!). The moment a new website visitor submits their details to receive property alerts, their details are saved directly into ReNet’s CRM. This triggers an automated property email to be sent based on the property criteria submitted. This entire process happens automatically, giving you time to focus on interpersonal relationships that technology can’t replace.

3. Website Manager - Manage your own website inhouse with simplicity and ease

The real estate industry moves fast and your website needs to stay up to date. The ability to quickly update your website inhouse with minimal confusion is game changing. No need to send out urgent emails to your web developer requesting for a new listing to be uploaded or a staff profile to be updated. With ReNet, you can do all of this yourself via the Website Manager.

Once we hand over your completed website, you’ll have instant access to the Website Manger. Here you can update your content, staff profiles and add any new announcements without stressing about the complicated tech know-how.

When it comes to updating listings, all of ReNet’s websites are connected to an automated property feed. This means you can add or update your listings within ReNet and it will automatically reflect on your website.

We’re all about saving you time so you can focus on what you do best - this is why our Website Manager feature made it into our top 3.

Bonus Feature!

No website would be complete without the ability to increase your SEO (Search Engine Optimisation). All of ReNet’s websites utilise inbuilt SEO functionality to increase online visibility and boost search rankings. If your competitors are currently ranking on Google’s first page and you’re not, that’s a clear indication that your SEO has room for improvement.

As location influences a Real Estate Agent’s job, optimising your keywords and search terms can help you to easily be found online and attract new website visitors.

The Next Steps

To recap, our top three must have features of any real estate website are:

1. Aesthetically pleasing design
2. Lead capture functionality
3. Access to easily update website content at any time

Have a quick review of your website and see if any of the above features are missing. Whether you’re missing one or all of the above features, have a chat to our team and take your online presence to the next level!