Have you ever wondered how your personal agent website stacks against the Top 25 agents on the Real Trends 500?
Well, wonder no more.
In order to see how the masters of the real estate universe roll online, we decided to take a deep dive into their websites and kick the tires a bit.
Using a mixture of objective measurements (Domain Authority, Google Pagespeed Insights) combined with subjective measurements (how much we dig how the site looks) we came up with the Close Score; our shiny new system to rank agent websites.
Here’s how the Real Trends top twenty five agents (by volume) stacked up in 2019:
1. Ben Cabellero
After recently claiming a Guinness World Record as the most successful Realtor ever, it’s no wonder that Ben Cabellero topped Real Trends list again in 2017. As you might imagine, his website scored solidly in all of our categories and came in as the most well rounded site we tested.
The only thing keeping Ben from the top of our rankings is some agents having a slightly higher Google Page Speed Ranking and higher domain authority, and our own personal opinions about the way his site looks…
Don’t get me wrong, it’s perfect for the audience of big time developers he’s targeting, but we felt it was a little bland compared to some of the other sites on our list.
Our Ranking of Ben Cabellero’s Website:
Website: https://www.homesusa.com/
Type: Brokerage Website
CMS: WordPress
Mobile Page Speed: Average
Mobile Optimization: Good
Desktop Page Speed: Average
Desktop Optimization: Medium
Domain Authority: 34
The Close Score: 4.6 (out of 5)
2. Chris Cortazzo
Chris Cortazzo’s site also did well in pretty much every category we measured.
Our Ranking of Chris Cortazzo’s Website:
Coldwell Banker
Website: http://www.chriscortazzo.com/
Type: Personal Website
CMS: Custom
Mobile Page Speed: N/D
Mobile Optimization: Medium
Desktop Page Speed: Average
Desktop Optimization: Good
Domain Authority: 38
Close Score: 4.6
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3. Mauricio Umansky
As one of the only boutique brokerage founders on the site, Mauricio Umansky’s brokerage site was one of the best we looked at. Smartly designed for mobile users and with a high domain authority, the Agency’s site was also lovely to look at and use.
That said, this is not exactly an apples to apples comparison here, which is why we mentioned if the sites we looked at were personal sites, team sites, or brokerages sites. After all, developing a site for a brokerage is exponentially more expensive than for an individual.
Our Ranking of Mauricio Umansky’s Website:
The Agency (Los Angeles)
Website: https://www.theagencyre.com
Type: Brokerage Website
CMS: Custom
Mobile Page Speed: Average
Mobile Optimization: Good
Desktop Page Speed: Average
Desktop Optimization: Low
Domain Authority: 51
Close Score: 4.8
4. Alexa Lambert
Stribling (New York City)
N/A
Would you be surprised if we told you that the fourth most successful agent of 2019 didn’t even have a personal website? Lacking a website seemed to be a common theme for New York City agents in the Real Trends top twenty five list.
While we’re not entirely sure why only New York City agents seemed to lack websites, we’re betting it has something to do with one of the most tried and true cliches of New York City’s upper crust. Exclusivity.
Hell, we have so many members only clubs, speakeasies with hidden entrances (La Esquina takes the cake of course) nightclubs with velvet ropes, and even a private park, that not having a website is almost like a badge of honor for New York City’s elite agents.
5. Aaron Kirman
An office favorite, Aaron Kirman’s site was the only site to have a fast desktop page speed and good mobile optimization. A solid domain authority and our top ranked layout put Aaron’s site at the top of our list with a 4.9.
While he’s not in the top ten on Real Trends, his website looks like he’s leading the pack. This is why putting the time, effort, and money behind great branding pays off.
Our Ranking of Aaron Kirman’s Website:
Pacific Union (Los Angeles)
Website: http://www.aaronkirman.com/
Type: Team Website
Developer: Real Estate Webmasters
CMS: custom
Mobile Page Speed: N/D
Mobile Optimization: Good
Desktop Page Speed: Fast
Desktop Optimization: Low
Domain Authority: 25
Close Score: 4.9
6. Santiago Arana
Like his partner in the Real Trends top 25, we though Santiago Arana’s brokerage site for The Agency is damn near perfect. Again, the aesthetic side of our rankings are purely subjective.
Our Ranking of Santiago Arana’s Website:
The Agency
Website: https://www.theagencyre.com
Type: Brokerage Website
CMS: Custom
Mobile Page Speed: Average
Mobile Optimization: Good
Desktop Page Speed: Average
Desktop Optimization: Low
Domain Authority: 51
Close Score: 4.8
7. Michelle Cohen
N/A
8. Vickey Barron
N/A
9. Serena Boardman
Another site on Sotheby’s lovely website platform, Serena Boardman’s site is just as well laid out and attractive as the others. Being New Yorkers, we might have a slight (clearly unfair) preference for Serena’s site.
Our Ranking of Serena Boardman’s Website:
Sotheby’s
Website: https://www.serenaboardman.com/
Type: Personal Website
CMS: Custom (Sotheby’s Proprietary)
Mobile Page Speed: N/D
Mobile Optimization: Medium
Desktop Page Speed: N/D
Desktop Optimization: Medium
Domain Authority: 7
Close Score: 4.6
10. Tracy Campion
Tracy Camion’s site also boasts a sleek layout, gorgeous typography, and stunning imagery. However, it lost some points for having among the lowest scores on mobile and desktop optimization.
Our Ranking of Tracy Campion’s Website:
Campion & Company Fine Homes (Boston)
Website: https://www.campionre.com/
Type: Personal Website
Developer: Union Street Media
CMS: Custom (Bootstrap.js)
Mobile Page Speed: N/D
Mobile Optimization: Low
Desktop Page Speed: N/D
Desktop Optimization: Low
Domain Authority: 26
Close Score: 4.3
11. Max Lo /Stanley Lo
While father and son team Stanley and Max Lo are absolutely crushing it when it comes to sales, their site needs some work.
While we’re all for minimalism in web design, the site scored low for desktop optimization and the dated layout seemed out of character for such a successful team.
Our Ranking of Max Lo /Stanley Lo’s Website:
Green Banker (Burlingame California)
Website: http://maxlorealtor.com/
Type: Personal Website
CMS: Custom
Mobile Page Speed: N/D
Mobile Optimization: Medium
Desktop Page Speed: N/D
Desktop Optimization: Low
Domain Authority: 8
Close Score: 2.5
12. Christian Angle
Our Ranking of Christian Angle’s Website:
Website: https://anglerealestate.com/
Type: Brokerage Website
CMS: WordPress
Mobile Page Speed: Slow
Mobile Optimization: Medium
Desktop Page Speed: Average
Desktop Optimization: Medium
Domain Authority: 24
The Close Score: 3.6 (out of 5)
13. Jade Mills
One of the slickest and best designed websites we looked at, Jade Mills’ website looked great on mobile, great on desktop, loaded quickly, and had a respectable domain authority.
One of our favorites for sure.
Our Ranking of Jade Mills’ Website:
Coldwell Banker (Beverly Hills )
Website: https://www.jademillsestates.com/
Type: Personal Website
CMS: Custom
Mobile Page Speed: N/D
Mobile Optimization: Medium
Desktop Page Speed: Average
Desktop Optimization: Low
Domain Authority: 34
Close Score: 4.7
14. Brian Bair Offerpad
Our Ranking of Offerpad’s Website:
Website: https://www.offerpad.com/
Type: Ibuyer Website
CMS: Bootstrap
Mobile Page Speed: Slow
Mobile Optimization: Good
Desktop Page Speed: Average
Desktop Optimization: Medium
Domain Authority: 42
The Close Score: 4.1 (out of 5)
15. Pamela D’arc
N/A
16. Christina Condon
Our Ranking of Offerpad’s Website:
Website: http://www.cristinacondon.com/
Type: Agent Website
CMS: HTML
Mobile Page Speed: Slow
Mobile Optimization: Good
Desktop Page Speed: Average
Desktop Optimization: Medium
Domain Authority: 27
The Close Score: 3.7 (out of 5)
17. Rochelle Maize
Our Ranking of Rochelle Maize’s Website:
Website: https://www.rochellemaize.com/
Type: Agent Website
CMS: HTML
Mobile Page Speed: Slow
Mobile Optimization: Medium
Desktop Page Speed: Slow
Desktop Optimization: Medium
Domain Authority: 29
The Close Score: 4.6 (out of 5)
18. Keri Nicholas
Our Ranking of Keri Nicholas’s Website:
Website: https://www.kerinicholas.com/
Type: Agent Website
CMS: Bootstrap
Mobile Page Speed: Slow
Mobile Optimization: Medium
Desktop Page Speed: Average
Desktop Optimization: Medium
Domain Authority: 19
The Close Score: 3.8 (out of 5)
19. Dora Puig
While aesthetics is by definition subjective, we weren’t huge fans of Dora Puig’s website. It seemed a bit dated and cluttered compared to the other sites we looked at. Again, this is our personal take here.
Our Ranking of Dora Puig’s Website:
Luxe Living Realty / Fisher Island Real Estate
Website: http://dorapuig.com/
Type: Personal website
Developer: RESI Online
CMS: Custom
Mobile Page Speed: N/D
Mobile Optimization: Medium
Desktop Page Speed: N/D
Desktop Optimization: Low
Domain Authority: 23
Close Score: 3.3
20. Judy Citron
Our Ranking of Judy Citron’s Website:
Website: https://www.judycitron.com/
Type: Agent Website
CMS: Bootstrap
Mobile Page Speed: Slow
Mobile Optimization: Medium
Desktop Page Speed: Average
Desktop Optimization: Medium
Domain Authority: 14
The Close Score: 4.3 (out of 5)
21. Nancy Taylor Bubes
Our Ranking of Nancy Taylor Bube’s Website:
Website: https://nancytaylorbubes.com/
Type: Agent Website
CMS: WordPress
Mobile Page Speed: Slow
Mobile Optimization: Medium
Desktop Page Speed: Slow
Desktop Optimization: Medium
Domain Authority: 7
The Close Score: 3.3 (out of 5)
22. Jason Saphire
Our Ranking ofJason Saphire’s Website:
Website: https://entryonly.com/
Type: Brokerage Website
CMS: Bootstrap
Mobile Page Speed: Slow
Mobile Optimization: Medium
Desktop Page Speed: Average
Desktop Optimization: Medium
Domain Authority: 27
The Close Score: 3.2 (out of 5)
23. Harald Grant
Another great agent website on Sotheby’s proprietary website platform, The Hampton’s Harald Grant’s website has a great layout, and uses drop dead gorgeous imagery of the local beaches to lure in prospects.
Our Ranking of Harald Grant’s Website:
Sotheby’s (The Hamptons)
Website: http://www.haraldgrantrealestate.com/
Type: Personal Website
CMS: Custom (Sotheby’s Proprietary)
Mobile Page Speed: N/D
Mobile Optimization: Medium
Desktop Page Speed: N/D
Desktop Optimization: Low
Domain Authority: 8
Close Score: 4.5
24. Susan Breitenbach
In a world of cookie cutter real estate agent websites, we have to give Susan Breitenbach points for stepping outside the box and building something unique. While it might not have a bleeding edge layout (nor should it) it manages to look attractive while still maintaining some charm and personality.
Our Ranking of Susan Breitenbach’s Website:
Corcoran (The Hamptons)
Website: http://www.susanbreitenbach.com/
CMS: Custom (HTML 5)
Mobile Page Speed: N/D
Mobile Optimization: Good
Desktop Page Speed: N/D
Desktop Optimization: Medium
Domain Authority: 25
Type: Personal Website
Close Score: 4.4
25. Deborah Brener Zolan
N/A
Key Takeaways for Our Real Estate Agent Websites Ranking 2019
Here are our key takeaways for Realtors and web designers after running the numbers on the agent websites for the Real Trends top twenty five agents:
A Surprising Six Out of Twenty Five Agents on The List Didn’t Have a Personal Website
Even more interesting, almost all of them were working in our home turf of New York City. While we don’t have a conclusive reason why so many top New York City agents don’t have websites, we think it might have something to do with exclusivity.
Very Few Sites Were Optimized Well for Mobile
This was pretty surprising considering that buyers are increasingly searching for properties and engaging with Realtors on mobile devices. While we didn’t find any issues with their mobile sites on our test device (A Google Pixel XL), that doesn’t mean others won’t have issues on different devices.
However, there is always a tradeoff in web design between how quickly and easily a page renders for the typical end user, and how good it looks. Since almost all of the Realtors on our list sold luxury listings, choosing lush, high resolution imagery over speed was more than likely a strategic decision.
There Was a Large Variety of CMS Used
We were also a little bit surprised to see a variety of CMS used to build these sites. Since WordPress is so ubiquitous and easy to use, seeing Drupal and many straight HTML sites on the list was an interesting discovery. Proprietary CMS like Sotheby’s were the most common.
Our Methodology: How We Ranked The Sites
In case you were wondering, here is a quick rundown of each measure we used to rate the sites and why they’re important.
1. Type of Website
There is a big difference between a personal websites, team website and brokerage website.
2. CMS
CMS is an abbreviation for Content Management System, a backend that website owners can use to quickly and easily add or edit content on their sites. While WordPress is the most popular CMS online, many sites we looked at used custom builds.
3. Mobile Page Speed
This is a measure used by Google Page Speed Insights that measures how quickly a site loads compared to all other sites measured by Google’s tool. Only one site we tested measured as “Fast” which put them in the upper third for load speed of all sites tested by Google.
4. Mobile Optimization Score
Google’s mobile optimization score measures how the site stacks up for common performance best practices. This is a measure of how likely (or unlikely) a site is to load quickly and display properly on all devices.
5. Desktop Page Speed
Desktop page speed is identical to Google’s Mobile page speed metric but measures speed for desktop instead of mobile.
6. Desktop Optimization
Desktop optimization is identical to Google’s mobile optimization metric but measures optimization for desktop instead of mobile.
7. Domain Authority
Domain authority is a proprietary metric devised by SEO company Moz to measure how well a website is able to rank on Google and Bing. It takes into account age, site structure, article structure, spam score, and how many other pages link to the site.
Over to You
What do you think of our ranking of the top twenty five real trends real estate agents websites? Let us know in the comments.
Yar says
October 4, 2018 at 6:28 amWordPress is not for really serious projects. Heavy, unfriendly(compared to other good platforms) and hard scale beginners platform. And I know that U use WordPress. If U need the fast and best looking website, the answer is the one – turn key custom project without any wordpress/drupal and so on, except Jekyll.
Emile L'Eplattenier says
October 4, 2018 at 11:03 pmI’d have to disagree. I know several websites that get 2 million+ vistors per year that run on WordPress.
Duncan King says
February 24, 2019 at 2:39 pmAesthetics are not subjective. Aristotle went through great lengths to prove this when he first popularized the concept.
Next you say taste is subjective…. Please use a somm when you go out.
Emile L'Eplattenier says
February 25, 2019 at 9:03 pmHmmm, going to have to respectfully disagree as I’m using the word as a stand in for something akin to taste and not in the truly Aristotelian sense. In other words, yes we view the world filtered through our values and instincts. For example, babies are afraid of snakes even though they have never been bitten by a snake. What is it about a snake that says “danger” in a way that a baby can read? However, while human beings interpret the world filtered through our values and instincts, we also quite literally see objects as potential actions, not as they truly are. For example a chair might look a certain way, but our brain maps it instantly as a place to sit. However, when we look at say, an apple crate or a flat rock by the ocean our brain also sees these as “sitting places” just like the chair. Likewise a well designed website connotes competence and trustworthiness of the people who made it if not the people who paid for it. Like the chair, a website is also seen as potential action. Something like, “a person I can trust” or “a person I can’t afford” etc. So in this sense, the aesthetics of a website are indeed highly subjective unless they include pictures of snakes.