What is IDX?
IDX is a type of data feed provided by your MLS membership. In some cases your MLS may require that you pay for access to this data feed, in other cases they don't. This data feed typically (but not always) mirrors the data available on your MLS's website. If your MLS provides access to this data feed, you may use that access to promote ALL listings on your website, not just your featured listings.
What is IDX Broker Reciprocity?
IDX is an acronym for Internet Data Exchange. IDX is the policy instituted by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to govern how MLS member participants can display active MLS listing information on their websites. In simple terms, IDX is the means of extracting the data from a Multiple Listing Service and delivering it to a website for public consumption. IDX is sometimes called Broker Reciprocity or IDD.
Does IDX data contain any confidential information?
No. The IDX data fields available for display to the public are approved by the board/MLS and do not contain confidential information.
How often do you update the data?
While we are generally only required by the various MLS's to refresh the data once a week, we try as hard as we can to get a new set of data every 24 hours. Because of the automated email service we provide, it is important to maintain the quickest turn around time possible. In some rare cases photos are delayed for more than 24 hours only because they are not immediately available to us.
Is it required to identify the listing firm information on search results?
Most of the time some information that identifies the listing firm is required. This is usually some combination of the listing agent name and/or phone, or the listing office and/or phone. Every board/MLS requires a different combination. The "rule of thumb" is that we are required to display the listing Broker or Agent name. Because of this we attempt to place this information at the very bottom of the page in an inconspicuous location.
What is the general level of participation in an any MLS IDX program?
Participation in any IDX program varies greatly. We have seen some cases where participation is below 50%, or as high at 100%. Participation is on the rise as more Brokers across the country choose to be involved in the program. Based on experience, we believe the average participation rates nationwide are somewhere in the 85-95% range.
Why is IDX important?
As a realtor, IDX let’s you leverage all the listings of your fellow agents and brokers in an MLS to attract consumers to your website. Even if you have no current listings, IDX will bring consumers to your website, giving you the opportunity to engage them as potential buy side clients
How do I get IDX data onto my webite?
As an owner of a real estate website you will typically work with a web developer to integrate our IDX technology into your website. Through a simple process, your web developer makes some configuration choices that affect how the MLS search and related functions will operate, and applies the branding of your site to our generic pages. We will also need to obtain approval on your behalf from your MLS in order for you to use IDX on your website.
How long will it take to install IDX tools on my website with live data?
Generally, the longest step is getting approval from your MLS to use IDX on your website. This may take a few days or longer, depending upon your MLS. The technical integration of our IDX technology into your website can be done within 24 hours.
What does VOW stand for and how is it different from IDX?
VOW is an acronym for Virtual Office website. VOW's are an effort to distinguish property listings on the Internet from the displays governed by the IDX policies. The primary feature of a VOW is the requirement that visitors register by entering an email address and receive a password prior to accessing MLS listing data. Some MLS participants also post terms of use on their VOW's and require visitors to agree to those terms. In contrast, IDX allows brokers to include each others listings on their websites, with the consent of the other broker. The MLS data presented by IDX is slightly less detailed, and viewers of the data can choose to remain anonymous.
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