In today’s digital age, a website is as essential to a real estate business as the properties it represents. A sleek, functional website showcases listings, highlights your brand, and opens the door to new leads. But if you’re thinking of taking a DIY approach to building your site, you might be considering a website builder. These platforms offer various templates, customisation options, and easy, drag-and-drop editing tools that let you create your site without needing to be a tech wizard. But, are website builders truly the best choice for real estate? Here’s a look at the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision for your business.
Pros of using a website builder for real estate
1. Quick and easy to set up
One of the biggest appeals of an easy website builder is just how fast you can set up your site. With pre-designed website templates for real estate, it’s often as simple as picking a template, customising a few details, and getting your site live. Most website builders are designed with non-technical users in mind, so even if coding isn’t your thing, you can still create something functional and attractive.
2. Cost-effective solution
Website builders can be more affordable than hiring a professional web designer, especially if you’re a small or newly established real estate business. Basic plans often come with essential features for a minimal monthly fee, making this a budget-friendly option. Plus, you won’t need to pay extra for hosting since most website builders cover this as part of their package.
3. Customisable templates for real estate
Many website builders have templates specifically designed for real estate businesses. These templates generally come with dedicated sections for listings, image galleries, real estate agent bios, and contact forms. Customisable elements allow you to adjust colours, fonts, and layout to better reflect your brand, giving you control over the look and feel without needing to design from scratch.
4. No need for technical knowledge
Thanks to drag-and-drop website builder tools, you can easily rearrange elements like text boxes, images, buttons, and more to your liking. This approach eliminates the steep learning curve that comes with coding or more advanced website management platforms. If you can navigate a few simple menus and follow prompts, you’re set!
5. Built-in SEO features
Most modern website builders come with basic SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) tools, helping your real estate website show up in search engine results. Features like meta descriptions, title tags, and even keyword guidance are often included, making it easier to optimise your site for search visibility. While basic, these tools can still be effective for increasing your website’s reach in your local market.
6. Easy maintenance and updates
With a website builder, maintenance is usually minimal. The platform will often handle software updates, security patches, and backups for you. This means you can spend less time troubleshooting technical issues and more time focusing on real estate lead generation and nurturing client relationships.
Cons of using a website builder for real estate
1. Limited customisation
While website builders offer a range of templates and some customisation, there are limits. You may not have the flexibility to add unique elements or layouts that make your real estate brand truly stand out. Over time, you may feel boxed in, especially if your brand evolves and needs a site that can better reflect its identity.
2. Potential SEO limitations
While built-in SEO tools are useful, they can be limited. For a real estate website that competes in a local, highly competitive market, basic SEO tools will not be enough to rank well. Website builders don’t always offer the depth needed to optimise for high search rankings, potentially limiting your online visibility.
3. Lack of real estate-specific features
While website builders have real estate templates, they may lack certain advanced features essential for the industry. MLS (Multiple Listing Service) integration, for example, is not commonly available on basic website builders. The same goes for advanced real estate lead generation tools or CRM (Customer Relationship Management) integrations that help manage client follow-ups.
4. Performance and speed issues
Website builders often host hundreds of sites on the same server, meaning performance can sometimes lag, particularly during high-traffic periods. A slow or laggy site isn’t just frustrating, it can also lead to higher bounce rates as visitors leave the site. This is especially risky in real estate, where buyers and sellers often browse multiple properties at a time and expect smooth, fast navigation.
5. Dependency on the platform
Using a website builder can mean being tied to that platform. If the platform changes its policies, increases prices, or even shuts down, you could lose control over your site. Transferring your site to another platform can also be tricky, as the drag-and-drop website builder tools are often proprietary, making it hard to export your design and content without losing some functionality.
6. Limited scalability
As your business grows, your website will need to keep up with your expanding audience, listings, and resources. Basic website builders may not be designed for scalability. If you reach a point where your site needs more advanced tools, features, or custom functions, you may find that a website builder is too limiting.
So, is a website builder right for your real estate business?
Ultimately, choosing a website builder depends on your current needs, budget, and long-term vision for your business. If you’re just starting out and need a quick, budget-friendly site to get online, a website builder can offer you a practical solution with low startup costs. However, if you’re looking for advanced features like MLS integration, specialised real estate lead generation tools, or a truly unique, custom design, you will be better off investing in a professional web development team.
Website builders are great for smaller real estate businesses or solo real estate agents who want a user-friendly, straightforward website. But if your brand needs a website that stands out, performs well, and scales with your business, a custom-built website will be the more strategic option.
Ready to take your real estate website to the next level?
If you’re looking to create a website that truly reflects your brand and maximises your lead generation potential, consider Prop Data’s expert web design services. Our team specialises in building custom, high-performance real estate websites that help you attract, engage, and convert clients. Get in touch with Prop Data today to learn more!