## **🔍 Overview**

If you are considering building a new real estate website — such as a site for a team like Griffin Team Utah — you likely want to understand the full cost before committing. This article explains what components typically make up a WordPress + ShowcaseIDX build, and how that approach compares to using **Search Atlas Website Studio**.

## **💰 Typical Cost of a WordPress + ShowcaseIDX Build**

Building a professional real estate website on WordPress with ShowcaseIDX MLS integration involves several separate cost categories. While exact pricing varies by provider, plan tier, and market, you should budget for the following components:

- **Domain name:** Annual registration fee paid to your domain registrar
- **Web hosting:** Monthly fee to a third-party hosting provider, which scales with traffic and storage needs
- **WordPress theme (real estate):** A one-time or annual licence fee for a premium real estate theme
- **ShowcaseIDX subscription:** A recurring monthly fee to ShowcaseIDX — visit **showcaseidx.com** directly for current plan pricing, as rates change over time
- **MLS board fees:** Fees set by your local MLS board, which vary by market
- **Developer or agency setup fees:** One-time costs for custom design, IDX configuration, and launch, which vary widely depending on the scope of work and the agency you hire
- **Ongoing maintenance and updates:** Optional recurring cost if you outsource site upkeep to a developer or agency

Because these costs are billed by separate vendors, the total investment depends on the specific providers and plan tiers you choose. For accurate, up-to-date pricing, check each vendor's website directly before making a decision.

## **🛠️ What Search Atlas Website Studio Offers Instead**

Search Atlas **Website Studio** is a website builder included within the Search Atlas platform. It is designed to reduce the complexity of launching an SEO-optimised site by consolidating tools under one subscription, which can help avoid stacking multiple separate software and hosting bills.

To explore exactly which Website Studio features and hosting arrangements are included in your specific Search Atlas plan, contact our support team directly — they can confirm current capabilities and how Website Studio compares to your existing or planned WordPress setup.

## **⚖️ How to Evaluate the Two Approaches**

When comparing WordPress + ShowcaseIDX against Website Studio, consider these dimensions:

- **Setup complexity:** WordPress + ShowcaseIDX requires coordinating multiple vendors; Website Studio is managed within a single platform
- **Ongoing vendor management:** WordPress stacks typically involve separate renewals for hosting, theme licences, and the IDX subscription
- **SEO tooling:** Website Studio is built within the Search Atlas ecosystem, which already includes SEO features you may already be using
- **MLS/IDX integration:** If MLS property search is a hard requirement, confirm with our team whether Website Studio supports your specific MLS integration needs before switching
- **Cost transparency:** Get itemised quotes for the WordPress route from real vendors, and ask our team for a clear breakdown of what is included in Website Studio under your plan

## **📋 Recommended Next Steps**

1. Visit **showcaseidx.com** to get current, accurate pricing for ShowcaseIDX plans relevant to your market and team size.
2. Contact your local MLS board to confirm board fees for IDX access in your area.
3. Collect quotes from WordPress developers or agencies for setup costs specific to your project scope.
4. Reach out to the Search Atlas support team to get a confirmed breakdown of what Website Studio includes under your current plan, including any MLS integration options.
5. Compare the total monthly and one-time costs side by side using real figures from each vendor before making a decision.

If you need further assistance, open the chat widget in the bottom-right corner of the platform and type **human teammate** to be connected with a member of our team.