Featured Work
Jim Hughes Real Estate
Industry: Real Estate
Timeline: 15 years managed
Service: Site Rebuild
CHALLENGE
Jim Hughes Real Estate’s website dates back to the early 2000s. Over the years, it underwent several redesigns to refresh its appearance, but the core functionality and back-end code largely remained the same, updated only for security as technology advanced.
In 2010, site management and new development transitioned to John and Jolly Good Sites, ensuring the platform could continue to function despite its aging foundation. Through consistent care and incremental updates, the website remained operational for more than two decades. However, even small improvements required more time and effort than expected due to the limited tools available for the older development environment. The patchwork of back-office tools also made daily management increasingly cumbersome.
While the front-end design evolved, the underlying system no longer provided the efficiency or flexibility the business needed. And though the team carefully weighed the cost of a complete rebuild over the years, the balance eventually shifted as ongoing maintenance and technical limitations began to outweigh the value of preserving the legacy system.
SOLUTION
The website was completely rebuilt from the ground up, creating a modern platform that supports both customers and administrators. On the public side, the overall design was refined without drastic changes, ensuring a smooth experience for returning visitors who regularly searched for homes. Search tools, filters, and on-page widgets were upgraded to meet the expectations of users accustomed to modern real estate websites.
Behind the scenes, the back-office system was streamlined with numerous quality-of-life improvements that made it easier for administrators and agents to manage properties efficiently. Multiple systems were consolidated under one platform, reducing ongoing costs and simplifying maintenance. The new architecture also enabled faster, more reliable site updates and feature enhancements.
Additional improvements included dedicated community landing pages to strengthen local SEO and attract more targeted traffic. Since the launch, new features have been deployed in a fraction of the time it would have taken with the previous system, ensuring the site continues to grow and adapt alongside the business.
RESULTS
The new platform delivered a modern, reliable foundation that drastically simplified management and improved uptime. Administrators can now manage listings more efficiently and with greater accuracy, while dynamic search tools and interactive maps provide a more engaging experience for homebuyers. The site’s flexible architecture enables quick feature updates, reduces maintenance overhead, and ensures ongoing scalability, positioning Jim Hughes Real Estate to adapt easily to future marketing opportunities and industry changes.
... and fall in love with an acreage
