Real estate has been for many years and continues to be one of the most competitive industries online.

There are different types of real estate websites:

– Directories of properties for sale in a specific country,
– Directories of properties for rent or lease in a specific country,
– International directories of properties for sale,
– International directories of properties for rent or lease,
– Directories combining different types of real estate,
– Sites integrating with local MLS (multiple listing systems),
– Directories for residential only, commercial only or combination of both,
– Individual real estate websites promoting just one specific property (typically for higher price listing),
– Real estate agent or agency website promote the listings they represent and their services,
– Real estate marketing tools websites (ad and marketing agency specializing in promoting realty),
– Real estate related tools such as online mortgage calculator, real estate “how-to”, inspections, etc …
– Industry related website: Mortgage brokers, home inspectors, etc …

As you can see there are many options. If you are on the market for a new website related to real estate, it is best to first define your specific services and/or products but also what your business goals are short term and long term.

* If you are an independent or agency associated real estate agent, the website you need should be fairly straightforward. It should cover:

– What your services encompass and your area of coverage,
– What sets you apart from other realtors and why choose you,
– The properties you represented in the past and currently promoting.

* If you are selling your property on your own but are not a licensed agent then you may also benefit from a website to promote the unique features of your property. This is called For Sale By Owner or FSBO. Marketing the website would be an additional cost you would need to take into consideration since having a pretty site does not mean it will be found on the Internet.

* If you are an entrepreneur interested in creating a membership based site related to real estate, it is a more complicated conversation. A membership site is when a member (agent or seller) pays a fee to have their listing posted on your site. Such project should first start with a strong business plan, feasibility study, budget and forecast and a consultation with a web development team who has experienced in membership sites. There are many options to consider each with their own pros and cos. A good web team should be able to present all of the options to you, explain the differences between them and even make recommendations.

A good example of a membership website is Real Estate Online Search. They cater to both licensed real estate agents but also FSBO. They also cover all types of properties for sale and for rent around the world.

If you are interested in a real estate website, you came to the right place.
Call 707-794-9999 and speak with one of our California team members.