Compare a standard website to a Real Estate website and the biggest difference will be apparent, the Real Estate website provides valuable Real Estate listing data and details for a very specific inventory - Real Estate. Those viewing want reliable, verified, and actionable listings. Should visitors be required to register before being able to view these listings and details? Alternatively, should the listings be viewable without needing to register in the hopes they will stay and connect on their own?

Understanding Forced Registration

Forced Registration can seem like the obvious answer at first. Forced Registration could maximize lead quantity and quality by filtering those with more serious intent to have access to your listing data-  but there is a concern. What if another Real Estate website has that listing data as well and  doesn’t require registration? Will visitors leave your website to try and find another less restrictive one? What is motivating them to stay on your website? 

Understanding Optional Registration

While allowing visitors to freely browse listings may also seem like the correct response this also comes with some detriments. Having no registration prompt and leaving users to press register themselves may cause visitors to  significantly delay registering and significantly lower overall lead volume. Again, what is motivating them to register and stay on your website?

Understanding The Middle Ground

A real estate website using a smart hybrid or delayed registration prompt provides the best of both worlds. After so many listings or time on page, prompt the user to register. In that same prompt state the benefits of registering as well as working with you directly. The visitor gets to see the immediate value along with the future value of working with you through your Real Estate website. If your website allows you to save and track listings, state that to encourage registering. If there are benefits to working with you specifically, state that to encourage them to reach out. Provide the offer that makes that visitor want to use this specific real estate website, the listing data is just the beginning. 

The iHouse Solution

Those with an iHouse website have the benefits of teaser registration prompts - which are delayed prompts based on various triggers such as listings viewed, time on page, exit intent and more. The number of viewable listings can be adjusted to meet your market to be higher or lower as well as if the prompt is required for competitive markets or just a friendly optional reminder of the benefits of registering.  Personalize this experience for your Real Estate Website for the market you know. Adjust registration controls for Listing pages, your Blog, Market Reports, and more. 

Closing Thoughts

If you Require registration on arrival it may deter those visiting to seek elsewhere. If you give no prompt, those visiting may miss out on the unknown benefits of registering.  Showcase the value of your website as a powerful Real Estate tool and remind visitors of the benefits they may not already be aware of. While there is no universal answer to lead capture and registration ensure that your Real Estate website gives you the controls to meet the needs of your market.