Template Websites vs. Custom Design — What’s the Real Difference?

November 6, 2025

When you’re choosing how to build your real estate website, you’ll quickly come across two main options: template-based platforms (like MyRealPage or Agent Locator) and fully custom websites (built on platforms like Webflow or WordPress).

They might look similar from the outside, but the difference in performance, ownership, and long-term value is massive.

Let’s break down what really separates template websites from true custom design — and where each one makes sense.

1. Template Websites: Ready to Go, but Easy to Outgrow

Platforms like MyRealPage, Agent Locator, and Placester are designed specifically for real estate professionals. They come with built-in IDX and MLS tools, making them convenient for quick launches.

If you just need a simple, functional site that handles listings and lead forms, they do the job. But most agents find out pretty quickly that they all end up looking the same.

Pros:

Real estate–ready with IDX and CRM included.
Quick setup and hosting handled for you.
Affordable monthly costs.

Cons:

Most designs are template-based and inflexible.
Hard to reflect your personal brand.
You don’t own your website — stop paying and it’s gone.
Limited control over SEO and page performance.

So, yes — template websites are convenient. But if your goal is to build a brand, they’re not enough on their own.

2. Custom Design — Even on Real Estate Platforms

Here’s the part most agents don’t realize:

Even if you use a platform like MyRealPage, your website doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s.

At Zinda, we’ve mastered designing custom websites inside MyRealPage — bypassing the default templates to build something that feels entirely branded, clean, and unique.

Our designs within MyRealPage are not “based on templates.” They’re custom layouts, brand-driven, and strategically structured for performance and lead conversion.

Examples of our custom MyRealPage websites:

Kelly Reimer
Rutul Vadadoriya
The Realty Consultant Group
Danny Hansen
The Sharif Sisters

These are high-performing agents who wanted a professional, real estate-ready platform — without sacrificing design, structure, or brand identity.

3. Fully Custom Websites — Total Ownership and Freedom

When agents are ready to invest in something that’s theirs, we build fully custom websites on Webflow or WordPress.

These aren’t built within a real estate platform — they’re built from scratch, around your brand, your content, and your campaigns.

Pros:

100% unique design — no templates or layout restrictions.
You fully own your website and content.
Built for SEO, speed, and conversions.
Scalable — you can add landing pages, campaigns, or IDX later.

Cons:

Higher upfront investment.
Takes longer to build because it’s custom-crafted.

Examples of our Wordpress custom websites:

These are established realtors who wanted something they could evolve with — a digital brand foundation that grows alongside their business.

4. So, Which Is Right for You?

If you’re looking for something quick, reliable, and real estate–specific, a custom-designed MyRealPage website is a solid choice. You’ll get all the functionality with a design that actually reflects your brand — not a cookie-cutter template.

But if you’re building for the long term — if you want to own your website, optimize it for SEO, and scale your marketing — a fully custom site will always be the better investment.