Top 10 Real Estate Builders in 2024 & Tips to Pick the Best

Establishing a compelling online presence in today’s digital-first real estate market is non-negotiable. Real estate website builders equip agents, brokers, and property managers with the tools necessary to create websites that showcase properties attractively and effectively engage potential clients.

With critical features like real estate website hosting with IDX, customizable real estate website packages, and robust real estate website hosting, these builders are invaluable for navigating the competitive digital landscape.

Key Takeaways

• Selecting the right real estate website builder with IDX is essential for professionals seeking to enhance their online presence.
• Comprehensive real estate website packages offer a mix of ease of use and powerful, industry-specific features.
• Considerations such as IDX integration, customization, and reliable real estate website hosting are paramount in choosing the most suitable builder.
• Real estate website builder reviews and real estate site builder comparisons indicate that the best realtor website builder platforms balance advanced functionality with intuitive design, aiding effective lead generation and brand building.

What’s a Real Estate Website Builder?

A real estate website builder is a platform designed specifically to facilitate creating and managing real estate websites. Equipped with tools for IDX integration, customizable real estate website packages, and real estate website hosting, these builders address the unique needs of the real estate sector, simplifying the web design process for professionals.

What’s IDX in Real Estate?

IDX (Internet Data Exchange) is the system that allows real estate professionals to show up-to-date property listings on their websites, directly sourced from MLS databases. IDX integration is crucial for a real estate website, ensuring visitors can access the latest listings and enhancing the site’s value as a resource for potential buyers and sellers.

What to Consider when Choosing a Real Estate Website Builder

Before selecting a website builder, the first step for real estate agents is choosing the right domain name. When selecting a real estate website builder, key considerations should include:

• IDX integration capabilities for displaying current listings.
• Customization options to reflect your unique brand identity.
• User-friendly design for easy management of your website.
• Reliable real estate website hosting to ensure your site remains accessible.
• Marketing and SEO tools to enhance your online visibility.
• Insights from real estate website builder reviews to gauge user satisfaction.

Ensure your website has the essential features to gain trust and encourage engagement. Read about the top features every real estate listing website needs.

10 Top Builders

Selecting the ideal real estate website builder is essential for the effectiveness of your real estate efforts. This guide highlights the top platforms available in 2024, each distinguished by its specific functionalities designed to meet diverse real estate requirements.

1. Wix

Wix stands out for its intuitive design interface and rich template selection, making it ideal for real estate website building. It supports IDX integration through third-party apps, enabling users to showcase MLS listings seamlessly on their sites. The platform’s drag-and-drop editor ensures that even those with no technical background can create a visually appealing and functional real estate website.

Pros:

• Wide Range of Templates: Wix boasts a diverse selection of visually appealing templates specifically designed for real estate websites, making it easy for agents to find a style that suits their brand. This variety ensures that every real estate professional can launch a website that stands out and effectively showcases properties.
• Intuitive Drag-and-Drop Editor: The platform’s user-friendly interface simplifies the web design process, enabling real estate agents to customize their sites effortlessly. This drag-and-drop functionality means updates and changes can be made quickly, without hiring a web developer.
• Robust Feature Set: Wix has features essential for real estate agents, including IDX integration via third-party apps, SEO tools for improved online visibility, and lead capture forms to generate potential client inquiries. These comprehensive tools support agents in effectively marketing their listings and services.

Cons:

• Complex Pricing Structure: Wix offers a range of pricing plans and add-ons, which can be confusing for users to navigate and potentially lead to unexpected costs. Deciphering the best package for specific real estate needs requires careful consideration, which might be a deterrent for some.
• Limited Customization for Advanced Users: While ideal for beginners, Wix may not offer sufficient flexibility for advanced users or web designers seeking deeper customization options. This could restrict creativity and the ability to implement specific functionalities tailored to unique real estate demands.

Best Feature: The platform’s comprehensive design flexibility, coupled with an extensive app market, provides tools for nearly every real estate need, from listings to lead capture forms.

Best Used for: Real estate professionals seeking a balance between user-friendly design and robust functionality for a dynamic online presence.

Pricing: Wix offers a free basic plan, with premium plans starting at $14/month, which include advanced features and real estate website hosting solutions.

2. Elementor

Elementor is a powerful plugin for WordPress users that offers deep customization capabilities for real estate website building. It’s known for its extensive widgets and dynamic templates tailored to the real estate industry. Elementor’s interface allows users to achieve a high level of customization, enabling the design of unique websites without coding.

Pros:

• High Customization Capabilities: Elementor’s powerful drag-and-drop page builder provides unparalleled customization opportunities, allowing real estate professionals to craft unique and engaging websites. The ability to tweak every aspect of the site ensures that agents can accurately reflect their brand and property listings.
• Extensive Plugin Ecosystem: As a WordPress plugin, Elementor benefits from seamless integration with a wide array of WordPress plugins. This compatibility enhances functionality with tools crucial for real estate websites, such as IDX listing plugins and CRM systems, making it one of the best website builders for property management. This enables a tailored approach to site functionality.
• Responsive Design: Elementor ensures websites are fully responsive and mobile-friendly, a critical feature given the increasing reliance on mobile devices for property searches. This responsiveness enhances the user experience, ensuring potential buyers can easily navigate listings on any device.

Cons:

• Requires WordPress: Elementor operates as a WordPress plugin, necessitating a WordPress site, which may present a learning curve for those unfamiliar with the platform. This requirement can add an extra step for users new to website creation.
• Learning Curve: Despite its user-friendly design, Elementor’s wide array of features and customization options can overwhelm new users. Mastering its full capabilities may require time and patience to create a standout real estate website.

Best Feature: Its range of widgets and realtor website design elements specifically designed for real estate websites, including advanced listing functionalities, testimonials, and contact forms, make it exceptionally versatile.

Best Used for: WordPress users demanding detailed customization and control over their website’s design and functionality.

Pricing: Elementor offers a free version with basic features; the Pro version, which unlocks a full suite of real estate tools, starts at $49/year.

3. Squarespace

Squarespace is celebrated for its sleek, designer-quality templates and comprehensive best website design for real estate. This platform offers built-in tools for real estate website building, including IDX integration through custom code blocks, making it a favorite for real estate website packages that require a polished aesthetic. Squarespace’s all-in-one platform includes hosting, ensuring that real estate website hosting is secure and reliable.

Pros:

• Stunning Design Options: Squarespace is celebrated for its sophisticated and elegant templates, offering real estate businesses an edge in creating visually captivating real estate websites. This focus on design helps professionals showcase their properties in the best light, attracting higher-quality leads.
• Built-in SEO Tools: The platform offers comprehensive SEO features that assist real estate websites in achieving better rankings in search engine results. Improved visibility is crucial for driving traffic to listings and services, making Squarespace an attractive option for growth-focused agents.
• Easy-to-Use Interface: Squarespace’s intuitive website builder allows for straightforward creation and management of real estate listings, simplifying the maintenance of property information. This ease of use is a significant advantage for agents who prioritize efficiency in their marketing efforts.

Cons:

• Limited Third-Party Integrations: Squarespace offers fewer integration options than competitors, which might limit functionality for some real estate sites looking to incorporate specific marketing or CRM tools. This could necessitate workarounds or compromises in site features.
• Higher Cost: Squarespace’s pricing plans are generally more expensive than other website builders. For real estate professionals mindful of budget constraints, this higher cost may necessitate careful consideration of the platform’s value relative to available features.

Best Feature: Squarespace’s standout feature is its award-winning design capabilities. It provides the best website design for real estate, which can significantly enhance online property showcases.

Best Used for agents and brokers who aim for a visually impressive online presence, focusing on high-quality property imagery.

Pricing: Plans start from $12/month, offering a range of features suitable for different real estate website packages.

4. Shopify

Though traditionally an e-commerce platform, Shopify has expanded its utility to include real estate website building. With its real estate website hosting and versatile design options, Shopify accommodates the creation of online property marketplaces and includes tools for virtual reality property tours.

Pros:

• E-commerce Integration: Shopify excels in integrating e-commerce functionalities, making it an exceptional choice for real estate agents selling property-related products or services directly from their website. This feature supports a seamless shopping experience for clients and adds a revenue stream for agents.
• Comprehensive Payment Solutions: Offering a wide range of payment options, Shopify ensures real estate professionals can easily process transactions, whether for property deposits, rentals, or related services. This flexibility enhances client satisfaction by accommodating various payment preferences.
• Robust Security Features: Security is paramount for e-commerce platforms, and Shopify provides industry-leading security features to protect sensitive client information and transactions. Real estate agents can assure their clients of a safe and secure online experience, which is crucial for building trust and credibility.

Cons:

• Primarily E-commerce Focused: While Shopify’s e-commerce strengths are significant, its primary focus on online sales may not align perfectly with the typical needs of a real estate website, such as property listings and virtual tours. Agents may need to employ additional apps or customizations to fully meet their site requirements.
• Higher Cost for Full Functionality: Accessing Shopify’s full range of e-commerce features and integrations often requires subscribing to higher-tier plans, which can be costly. Real estate professionals need to balance these advanced functionalities against their budget and specific business needs.

Best Feature: Shopify excels with its e-commerce tools and integration capabilities, making it an excellent choice for real estate website platforms focusing on property sales and rentals.

Best Used for… Real estate professionals looking to incorporate e-commerce elements into their property listings or build your own real estate website with a strong sales focus.

Pricing: Basic plans start at $29/month and offer a comprehensive suite of tools for real estate website packages.

5. Real Geeks

Real Geeks offers a real estate website builder and hosting solution designed specifically for professionals. It features seamless IDX integration and powerful lead generation tools, making it one of the best real estate website builders for agents and brokers focused on generating and converting leads.

Pros:

• Real Estate-Specific Tools: Real Geeks stands out for its tools specifically designed for the real estate industry, including IDX integration, lead generation forms, and CRM functionalities. This focus ensures that agents have access to everything they need to market their properties and manage client interactions effectively.
• Lead Generation and Management: The platform offers robust lead generation features, helping agents capture and nurture leads through the sales funnel. Coupled with an integrated CRM, Real Geeks makes tracking and engaging with potential clients efficient and effective.
• User-Friendly Interface: Despite its comprehensive feature set, Real Geeks maintains an intuitive user interface, making it accessible for real estate professionals of all tech-savviness levels. This ease of use is a significant asset for agents looking to manage their websites and client databases without extensive technical support.

Cons:

• Limited Template Customization: Real Geeks offers fewer customization options for its website templates than other website builders. This limitation might prevent agents from fully personalizing their sites to match their brand identity or specific marketing strategies.
• Primarily Suited for US Markets: Real Geeks’ tools and functionalities are optimized for the US real estate market. Agents outside the US may find some features less applicable or need to adapt certain tools to suit their local market conditions.

Best Feature: Its lead generation and management tools are particularly effective, offering the best website builders for real estate agents aiming for growth.

Best Used for… Agents and brokers focused on lead generation and conversion, seeking comprehensive real estate website packages.

Pricing: Contact Real Geeks for custom pricing based on your needs and features.

6. Agent Image

Agent Image is known for creating high-end, custom real estate websites. It offers bespoke design services, ideal for luxury real estate website building. Focusing on creating visually stunning sites, Agent Image also provides robust IDX integration and marketing tools.

Pros:

• Luxury Design Focus: Agent Image is renowned for creating high-end, custom websites for luxury real estate professionals. Their focus on sophisticated design ensures that agents can showcase their properties in the most attractive light, appealing to upscale clientele.
• Personalized Service and Support: Offering personalized design consultations and support, Agent Image provides a tailored experience, ensuring that each real estate website uniquely reflects the agent’s brand and business objectives. This individualized approach is particularly valuable for agents targeting niche markets.
• SEO and Marketing Services: Beyond website design, Agent Image offers comprehensive SEO and digital marketing services, helping agents improve their online visibility and attract more qualified leads. This integrated approach to online marketing supports agents in more effectively achieving their sales goals.

Cons:

• Higher Pricing: Agent Image’s pricing is on the higher end of the spectrum, reflecting its focus on premium design and personalized services. Real estate professionals must consider the return on investment and whether the premium services align with their marketing budget and business needs.
• Longer Development Times: Given the custom nature of its website designs, Agent Image’s development process can be longer than template-based website builders. Agents looking for a quick website launch may find the timeline challenging.

Best Feature: The ability to deliver custom, luxury designs tailored to the individual brand of a real estate professional makes it a top choice.

Best Used for… Luxury real estate professionals seeking a unique and visually impactful online presence.

Pricing: Pricing is custom based on project requirements.

7. Agent Fire

Agent Fire is optimized for real estate website building, offering easy-to-use templates and IDX integration. It is designed specifically for real estate professionals looking for a balance between functionality and ease of use in their real estate website packages.

Pros:

• Tailored for Real Estate: Agent Fire, a real estate website builder with IDX features, is finely tuned to meet the specific needs of the real estate market. It offers features like advanced IDX solutions, market reports, and customizable listing pages. This specialization ensures that real estate professionals can effectively showcase their properties and market themselves to potential clients.
• Integrated Marketing Tools: The platform provides integrated tools for email marketing, social media integration, and SEO optimization, allowing agents to reach a broader audience efficiently. This comprehensive suite of marketing tools supports agents in building a strong online presence and generating leads.
• Highly Customizable Designs: Agent Fire offers a range of customizable design options, enabling real estate agents to create a website that truly reflects their brand identity. The flexibility in design ensures that each website can stand out in the competitive real estate landscape.

Cons:

• Learning Curve: While Agent Fire offers many advanced features and customization options, new users may face a learning curve when first utilizing the platform. Real estate professionals may need to invest time in training or tutorials to fully utilize the platform’s capabilities.
• Pricing and Additional Costs: The cost of using Agent Fire, especially when opting for additional features and services, can add up. Real estate professionals should carefully consider which functionalities are essential for their business to manage their website budget effectively.

Best Feature: Its IDX integration and real estate-focused templates are highly beneficial for quickly launching a real estate website.

Best Used for… Real estate professionals seeking a straightforward and efficient way to create an IDX-integrated website.

Pricing: Plans start at a reasonable monthly fee, with specific pricing available upon request.

8. Durable

Durable focuses on AI-driven design, making it an excellent choice for agents looking for a real estate website builder with IDX integration that’s both efficient and straightforward to use. Its technology streamlines the real estate website building process, from layout design to IDX implementation.

Pros:

• AI-Powered Efficiency: Durable leverages AI technology to streamline the website-building process, offering real estate agents a quick and efficient way to create a professional-looking website. This AI assistance can significantly reduce the time and effort required to launch and maintain a website.
• Real Estate-Specific Features: The platform includes real estate-specific features such as AI-generated content for listings, integration with MLS data, and interactive property maps. These tools are designed to enhance the property browsing experience for potential buyers and sellers.
• Scalable Solutions: Durable provides scalable website solutions that can grow with a real estate business. Whether an agent is looking to expand their online presence or incorporate more advanced features, Durable can accommodate these evolving needs without necessitating a platform switch.

Cons:

• Reliance on AI: While AI can simplify the website-building process, there may be instances where the automated content or design choices do not fully align with an agent’s preferences or branding. Users may need to adjust certain elements to achieve their desired outcome manually.
• Limited Customization in Some Areas: Despite offering scalability and real estate-specific features, some users might find the customization options for certain design elements or functionalities more limited compared to other platforms. This could impact agents seeking highly personalized website designs.
• Best Feature: Durable’s AI-driven real estate website creator tool can automatically generate and optimize content and design, making website creation faster and more accessible for real estate professionals.
• Best Used for: Real estate agents who need a quick and smart online presence with minimal hands-on effort.
• Pricing: Pricing varies based on the services chosen; contact Durable for detailed pricing.

9. GoDaddy

GoDaddy is a well-known name in the web hosting space. It offers an easy-to-use real estate website builder and hosting service that’s ideal for agents and brokers starting their online journey. Its user-friendly interface and real estate website packages make it a good option for quickly setting up a professional website.

Pros:

• User-Friendly Interface: GoDaddy’s website builder is designed for ease of use, allowing even those with minimal technical expertise to create and launch a real estate website quickly. This accessibility makes it an attractive option for real estate agents looking to establish or update their online presence without a steep learning curve.
• Comprehensive Marketing Tools: The platform offers a suite of marketing tools, including SEO features, email marketing, and social media integration, helping real estate agents effectively reach and engage their target audience. These tools are crucial for driving traffic to the website and generating leads.
• Affordable Pricing: GoDaddy provides a range of pricing options, including a cost-effective entry-level plan, making it accessible for real estate professionals at various stages of their careers. The affordability of GoDaddy’s website builder ensures that agents can maintain an online presence without significantly impacting their budget.

Cons:

• Limited Real Estate-Specific Features: While GoDaddy offers a user-friendly platform and marketing tools, it may lack some advanced real estate-specific features found in more specialized website builders. Agents requiring comprehensive MLS integration or custom property search functions might find the platform’s capabilities somewhat restricted.
• Template-Based Design Limitations: Although GoDaddy offers a variety of templates, customization options can be limited, potentially resulting in websites that lack uniqueness. Real estate agents seeking a highly customized website design might need to explore additional design solutions or platforms.

Best Feature: The platform’s integrated marketing tools, including email marketing and social media promotion, help real estate agents extend their reach and effectively engage with clients.

Best Used for: New real estate agents looking for an all-in-one solution to establish their online presence and begin marketing their listings.

Pricing: Plans start at $10.99/month, with various real estate website packages available to suit different needs.

10. Placester

Placester provides real estate website building solutions focusing on IDX integration and sleek design templates tailored for real estate professionals. Its platform offers a blend of aesthetic appeal and functional depth, making it suitable for agents and brokerages of all sizes.

Pros:

• Designed for Real Estate Professionals: Placester specializes in real estate websites, offering features such as IDX listing integration, lead capture forms, and CRM functionality. This focus ensures that agents have access to the tools they need to showcase properties effectively and manage client interactions.
• Highly Customizable Templates: With Placester, agents can choose from various templates designed specifically for the real estate industry. This allows for the creation of a unique website that aligns with the agent’s branding and marketing strategy.
• Integrated Marketing and CRM Tools: The platform provides integrated marketing tools and CRM solutions, enabling real estate agents to streamline their marketing efforts and client management processes. This integration can improve lead generation and client retention rates.

Cons:

• Pricing and Subscription Model: Placester operates on a subscription model, and while it offers a robust set of features, the pricing may be higher compared to some other website builders. Real estate agents should evaluate the cost relative to the platform’s offerings and their specific business needs.
• Learning Curve for Advanced Features: Although Placester is designed with real estate professionals in mind, a learning curve can be associated with utilizing its more advanced features and integrations. Agents may need to dedicate time to learning the platform to leverage its capabilities for their business fully.

Best Feature: The easy IDX integration and beautiful, customizable design templates stand out, allowing real estate agents to create great websites and offer powerful property search functionality.

Best Used for: Real estate professionals seeking a balance between form and function in their website, strongly emphasising property listings and search capabilities.

Pricing: Contact Placester for current pricing on their real estate website packages.

Each of these real estate website builders offers unique advantages and considerations, making it essential for agents to assess their specific needs and objectives when choosing the most suitable platform for their online presence.

Handy Tip: For realtors focusing on showcasing individual listings to their maximum potential, single property websites offer a dedicated platform for detailed presentation. Learn how to create and optimize these powerful tools for maximum market impact by exploring tips and best options for realtors.

Quick Tips for Navigating Real Estate Website Builders

1. Embrace Visual Storytelling: Leverage high-quality photos and videos to tell a compelling story about each property. Incorporating virtual tours and drone footage can significantly enhance online listings, making them more engaging for potential buyers.
2. SEO is Your Best Friend: Beyond the technical aspects of IDX integration and website hosting, focus on optimizing your website’s content for search engines. Use local keywords, maintain a blog with valuable real estate advice, and ensure your website’s structure is search engine friendly to increase visibility.
3. Mobile Optimization Matters: With more smartphone users accessing the internet, ensure your real estate website is fully optimized for mobile devices. A responsive design improves the user experience, keeping potential clients engaged and reducing bounce rates.
4. Analytics for Insight and Growth: Utilize web analytics tools to track visitor behavior on your website. Understanding which listings attract the most attention or where users drop off can inform adjustments to your site’s design and content strategy, leading to better engagement and conversion rates.
5. Explore Single Property Websites: For a focused approach to showcasing listings, consider creating single property websites. These platforms provide a detailed, dedicated space to highlight individual properties, offering rich media and comprehensive information. Learn more about creating and optimizing single property websites for maximum real estate market impact.

Together, these tips form a robust strategy for real estate professionals aiming to maximize the effectiveness of their online presence, ensuring they not only attract but also retain the interest of potential buyers and sellers.

FAQs

What is the most used website builder in the world?

WordPress is widely regarded as the most used website builder globally, known for its flexibility and a vast array of plugins, including options for real estate websites.

Is WordPress good for real estate websites?

Yes, WordPress can be an excellent choice for real estate websites due to its versatility, extensive themes, and plugins designed specifically for real estate, including IDX integration.

Should I make a website as a real estate agent?

Absolutely. A website serves as your digital business card, showcasing your listings, promoting your brand, and providing a point of contact for potential clients.

What is the easiest website builder to use?

For those in the real estate industry, Wix and Squarespace are often lauded for their ease of use. They offer drag-and-drop interfaces and real estate website packages that simplify the process of building a professional-looking website.

Discovering the Perfect Platform for Your Real Estate Goals

Choosing the right real estate website builder involves balancing aesthetics, functionality, and ease of use.

Whether you’re drawn to Durable’s AI-driven simplicity, Squarespace’s design-focused approach, or the comprehensive real estate website packages offered by platforms like Placester, your ideal solution should align with your business goals, brand identity and clientele’s needs.

As the real estate market continues to embrace digital transformation, having a robust online presence is no longer optional—it is essential!