Homepage

Your homepage is the first impression visitors get of your real estate business. It's your digital storefront - make it count! This guide covers how to build and customize every element of your homepage.

Path: Pages → Home Page

What You'll Customize

Your homepage consists of two main sections:

1. Main Banner (Hero Section): The large visual area at the top with your cover image, headline, and search bar
2. About Section: Your professional bio with headshot and introduction

Main Banner (Hero Section)

The main banner is the first thing visitors see - a full-width visual area with your branding, messaging, and property search.

Cover Images

Upload different images optimized for different devices.

Desktop Cover Image

Where It Appears: On desktop and laptop screens

Recommended Specs:

• Dimensions: 1920x1080px (16:9 aspect ratio)
• Format: JPG or PNG
• File Size: Under 1MB for fast loading
• Resolution: High-quality, at least 1920px wide

Best Practices:

• Use professional real estate photography
• Show your best property or local landmark
• Ensure good contrast for text overlay
• Avoid busy images that compete with your headline

Image Ideas:

• Stunning property exterior
• City skyline or waterfront
• Luxury home interior
• Aerial neighborhood view
• Signature local landmark

Cropping Options:

• Free: Crop to any dimensions
• 16:9: Fixed widescreen ratio (recommended)

Mobile Cover Image

Where It Appears: On phones and tablets

Recommended Specs:

• Dimensions: 1080x1080px (1:1 square ratio)
• Format: JPG or PNG
• File Size: Under 500KB
• Resolution: High-quality, at least 1080px

Why Different?: Mobile screens are vertical, so a square or portrait image works better than wide landscape images.

Best Practices:

• Use same or similar image to desktop for consistency
• Ensure focal point is centered
• Test readability of text overlay
• Consider mobile-first design

Background Video (Optional)

Where It Appears: Plays as background on desktop (optional)

Recommended Specs:

• Format: MP4 only
• Max File Size: 25MB
• Resolution: 1920x1080px
• Duration: 10-30 seconds (short loops work best)
• Optimize: Compress for web

Best Practices:

• Keep it subtle (not too distracting)
• No audio (it's a background element)
• Short and looping
• Show property, neighborhood, or lifestyle
• Ensure fast loading (optimize file size)

Video Ideas:

• Drone footage of neighborhood
• Time-lapse of sunset over property
• Smooth walkthrough of luxury home
• Aerial tour of cityscape
• Beach or waterfront views

Note: Video only plays on desktop. Mobile users see the static mobile cover image.

How to Upload Cover Images

1. Navigate to Pages → Home Page
2. Scroll to Main Banner section
3. Desktop Cover:
   • Click the upload area labeled "Desktop"
   • Select your image
   • Crop to 16:9 ratio (recommended) or free
   • Save
4. Mobile Cover:
   • Click the upload area labeled "Mobile"
   • Select your square image
   • Crop if needed
   • Save
5. Background Video (optional):
   • Click the upload area labeled "Background Video"
   • Select your MP4 file (max 25MB)
   • Upload

💡 Pro Tip: Take a screenshot of your homepage after uploading to see how the images look together. Adjust if needed for consistency.

Play Button (YouTube Video)

Add a play button overlay that opens a YouTube video when clicked.

What It's For:

• Virtual property tours
• Welcome message from you
• Neighborhood overview video
• Client testimonial video
• Market update video

How It Works:

1. Upload your video to YouTube
2. Get the video URL (e.g., https://youtube.com/watch?v=abc123)
3. Paste URL in the "Play Button" field
4. A play icon appears on your cover image
5. Clicking opens the video in a lightbox

Video Best Practices:

• Keep it short (2-5 minutes max)
• Professional quality (good lighting, audio)
• Start with a hook (grab attention in first 5 seconds)
• Include a clear call-to-action at the end
• Add captions for accessibility

Video Ideas:

• "Welcome to [Your City] Real Estate"
• "Meet Your Local Real Estate Expert"
• "Tour the Neighborhood"
• "What My Clients Are Saying"
• "How I Help Buyers Find Their Dream Home"

How to Add YouTube Video

1. Navigate to Pages → Home Page
2. Scroll to Main Banner section
3. Click "Edit Main Banner" button
4. In the dialog, find "Play Button (Youtube Video)"
5. Paste your YouTube URL
6. Click Save
7. Preview to test the play button

💡 Pro Tip: Make your video's thumbnail eye-catching so visitors are tempted to click the play button.

Search Bar (AI-Powered)

The property search bar appears overlaid on your main banner.

What It Does:

• Allows visitors to search properties by location, price, beds, baths
• Powered by AI for natural language queries
• Connects directly to MLS listings
• Instantly filters and displays results

Examples of Search Queries:

• "3 bedroom homes in Miami under $500k"
• "Condos near the beach"
• "Luxury homes with pool"
• "Investment properties downtown"

Configuration:

• Enabled (default): Search bar appears on homepage
• Disabled: No search bar (use for custom homepage designs)

When to Disable:

• You're using Panda Studio (custom builder)
• You want a minimalist homepage
• You're focusing on specific listings only
• Your main goal is lead capture over search

How to Enable/Disable Search Bar

1. Navigate to Pages → Home Page
2. Scroll to Main Banner section
3. Click "Edit Main Banner" button
4. Find "Search Bar (powered by AI)"
5. Toggle Enable or Disable
6. Click Save

💡 Pro Tip: Keep the search bar enabled for most use cases. It's one of the most powerful lead capture tools on your homepage.

About Section

The about section showcases your professional bio and headshot, building trust with potential clients.

Professional Headshot

Your professional photo is crucial for building trust and connection.

Recommended Specs:

• Aspect Ratio: 2:3 (portrait orientation)
• Dimensions: At least 800x1200px
• Format: JPG or PNG
• File Size: Under 500KB
• Background: Professional (office, property, or solid color)

Photo Best Practices:

• Professional attire
• Smile and make eye contact
• Good lighting (natural or professional)
• Clean, uncluttered background
• High resolution (sharp, not blurry)
• Recent photo (within last 2 years)

Where to Get Professional Headshots:

• Professional photographer
• Real estate photography service
• Headshot studio
• Freelance photographer on Fiverr/Upwork

DIY Headshot Tips:

• Use natural window light
• Shoot during "golden hour" (early morning/late afternoon)
• Use portrait mode on your phone
• Have someone else take the photo (not a selfie)
• Take 50+ shots and pick the best one

How to Upload Headshot

1. Navigate to Pages → Home Page
2. Scroll to About Section
3. Click the upload area labeled "Professional Headshot"
4. Select your image
5. Crop to 2:3 aspect ratio (or free crop)
6. Save

Background Color

Choose the background color for your about section.

Color Options:

• White (#FFFFFF): Clean, professional, classic
• Light Gray (#F5F5F5): Subtle, modern
• Brand Color: Match your branding
• Dark Color: Bold, dramatic (ensure text is readable)

Best Practices:

• Ensure good contrast with text
• Consider your overall website color scheme
• Test readability on mobile
• Avoid overly bright or neon colors

How to Change Background Color

1. Navigate to Pages → Home Page
2. Scroll to About Section
3. Click "Edit About Section" button
4. Select Background Color (use color picker or enter hex code)
5. Preview changes
6. Click Save

Image Position

Choose whether your headshot appears on the left or right side of your bio.

Left Aligned (default)

• Headshot on left
• Bio text on right
• Traditional layout
• Reads naturally (left to right)

Right Aligned

• Bio text on left
• Headshot on right
• Modern alternative
• Good for design variety

When to Choose Right:

• Breaking up monotony (if other sections are left-aligned)
• Your headshot faces left (people naturally look toward text)
• Balancing other page elements

How to Change Image Position

1. Navigate to Pages → Home Page
2. Scroll to About Section
3. Click "Edit About Section" button
4. Choose Image Position: Left Aligned or Right Aligned
5. Preview changes
6. Click Save

Image Fit

Control how your headshot fills its container.

Full Size (default)

• Image fills entire area
• Edge-to-edge
• Modern, bold look
• Best for professional headshots with clean backgrounds

With Margin

• Image has padding/margin around it
• Creates whitespace
• Softer, less aggressive
• Best for: Casual photos, environmental portraits

How to Change Image Fit

1. Navigate to Pages → Home Page
2. Scroll to About Section
3. Click "Edit About Section" button
4. Choose Image Fit: Full Size or With Margin
5. Preview changes
6. Click Save

Play Button (YouTube Video) - About Section

Add a video play button overlay on your headshot for video introductions.

What It's For:

• Personal introduction video
• "About Me" story
• Client testimonial compilation
• Market expertise showcase

Best Practices:

• Keep it personal and authentic
• 1-3 minutes max
• Script key points but be natural
• Good lighting and audio
• Include your experience and value proposition

Video Script Template:

Hi, I'm [Your Name], and I've been helping [City] residents buy and sell
homes for [X] years. I specialize in [your niche], and I'm passionate about
[what drives you]. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor,
I'd love to help you find your perfect home. Let's connect!

How to Add About Section Video

1. Navigate to Pages → Home Page
2. Scroll to About Section
3. Click "Edit About Section" button
4. Find "Play Button (Youtube Video)"
5. Paste your YouTube URL
6. Click Save

Biography

Your written bio tells your story and builds trust with potential clients.

What to Include:

1. Experience: Years in real estate, number of transactions
2. Expertise: Your specialties (luxury, first-time buyers, investors)
3. Local Knowledge: Neighborhoods you serve, local connections
4. Personal Touch: Why you love real estate, your approach
5. Credentials: Certifications, awards, recognition
6. Call-to-Action: Invite them to contact you

Bio Structure (3-4 paragraphs):

Paragraph 1: Introduction & Experience

• Who you are
• How long you've been in real estate
• Your primary market

Paragraph 2: Expertise & Specialties

• What you specialize in
• Types of clients you serve best
• Unique value proposition

Paragraph 3: Local Knowledge & Personal

• Why you love your market
• Community involvement
• Personal connection to the area

Paragraph 4: Call-to-Action

• Invite contact
• Offer value (free consultation, market report)
• Make it easy to take next step

Example Bio:

Hi, I'm Jane Doe, and I've been helping Miami families buy and sell homes for
over 15 years. With 500+ successful transactions and a proven track record, I
specialize in luxury waterfront properties and first-time homebuyers.

My approach is simple: listen first, guide always, and deliver exceptional
results. I believe buying or selling a home should be exciting, not stressful,
and I'm here to make that happen. Whether you're upsizing, downsizing, or
investing, I'll be your trusted advisor every step of the way.

As a Miami native and local expert, I know every neighborhood inside and out.
I'm passionate about matching clients with homes they'll love and communities
where they'll thrive. When I'm not touring properties, you'll find me
volunteering with local charities and enjoying our beautiful beaches.

Ready to make your real estate dreams a reality? Let's chat! Contact me today
for a free consultation and personalized market analysis.

Writing Tips:

• Write in first person ("I" not "Jane Doe")
• Be conversational, not corporate
• Show personality
• Use specifics (numbers, achievements)
• Avoid clichés ("passion for real estate," "white-glove service")
• Keep it under 300 words
• End with a clear call-to-action

How to Edit Biography

1. Navigate to Pages → Home Page
2. Scroll to About Section
3. Click "Edit Biography" button
4. Write or paste your bio in the text editor
5. Format with paragraphs
6. Preview to check length and readability
7. Click Save

💡 Pro Tip: Read your bio out loud. If it sounds natural, it's good to go!

Disable About Section

If you're using a custom homepage design or want a minimal homepage, you can disable the about section entirely.

When to Disable:

• Using Panda Studio for custom layouts
• Homepage is focused solely on property search
• You have a separate, dedicated profile page
• You want a minimalist homepage

What Happens When Disabled:

• About section doesn't appear on homepage
• More focus on main banner and search
• Visitors can still access your profile via navigation

How to Disable About Section

1. Navigate to Pages → Home Page
2. Scroll to About Section
3. Click "Edit About Section" button
4. Toggle "About Section" to Disabled
5. Click Save

To Re-enable:

• Follow same steps and toggle back to Enabled

Preview Your Homepage

Always preview before making changes live!

How to Preview

1. Navigate to Pages → Home Page
2. Click "Preview" button (top right)
3. Your website opens in a new tab
4. View as a visitor would see it

What to Check:

• Cover images look great on desktop
• Mobile cover image looks good on phone
• Headshot is clear and professional
• Bio is readable and formatted nicely
• All images load quickly
• Search bar works (if enabled)
• Play buttons work (if added)
• No typos in bio

Test on Multiple Devices:

• Desktop (large screen)
• Laptop (medium screen)
• Tablet (iPad)
• Phone (iOS and Android)

Best Practices

Main Banner

• Use high-quality, professional images
• Ensure images load quickly (optimize file size)
• Test contrast for text overlay readability
• Use consistent imagery across desktop and mobile
• Keep video under 25MB and optimized
• Test search bar functionality

About Section

• Use a professional, recent headshot
• Write an authentic, engaging bio
• Include specific achievements and numbers
• End with a clear call-to-action
• Keep bio under 300 words
• Test on mobile for readability

Overall

• Preview on multiple devices before publishing
• Update bio at least annually
• Refresh cover images seasonally (optional)
• Test all play buttons (videos)
• Check page load speed
• Ensure all text is typo-free

Common Workflows

Launching Your Homepage for the First Time

1. Upload Desktop Cover: High-quality landscape image
2. Upload Mobile Cover: Square version of same image
3. Upload Headshot: Professional photo
4. Write Bio: Authentic, engaging, 3-4 paragraphs
5. Configure About Section: Choose image position, fit, background
6. Preview: Check on desktop and mobile
7. Publish: Make it live!

Seasonal Update

When: Holidays, summer/winter, special events

1. Update Cover Images: Seasonal property photos
2. Update Top Menu (in General Settings): Seasonal message
3. Update Bio (optional): Mention seasonal market conditions
4. Preview & Publish

Rebranding

When: New logo, new branding, fresh start

1. Update Cover Images: Match new brand aesthetic
2. Update Headshot: New professional photo
3. Update Bio: Refresh messaging
4. Update Colors: Match new brand palette
5. Preview Entire Site: Ensure consistency
6. Publish

Adding a Video

When: You create a welcome video or property tour

1. Upload Video to YouTube
2. Get Video URL
3. Add to Main Banner or About Section
4. Test Play Button: Ensure it works
5. Preview: Check how it looks
6. Publish

Troubleshooting

Images Not Appearing

• Check file format (JPG or PNG only for images)
• Ensure file size is under limit (1MB desktop, 500KB mobile)
• Clear browser cache
• Try re-uploading

Video Not Playing

• Verify YouTube URL is correct
• Check video is public (not private or unlisted)
• Test in incognito/private browser mode
• Ensure video still exists on YouTube

Bio Not Showing

• Check "About Section" is enabled (not disabled)
• Verify bio was saved (click Edit Biography and check)
• Clear browser cache
• Preview in incognito mode

Search Bar Not Working

• Verify search bar is enabled (Edit Main Banner)
• Check MLS integration is active
• Test with simple query ("Miami")
• Contact support if issue persists

Homepage Loads Slowly

• Optimize image file sizes (compress before uploading)
• Remove or compress background video
• Check internet connection
• Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights

Quick Reference