Build Real Estate Website With WordPress
Written By: Shane Clark on June 18, 2020
A real estate website built with WordPress can be a flexible solution for your clients. The critical element is streamlining the integration of the client’s IDX system within your database. The inclusion of this data can turn a realtor website with a few listings to one with thousands. I have built dozens of integrated WordPress real estate sites over the years using these methods.
Tables of Contents
What is Needed to Get Started With Your WordPress Real Estate Site
Using a 3rd Party IDX Provider
Integrating a CRM to Your WordPress Real Estate Website
Picking the Best WordPress Real Estate CRM
Understand the Regulations for Your Real Estate Website
Building Your WordPress Real Estate Website with a Premium Theme
Summary
What is Needed to Get Started With Your WordPress Real Estate Site
The first step will be to evaluate how the real estate agent gets in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) data. In many cases, an agent’s broker will provide an MLS account to the agent. The method to deliver the listings from the MLS provider to the website is known as an IDX (Internet Data Exchange). The IDX will either be provided by your broker or a 3rd party. I usually recommend getting with the real estate agent and broker to determine how this information is provided.
Using a 3rd Party IDX Provider
In more than 90% of the WordPress real estate sites I have built, I have gone with either iHomefinder or IDX Broker ™. Both of these IDX solution providers allow for seamless integration within the WordPress theme. Both have excellent phone/email support that can walk the real estate agent through the sign-up process. Once the IDX service is acquired, the login information is provided back to the web developer.
iHomeFinder
I have done the IDX integration with iHomeFinder around a dozen times. I find thier support service to be top-notch. They provide the options of a CRM, lead capture capabilities, and full property integration to the WordPress theme. The pricing ranges from $49.95 to $129.95, depending on the features needed.
IDX Broker ™
Solution provider IDX Broker ™ is another comparable IDX provider that will integrate with your WordPress theme. IDX Broker ™ has similar features as iHomeFinder for displaying your integrated real estate listing. The price range for this IDX service is between $55 – $90. IDX Broker ™ has added an integrated CRM as part of the provided features of the software.
List of New Features of IDX Broker™ as of March 15th, 2022
- New maps through Azure – Modern, more reliable and up-to-date maps.
- IMPress for IDX Broker Plugin 3.0 – New and improved UI with IMPress Agents and IMPress Listings consolidated into one.
- Precision Listings Template Suite – New, user friendly template suite with the ability to customize your color scheme without CSS (check out Branding options in your dashboard!).
- Security upgrades for account logins and management through Auth0 – Users with multiple accounts can now login using one set of credentials.
- Search package upgrades – Improved speed and enhanced search capabilities.
Integrating a CRM into Your WordPress Real Estate Website.
A critical feature for your real estate website will be integrating a CRM (Customer relationship management) system. a CRM system will allow you to build a sales funnel to increase your customer conversion rates. It is crucial to find out what CRM the real estate agent’s broker is using. This will ensure that everyone in the office is sharing data properly. In many cases, the real estate agent has the flexibility to use the one that works best for them.
Picking the Best WordPress Real Estate CRM
Picking the best CRM will depend on the circumstances of the real estate agent. My preferred CRM is WPL – REAL ESTATE CRM by Realtyna. This CRM system will fully integrate with WordPress. This system supports the ability to manage your sales pipeline fully. There are two versions of the WPL – REAL ESTATE CRM CRM. The lite version, which costs $350, has most of the features for a single agent. The unlimited version allows for multiple agents and is more suited for a real estate broker. The cost for the unlimited version is $1850.
Understand the Regulations for Your Real Estate Website
It is essential to understand any local/state regulations governing real estate websites. I find the two that come up the most often are making sure the agents “state ID” (term varies by state) is on the website and no use of the text “MLS” anywhere on the site. If using an IDX provider, they are generally helpful in providing these requirements.
Building Your WordPress Real Estate Website with a Premium Theme
If the realtor is on a budget, there is the option to build the site using a premium theme. I generally recommend creating the website with a custom theme vs. a premium WordPress real estate theme. I have found that a premium theme that will save 50% in development will cost more in long-term overhead costs. An excellent place to start looking for a ready-made real estate WordPress theme is ThemeForest.
Summary
A well built real estate website can be the tool you need to monetize your business. It is essential to do your due diligence to come up with the right solution. Let me know if you need help with a web-based real estate solution, and I would be happy to connect with you.
