Introduction
We've analyzed some of the most impressive real estate websites in the industry to show you what makes them work. Whether you're a solo agent or managing a large brokerage, these examples will inspire your next website redesign.
Please note that the websites referenced in this article are not our projects, they have been developed by other companies.
The Best Real Estate Website Designs
1. Douglas Elliman
Douglas Elliman is one of the largest independent residential real estate brokerages in the United States, with a strong presence in major markets like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. The company represents some of the most prestigious properties and top-producing agents in the luxury market.
Website Analysis:
Douglas Elliman's website immediately captures attention with its cinematic hero section featuring the tagline "WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO?" overlaid on stunning property imagery. This aspirational approach perfectly aligns with their luxury positioning.
The design succeeds through several key elements:
- Visual storytelling: High-quality photography and video content create an emotional connection before users even browse listings
- Clean navigation: Despite offering extensive property listings across multiple markets, the site maintains intuitive navigation
- Market-specific landing pages: Cities like New York, Miami, and Los Angeles each get dedicated showcase sections with lifestyle imagery
- Social proof: Integration of their Instagram feed and agent success stories builds credibility
The dark, sophisticated color palette with navy and black tones reinforces the premium brand positioning. Property cards feature generous white space and elegant typography that lets the listings shine.
2. Serhant
Founded by Ryan Serhant, star of Million Dollar Listing New York, Serhant is a modern real estate brokerage that leverages media, technology, and marketing to provide unprecedented exposure for properties and agents.
Website Analysis:
While not shown in the uploaded images, Serhant's website deserves mention for its innovative approach to real estate web design. The company integrates video content, social media, and educational resources in ways that few traditional brokerages have mastered.
Their design philosophy centers on content marketing and personal brand building, showing that real estate websites can be both lead generation tools and media platforms.
3. Sotheby's International Realty
Sotheby's International Realty brings together the auction house's 275-year legacy with modern real estate expertise. Operating in 84 countries with over 1,100 offices, they represent the pinnacle of luxury real estate worldwide.
Website Analysis:
Sotheby's website perfectly balances heritage with contemporary design. The tagline "Find a home that suits your lifestyle" sets an aspirational yet personal tone from the first interaction.
Key design strengths include:
- Strategic use of white space: The clean layout prevents the extensive content from feeling overwhelming
- Data visualization: Statistics like "1,100 offices in 84 countries" and "$157 billion in sales volume" are presented as elegant data points
- Lifestyle integration: Rather than just showing properties, the site showcases the lifestyles associated with different markets
- Content marketing: Sections highlighting local experts and destination guides position agents as market authorities
- Refined typography: Classic serif fonts combined with modern sans-serif create timeless elegance
The navy blue and white color scheme exudes trustworthiness and sophistication. Property imagery is given room to breathe, with generous margins and thoughtful spacing that never feels cramped.
4. Fox Marin
Fox Marin is a Toronto-based real estate team known for their client-centric approach and consistently high Google ratings. They've built their reputation on providing a seamless experience and winning results for buyers and sellers.
Website Analysis:
Fox Marin takes a refreshingly personal approach by leading with their team. The hero section features the entire Fox Marin team in a professional group photo with the headline "Helping you to create the Toronto Real Estate Story."
What makes this website design effective:
- People-first approach: The team photo immediately humanizes the brand and creates connection
- Trust indicators: Prominently displayed Google reviews (with a 5-star rating) and testimonials appear early on the page
- Service clarity: Three key value propositions are highlighted with icons and brief descriptions
- Behind-the-scenes content: The site includes lifestyle and team culture photos that show personality
- Clear calls to action: Multiple contact points throughout the page without feeling pushy
The neutral color scheme with warm beige accents creates an approachable, welcoming feeling. This design proves you don't need flashy animations or complex features to create an effective real estate website. Sometimes, authentic connection trumps elaborate design.
5. Barry Cohen Homes
About the Brand: Barry Cohen is a Toronto luxury real estate specialist and member of Forbes Global Properties. He focuses on high-end residential properties in Toronto's most prestigious neighborhoods, bringing decades of market expertise to discerning clients.
Website Analysis:
Barry Cohen's website takes a bold approach with dramatic, full-screen property photography that immediately communicates luxury. The Forbes Global Properties association is prominently featured, lending instant credibility.
Notable design elements:
- Personal branding: Barry's professional photo and personal introduction create a direct connection with potential clients
- Portfolio showcase: Multiple luxury properties are featured with stunning twilight photography
- Prestige positioning: The Forbes partnership is integrated throughout the design
- Minimal text, maximum impact: The site lets the properties speak for themselves through imagery
- Professional photography: Every property photo is clearly shot by a professional, maintaining consistent quality
The dark, moody aesthetic with gold accent tones creates an unmistakably luxury feel. This design approach works particularly well for agents in the high-end market who want to attract sophisticated buyers.
Common Elements of the Best Real Estate Website Designs
After analyzing these top-performing websites, several patterns emerge:
- Visual Excellence is Non-Negotiable: Every successful real estate website invests heavily in professional photography and videography. Property images are large, high-resolution, and prominently featured.
- Clear Value Proposition: Within seconds of landing on these sites, visitors understand what makes the agent or brokerage unique. Whether it's market expertise, luxury positioning, or client service, the differentiator is clear.
- Trust Building Through Social Proof: Reviews, testimonials, sales statistics, and credentials are strategically placed to build credibility without overwhelming the design.
- Mobile-First Thinking: All these websites deliver excellent experiences on smartphones and tablets, recognizing that many property searches happen on mobile devices.
- Strategic Calls to Action: Contact forms, phone numbers, and consultation requests are easy to find but never dominate the design. The focus stays on valuable content and property showcases.
- Clean, Modern Aesthetics: While each brand has its unique style, all avoid cluttered layouts, outdated design trends, and information overload. Less is consistently more.
Need A Professional Real Estate Website?
Your website should work as hard as you do to attract and convert clients. The examples above prove that exceptional web design combines beautiful aesthetics with strategic functionality.
Whether you're building your first real estate website or redesigning an existing one, professional help can make the difference between a site that looks good and one that generates leads.
We specialize in creating custom real estate websites that:
- Showcase your properties with stunning visual design
- Convert visitors into qualified leads
- Reflect your unique brand and market position
- Provide seamless experiences across all devices
- Integrate with your existing tools and CRM systems
Contact us today to discuss how we can create a website that elevates your real estate business and helps you stand out in your market. Let's build something remarkable together.
We partner with real estate brands across North America to develop and execute strategic marketing solutions that attract buyers, sellers, and investors.