Real estate web development can be tricky and most business owners don't feel comfortable building their own site. In most cases, they turn to web developers for real estate industry clients to take care of the technical side of things so that they can focus on selling more houses.

It's usually best to hire a web developer to do your real estate web site design. A developer has more technical knowledge than a designer, and can help you set up your site to display photo slide shows and collect sales leads.

Before you speak with real estate web developers:

1. Plan your budget. You may not have much money to spend, but it's still important to have a professional web site. This is how potential customers will find you and decide to work with you. You should hire the best real estate web development firm you can afford.

2. Understand your customer base. Think about what they are looking for and make sure that those elements are present in your real estate web design.

3. Make decisions about the design. Think about the colors and layout you want to use so that you can explain this to real estate web designers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Hire a professional real estate web site development company

Real estate agents have specific needs when it comes to building their websites. It's best if you can work with a developer that has experience working in the real estate industry. They may even point out suggestions that you hadn't thought about.

I recommend: The Real Estate Host has over 10 years of experience designing web sites for realtors. They can help you learn how to do maintenance by yourself, which can save a lot of money in the end. Blitz Development can not only design your website, but also provide you with a solid Internet marketing plan that will generate traffic and customer leads.

Find a designer that can use Flash in your real estate web design

Real estate websites are graphic intensive, as they must hold several images of the houses that you are trying to sell. However, potential customers tend to lose patience if a site takes too long to load. Flash is a great way to create sites that load quickly.

I recommend: The Maurice Quiroga Web Design Company and RE-Data are two companies that can create a great looking real estate web site design.

Have freelance real estate web developers compete for your business

Instead of going out to look for web developers for real estate industry clients, why not have developers come to you? When you post your project on popular freelance sites, you will have many developers contact you with their portfolios and a bid on the project.

I recommend: Try using GetAFreelancer or Elance to find freelance web developers. Each site has a rating system that allows previous clients to leave feedback, so you know that you are hiring someone that is reliable.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Always check references before signing a contract for real estate web development services. This will assure you that you are making a wise decision.