Mortgage Website

[sfadler]

I've almost finished a site I'm working on for a mortgage banker in my area and I'm wanting to get a little feedback as to what you all think.

http://mattscottstl.com/

My aim for this site was to start learning about some of the css3 implementation and get fairly decent cross browser support without having to jump through hoops. So no round corners in ie but the gradients are all live ;)

[rkrause]

As a former mortgage broker / owner and real estate agent i think it's put together well. The navigation seems to blend into the header - making it look extremely busy on the top. I would do something to make it standout a little, or at least separate it from the top header. The hyperlink colors in the content areas as standard blue really makes the area overwhelming and a bit sore on the eyes.

Ryan.

[sfadler]

The navigation seems to blend into the header - making it look extremely busy on the top.

One thing I'm thinking is moving the apply now button down into the copy on the first page and maybe turn it into a 480x60 banner. I might also ask him if the Loan Originator License information needs to be at the top or just on page.


I would do something to make it standout a little, or at least separate it from the top header.

I wonder if adding a little more height to the header would open it up enough so navigation doesn't need to compete with the rest.

The hyperlink colors in the content areas as standard blue really makes the area overwhelming and a bit sore on the eyes.

This is a topic I've been wondering about. I've heard statistic that that using a color close to default increases usability when dealing with this kind of content or sales sites. At the same time depending on the design using the default color can really break the flow of the copy.

I've changed the color to #1A7894 based off the apply button and also increased the font-weight. What do you think?

[rkrause]

I would keep the loan originator license info very visible. In today's marketplace, it's important to have the instant credibility so people feel comfortable with a mortgage banker / broker.

The hyperlink change to the blue from the apply now button is a good touch. If you move the "apply now" button, i'd put it in that top left panel as a text link where you're trying to show the news area (which i might add doesn't show up - i think its in white font).

If you switch "borrower information sheet" and the social media icons, you could then have a page dedicated to the sheet at some point and get some SEO going on it based on the page name. Plus, those icons should pop better off that red background.

Navigation is going to be tough to separate without adding some color to the buttons. You might just have to live with it.

Those are my thoughts :)

Thanks,
Ryan.

[sfadler]

If you move the "apply now" button, i'd put it in that top left panel as a text link where you're trying to show the news area (which i might add doesn't show up - i think its in white font).


Can you post me a screenshot? I've tested the site in IE7-8, FF, Chrome and haven't had a problem.

If you switch "borrower information sheet" and the social media icons, you could then have a page dedicated to the sheet at some point and get some SEO going on it based on the page name. Plus, those icons should pop better off that red background.

Good stuff thank you very much