Elementor makes creating real estate websites simple and effective, even without coding skills. Here’s how it helps you build a professional site:
- Drag-and-Drop Editor: Easily design custom pages without technical expertise.
- Real Estate Features: Includes property listings, interactive maps, and lead capture forms.
- Mobile Optimization: Ensures a smooth experience across all devices.
- Templates: Access over 200+ real estate-specific templates to speed up your design process.
- IDX Integration: Connect MLS listings for real-time property data.
Key Tools for Real Estate Websites
- Property Listings: Add search filters, high-quality images, and virtual tours.
- Lead Generation: Use custom forms and AI chat support to capture client details.
- MLS Integration: Showcase live property data with plugins like CT IDX Pro+.
- Mobile-First Design: Optimize speed, navigation, and visuals for mobile users.
Quick Comparison of Real Estate Templates
| Template | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate 7 | Modern agencies | IDX, CRM, modern designs, 200+ blocks and pages for Elementor |
| RealHomes | Large portfolios | Property management tools |
| Houzez | Full-service brokers | Built-in CRM, monetization features |
| WP Residence | Expanding agencies | Scalable framework for growth |
By combining Elementor’s tools with thoughtful planning, you can create a website that attracts clients, showcases properties effectively, and drives results.
How To Make A Real Estate Website with WordPress
Setup and Installation
A well-executed installation is key to creating a professional real estate website. Once your strategy is outlined, follow these steps to get started.
Install Elementor and Pick a Theme
To install Elementor, go to Plugins > Add New, search for "Elementor Website Builder", and click Install followed by Activate. For additional tools and features, you can upgrade to Elementor Pro.
When selecting a theme, focus on compatibility and performance. Real Estate 7 is a great option, offering:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Pre-built Designs | Over 200 Elementor blocks and pages tailored for real estate needs |
| Theme Setup Wizard | One-click import of professionally designed templates |
| Performance Features | Built for faster loading and smooth user experience |
| IDX Integration | Seamless connection with MLS listing systems |
Essential Setup Steps
Here are the key steps to get your site ready:
- Activate Elementor Pro: Go to Elementor > License and enter your license key.
- Set Design Basics: Define your base colors and typography under Elementor > Settings.
- Install Plugins: Add necessary plugins, such as IDX integration for MLS listings.
If you prefer a simpler starting point, the Hello Elementor theme provides a lightweight, clean foundation optimized for Elementor.
Once these steps are complete, you’re ready to start designing your site’s layout and features.
Working with Real Estate Templates
Choose a Real Estate Template
Elementor offers a variety of templates designed to meet different real estate needs. Here’s a quick comparison of some popular options:
| Template | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate 7 | Modern agencies | IDX, CRM, modern designs, 200+ blocks and pages for Elementor |
| RealHomes | Large property portfolios | Tools for property management |
| Houzez | Full-service brokers | Built-in CRM, monetization features |
| WP Residence | Expanding agencies | Scalable framework for growth |
Modify Design Elements
Make your template match your brand by personalizing its design.
- Use Elementor’s Global Settings to set your brand’s colors and fonts.
- Adjust widget spacing and alignment to create a visually appealing layout.
Key elements to include in your design:
- High-quality image galleries
- Clear price displays
- Easy-to-find contact buttons
- Interactive location maps
- Detailed property specs
Once the design is ready, add your property listings to bring your site to life.
Set Up Property Listings
Combine your customized design with functional features to create engaging property listings.
-
Add Search Filters
Let users search by:- Price range
- Property type
- Location
- Number of bedrooms/bathrooms
- Square footage
-
Highlight Property Details
Include:- Multiple images
- Comprehensive descriptions
- Floor plans
- Virtual tours
- Price history
- Neighborhood insights
-
Incorporate Interactive Features
Make your listings more engaging with:- 360-degree property views
- Scheduling tools for viewings
- Social sharing options
- "Favorite" buttons for saving properties
For real-time MLS data, integrate CT IDX Pro+, which provides updated property information across 650+ markets in all 50 states. This ensures your listings are always current and reliable.
Add Essential Real Estate Tools
Once you’ve tailored your property listings, take your website to the next level by adding these must-have tools:
Connect MLS Listings with IDX
Integrate CT IDX Pro+ to showcase real-time MLS data from over 650 markets.
- Initial Setup: Install CT IDX Pro+ on WordPress, then enter your license key and API credentials, including your Google Maps API key.
- Add MLS Search Features: Use Elementor widgets to embed search forms, interactive maps, featured carousels, and advanced filters.
Add Property Value Estimates
With CT Automated Home Valuations, you can provide instant property estimates while capturing leads. Here’s what it offers:
| Valuation Data | Details Provided |
|---|---|
| Market Value | Current estimate with high/low range |
| Property Details | Bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage |
| Historical Data | 12-month value trends |
| Tax Information | Assessment year and amounts |
Pricing plans are available to fit different needs:
- Basic: $29/month (100 valuations)
- Plus: $59/month (200 valuations)
- Pro: $129/month (500 valuations)
Set Up AI Chat Support
Use ChatSpark to provide 24/7 customer support and capture leads. Features include:
- Multilingual support in over 85 languages
- Integration with booking tools like Calendly
- Compatibility with major CRM platforms
- Custom branding options
How to Get Started: Install the ChatSpark plugin, enter your chatbot ID, customize the interface to match your brand, and train the bot with your site content and listings.
Pricing starts at $19/month for the Basic plan, with Plus ($59/month) and Pro ($129/month) options for larger agencies.
Improve Website Performance
Build Clear Navigation
A straightforward navigation system enhances both user experience and SEO. Research suggests that navigation menus should be simple, organized, and easy to access. For real estate websites built with Elementor, try these tips:
- Sticky Header Navigation: Keep your menu visible as users scroll by adding a sticky header. This makes it easier for visitors to access important sections without having to scroll back up.
- Smart Menu Organization: Structure your navigation with clear categories like Property Search, Featured Listings, Neighborhoods, Buyers/Sellers Resources, and Contact.
- Search-First Design: Place the property search bar prominently in the header. Many leading real estate platforms prioritize this feature to help users quickly locate listings.
Once your navigation is in place, shift your focus to converting visitors with effective lead capture forms.
Create Lead Generation Forms
Well-optimized forms in the right spots can turn site visitors into leads. Research shows that forms with four fields or fewer often see higher conversion rates.
Where to Place Lead Forms
Place lead capture forms strategically, such as:
- Above the fold on landing pages
- Within property listing details
- In blog post sidebars
- As exit-intent popups
Key Form Elements
Include these essential fields for better results:
| Form Element | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Name Field | Identify the lead |
| Phone/Email | Collect contact details |
| Property Interest | Qualify the lead |
| Preferred Contact Time | Improve follow-up timing |
Make sure your forms are mobile-friendly to capture leads from users on the go. Once forms are optimized, focus on creating a seamless mobile experience.
Mobile-First Design Tips
With 72% of homebuyers using mobile devices in their property searches in 2023, mobile optimization is critical. Here’s how to ensure your site is ready:
- Speed Optimization: Compress images and use lazy loading to improve load times on mobile.
- Touch-Friendly Elements: Ensure buttons and interactive features are at least 44×44 pixels for easy tapping.
- Responsive Images: Use Elementor’s responsive image settings to display sharp property photos across all devices.
"Mobile-first design is also a response to the realities of modern user behavior and technological advancements, such as increasing mobile usage, future-proofing the design, and more. By prioritizing mobile, designers can ensure a more effective and efficient design process that meets the needs of the majority of users."
– UXPin
Conclusion
Modern real estate websites need to combine eye-catching design with strong functionality. Using Elementor alongside real estate-specific tools allows professionals to build websites that not only look great but also drive results for their clients.
Getting Started Guide
Here’s a quick roadmap to kick off your high-performing real estate website:
- Use Elementor’s easy-to-navigate editor to bring your design ideas to life
- Add the must-have features for real estate professionals
- Focus on optimizing for mobile users and generating leads
To take things further, think about integrating these tools:
| Tool | Purpose | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| IDX Integration | Property Listings | Access to real-time MLS data |
| Home Valuation | Lead Generation | Automated market insights |
| AI Chat | Client Engagement | 24/7 customer support |
The key to success lies in combining the right tools with precise execution. As AK Metoyer, an industry professional, puts it:
"Truly top-notch. Don’t hesitate for one second, this is the best Real Estate theme and IDX on the market!"
Want to elevate your online presence? Start using these strategies today to turn your website visitors into loyal clients.
