What Are Website Solutions for Real Estate?

Your website is your online "real estate" showroom, so it needs to be appealing and functional. Most experts would agree that your website should also have IDX so that you can provide MLS property search for website visitors. Without IDX, you can display only your own listings, which doesn't provide a compelling search experience. The ultimate goal of your website is to gain new business or sell properties, so it will need the ability to capture leads.

Your website options span a wide range – from 100% custom design, to template-based do-it-yourself. The key to success is balancing your budget constraints with your goals, and finding a vendor who will fit that niche.

Questions to Ask

There are some important questions to ask when buying any real estate technology product and some that are unique to choosing a solution for websites.

First, let's look at general questions you'll want to ask.

• What are my objectives for this piece of technology and will this product help me achieve those objectives?
• What is my budget?
• Does my MLS or Association have any agreements with any vendors that might help me obtain this product at a discount or for free?
• What kind of customer service and training programs are available? Are there webinars and, if so, are they recorded so you can view them at any time? Is the vendor's online help sufficient?
• Will this website work for all of my agents or will they each want their own website?