Real Estate Background Checks
Real Estate Background Checks offers background checks for various real estate professionals, including abstractors, appraisers, attorneys, contractors, home inspectors, and real estate agents. After their background check they have the option to be listed in the directory on the site.
Project Type: Web Directory
Timeline: 8 weeks
Team: (2) PM (1) Designer
Tools: Adobe XD, Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Azure DevOps
Project Overview: Designed a website directory for REB Background Checks. The website was aimed at making it easy for these professionals to run background checks on themselves and others in their industry.
Goals:
- Streamline the Background Check Process: Simplify the process of ordering background checks for real estate professionals, allowing users to easily request checks and review results.
- Create Directory: Update the directory so users can easily find a background screened real estate professional.
- Target Industry-Specific Needs: Provide tailored services for various roles in the real estate industry, including abstractors, appraisers, contractors, and agents, ensuring that each profession had access to relevant background check packages.
- Self-Check Feature: Enable professionals to run background checks on themselves to ensure their records are in good standing.
- Trust and Credibility: Position REB Background Checks as a trustworthy and reliable service provider in the real estate industry.
Design Process:
Testing & Iteration: Conducted user testing to ensure the website was intuitive, with clear calls-to-action and easy navigation for professionals in the real estate field.
Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborated with REB Background Checks to understand the specific needs of real estate professionals and the different types of background checks they require.
Empathy Map: Using user feedback and the user personas I took the data and organized it into 4 quadrants to gain user insights.
Concerns
- “Will this background check meet industry requirements?”
- “How long will it take to process?”
- “Is my personal information secure?”
- “Will this affect my job opportunities or licensure?”
- A quick and hassle-free process to get verified.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
- Trust in a reliable and industry-recognized screening service.
Influences & Expectations:
- From industry groups: “Background checks are necessary for licensing and trust.”
- From peers: “Make sure you use a trusted provider with fast results.”
- From competitors: “We offer the most affordable and compliant checks.”
External Influences:
- Competing services with unclear or confusing processes.
- Real estate boards, associations, or brokers requiring background checks.
- Colleagues or industry peers discussing verification requirements.
Actions & Behaviors:
- Searches online for “real estate background checks.”
- Reads reviews or asks colleagues for recommendations.
- Compares different providers before deciding.
Challenges & Frustrations:
- Confusing application process or unclear requirements.
- Long processing times delaying work or licensing.
- Uncertainty about what’s included in the check.
- Hidden fees or unclear pricing structures.
Opportunities for UX & Service Improvement:
- Streamlined application process with clear steps.
- Transparent pricing and turnaround times upfront.
- Instant status updates & notifications for peace of mind.
- Dedicated customer support for questions or concerns.
User Flow & Wireframing: Designed an intuitive user flow that allowed professionals to easily navigate between services (self-check, ordering background checks for others) and get the results they need with minimal steps.
Clean & Professional Design: Designed a professional, industry-specific aesthetic that instilled trust in potential clients and provided easy access to information and services.
Outcome: The redesigned website successfully met the needs of real estate professionals by providing a clear and simple interface for ordering background checks. It made the process of running a self-check or checking others’ backgrounds straightforward, while ensuring users could easily access the right service for their specific role in the industry. This led to increased conversions and satisfaction, positioning REB Background Checks as a trusted service provider within the real estate sector.
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