So, I’ve been blogging about real estate for a couple of years now, which has given me ample time to compile a list of things on real estate websites that drive me up the wall. And as more and more sales leads come from the web, user experience has become a huge deal for real estate.
This is by no means a comprehensive list, as I’m sure I haven’t seen every real estate websites out there, but these are the nails-on-the-chalkboard issues that keep on resurfacing. Nothing will have me leaving a website faster than seeing one of these features on it, and I’m pretty sure potential clients feel that way, too.
For the top 8 features that you should never have on a real estate website, jump!
1. Auto-play music
I think this is a pretty universal opinion, but music that automatically plays when you open a website is the most annoying invention since the Furby or those ridiculous singing fish you hang on the wall. Seriously, if I want to hear music while I check out your listings, I’m not going to crank up the Enya to 11.
2. Auto-play video
See entry No. 1, and this Reddit thread. Videos can be extra annoying, though, because it often starts with someone talking, and, if you’re not paying attention 100 percent, that can be super creepy. All the sudden you’re looking over your shoulder to find the person who is telling you about hardwood floors and granite countertops. I can’t find the “mute” button fast enough.
3. “Live support” popups (or pop-ups of any kind)
When you’re on a site for more than three seconds and then a “How can I help you?” window pops up, well, that’s just a little weird. It’s even more annoying if it has a video or plays a noise. If I need support, I’ll click on the contact page and shoot you an email, or even call you, but yeah, I am not sure anybody really uses those support windows.
4. A gigantic headshot
There is nothing more ironic than a real estate agent’s website that has a slogan or a tagline about how that agent is all about their clients right next to an ENORMOUS headshot. Just sayin’.
5. Eye-bleed-inducing color schemes
There are tons of articles out there about choosing color schemes that enhance user experience, and none of them recommend putting yellow text on a blue background, or other seizure-inducing color combinations. If in doubt, keep it simple. Also, neon text on a white background is NEVER a good idea. EVER.
6. 80 million different fonts
Fonts are fun, I know, but if I see one more site with a mix of script, Papyrus, Courier, and Helvetica, I will just die until I’m dead. Choose one or two, use them judiciously, and minimize the changes between font sizes. Related: Using all-caps to write listing information. Don’t do it. Just don’t. It is never OK.
7. Netscape-era scrollbar layouts
Guys, there are a million and a half web designers out there today, and at least half of them do a passable job at creating navigable websites. About half of those charge reasonable prices, so you are still looking at a decent pool of designers that can construct a good-looking, easy-to-use website that will keep people from noticing that you’re still calling it “The World Wide Web.”
8. Poor navigation
What use is a website if a potential client can’t find the information they want or need? It’s useless. When you’re building a site, remember to always give users options like signs on the Interstate, ways for them to find their way back to the major parts of your website. Sadly, while this is perhaps the least annoying issue with real estate websites, it’s the most prevalent and easily fixed.
Did we forget one? What real estate website faux pas makes your eyes cross? Leave a comment!
