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Real estate association websites are vital resources that, when done well, offer an abundance of information and tools useful to both members and the public. Association websites typically feature a range of services, including access to market data, educational materials, networking opportunities and much more.
Your association’s site should feature a user-friendly interface with easy navigation, allowing visitors to find information quickly.
Association websites also play a crucial role in promoting best practices and ethical standards within the real estate community and with the consumer. REALTOR® associations are required to feature a consumer-facing link to the Code of Ethics and procedures on their websites as part of Core Standards. This emphasis on ethics helps build trust between real estate professionals and their clients, ultimately benefiting the entire industry.
Creating an effective website for your association requires careful consideration of various essential components to ensure it serves its members and the public effectively. Your association’s site should feature a user-friendly interface with easy navigation, allowing visitors to find information quickly. A prominent homepage should highlight key services, upcoming events and news updates relevant to the association.
Website Organization
Dashboard: A dashboard for members on the website homepage ensures they have quick links to all their resources. This dashboard should be a one-stop shop that will drive the members to use the website daily. Here are the types of links to place on the dashboard:
- Business partners
- State licensure
- Multiple Listing Service
- Electronic key/lockbox service
- Realtors Property Resource®
- Showing services company
- National Association of REALTORS®
- State REALTOR® association
- Association social media accounts
- NAR’s institutes, societies and councils
- Economic development corporations
- The REALTOR® Party
- Sign-up for email lists
- How to join the association
- How to make payments to the association
- Forms
Menu Bar: Having a menu bar with subcategory drop-downs on the homepage of the website is a must. Here is an example of a simple menu bar and what could be placed under each title:
- About Us
- The association mission and history
- Contact us
- Staff directory
- Board of directors
- List of past presidents
- Membership
- Member portal to pay invoices, join and communicate
- Membership benefits at the local, state and national levels
- Calendar
- Upcoming events and meetings
- Education
- Live, virtual and home study continuing education
- Designation and certification courses
- Pre-license courses
- CE look-up and renewal information
- MLS training
- Committees
- Current committees and members
- Committee sign-up forms
- Advocacy
- Major investors in the REALTORS® Political Action Committee
- Information on investing in RPAC
- REALTOR® Party
- Community outreach
- Advocacy resources
- Resources
- Member forms
- Electronic lockbox service
- Marketing resources
- Logos and trademarks
- REALTOR® Safety Program
- Association apps
- Diversity, equity and inclusion
- Professional Standards (as required under Core Standards)
- Code of Ethics resources (from NAR and the state association if available)
- Other professional standards resources (from NAR and the state association if available)
- News and Updates
- Market trends
- Legislative updates
- Association news
- Consumer corner
A Closer Look
One of the primary functions of an association website is to provide members with up-to-date information about industry trends, legislative changes and market conditions. This is essential for real estate agents and brokers who need to stay informed to better serve their clients. Many association websites include sections dedicated to news and updates, where members can find articles, reports and insights from industry experts.
The member portal is a loginrequired section of your website where members can access exclusive resources, manage their profiles and connect with one another. This portal could also facilitate the payment of dues and registration for events.
Such resources are designed to help members enhance their skills and knowledge, ensuring they remain competitive in a constantly evolving market. Furthermore, many associations offer networking opportunities through online forums, events and conferences, allowing members to connect with peers and share experiences.
Finally, association websites frequently feature tools and resources for consumers. Integrating a search function for property listings, along with detailed profiles of real estate professionals, can significantly enhance the user experience. Including contact information, social media links, and a blog for sharing success stories and tips can further engage visitors and establish the association as a trusted authority in the real estate industry. Many associations also feature guides for home buying/ selling and information on local market conditions.
By providing valuable resources to the public, your website can help educate consumers and empower them to make informed decisions in their real estate transactions, allowing you to effectively serve the community and promote the association’s mission.
Keep It Current
Regular updates and reviews of your website are crucial for maintaining relevance and user engagement. Ideally, you should evaluate your site at least quarterly to ensure that content is current, accurate and reflective of the organization’s goals. This includes updating event calendars, news articles and resource links. Do a comprehensive review annually to assess the overall design, functionality and user experience, allowing for necessary adjustments to enhance accessibility and navigation. By keeping the website fresh and informative, you’ll be better serving your members, and you’ll be more likely to attract new visitors.
In summary, real estate association websites are essential platforms that support industry professionals through education, networking, ethical guidance and so much more. They not only serve the needs of their members but also play a significant role in informing and assisting consumers in the real estate market. As the industry continues to evolve, your website should adapt to meet the changing needs of both real estate professionals and the public.
