Property Search Optimization
Transforming user experience through database optimization and intelligent caching
The Challenge
A property search portal serving the Tampa Bay area was losing potential buyers due to painfully slow search performance. With a database of 45,000+ properties and multiple filter options (price, beds, baths, square footage, amenities), complex searches took 30-45 seconds to complete. Users were abandoning searches, and the bounce rate was climbing. The real estate brokerage was losing leads to faster competing platforms.
Our Solution
Database Optimization
Rewrote inefficient queries, added strategic indexes, and optimized table structure for faster filtering
Redis Caching Layer
Implemented Redis to cache frequent searches and popular property listings for instant retrieval
Smart Search Algorithm
Built progressive search that shows initial results fast, then refines with additional filters
Performance Monitoring
Added comprehensive logging to identify slow queries and continuously optimize performance
Results
- Search time reduced from 45 seconds to 5.8 seconds average (87% improvement)
- 95% of common searches now served from cache in under 1 second
- Bounce rate decreased from 64% to 38%
- User engagement increased 43% (more searches per session, more properties viewed)
- Lead generation up 29% within first quarter post-optimization
Technologies Used
"The difference is night and day. Our users are actually completing searches now and engaging with listings. We're finally competitive with the big national portals."
— Owner, Tampa Bay Property Portal