What is IDX?

Simply put, “IDX” is how MLS listings end up on your real estate site.

You need an Authorized Service to pull the data from your MLS

so we can create a custom display on your website.

What is IDX?

IDX (Internet Data Exchange) allows agents and brokers to access and display MLS listing information on their real estate websites.

Also known as Broker Reciprocity, the term “IDX” refers to the software, rules and regulations which allow MLS data to show on your site. This data feed typically encompasses the listing data for properties entered into the MLS system, while IDX rules may determine where, what, and how it is displayed. If your MLS provides access to this data feed, you may use it to promote all eligible listings on your website, not just your featured listings.

An IDX Service is engineered to collect, organize and maintain your local MLS listings, allowing your website developer to seamlessly display all MLS properties on your real estate site.

What is the IDX Service Fee?

Our IDX Service offers services with a base price of $90 per month. In some cases, based upon the MLS with which you are a member, there is a Data Management Fee (DMF) added to your monthly charge. Usually $5 to $8. Also some MLS services charge an additional setup and monthly Data Exchange Fee of up to an additional $75 to $100 per month. GHL4REALESTATE CHARGES A FLAT RATE OF $85 per month. Unless there is a corporate wide price increase, all GHL4REALESTATE clients pay the same rate.

Besides the fees that are charged to you directly from your MLS board, some boards will charge additional vendor fees. The IDX Service is required to pay these in order for them to provide the feed to our clients. This fee varies from one MLS to the next and can be based on several factors. To assist with the additional cost of servicing these feeds, we apply a DMF to clients on the affected board.

When fee changes occur, we post notifications to your dashboard. We also update the fees posted on MLS coverage pages and the estimated cost shown on the signup form.

If you have questions about these fees, please contact us. In some cases we may need to refer you to your MLS regarding why additional fees are charged.

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.

Who can participate in IDX / Broker Reciprocity?

This depends on the rules established by your local board and/or Multiple Listing Service. Since your board/MLS is independently governed, these rules might be different than rules of another boards and MLS's. Normally all Broker members (Participants) may participate in IDX/Broker Reciprocity. Agents (Subscribers) may, or may not, participate in Broker Reciprocity program depending on the rules. Sometimes individual agents can display IDX data directly on their personal websites with permission of their Broker, sometimes they cannot. Our staff can help you determine if this is the case, we just need to know the name of your local board/MLS.

Who is a "Participant"?

A "Participant" is the Broker member, or Principal Broker member of a Multiple Listing Service.

Who is a "Subscriber"?

A "Subscriber" is the non-Principal Broker member of a Multiple Listing Service (I.E. an Agent).

Do I have options for a website?

In our experience, a real estate website comes down to two basic choices: template or custom. Template: Quick to setup (some providers offer self-setup) and can be delivered with a minimal initial cost. However, it is likely your template will not be too different than the thousands or tens of thousands of other templates out there. And remember, you get what you pay for. Templates offer the least customization or site design/layout. Custom: (We provide Custom Websites) For those willing to make the investment in a full featured custom website, you can and probably will get access to many options. A custom designed, hand built website will give you and the home buyers a richer, fuller experience. Make sure to work with a reputable business that has experience in designing a website that fits your needs and budget.

I'm an Agent. How can I get IDX / Broker Reciprocity?

You are probably already participating since your listings are being displayed on other websites. The next step is to add IDX to your website to start capturing leads much like your competitors have been doing. We can work with you or your website developer to get IDX delivered to your website.

Should I build my own website?

We would counsel you to seek the help of a professional web developer. While construction of a site on your own is likely to be the least expensive option, we recommend sticking to what you do best: selling real estate. Leave the web development to the people who design and build websites for a living.

How often do you update the data?

While we are generally only required by the various MLS's to refresh the data every 12 hours, we strive to get new data sets hourly. Because of the automated email service we provide, it is important to maintain the quickest turnaround time possible.

Why would I want to let someone else display my listings on their website?

Think of it as free advertising. The more exposure for your listings the better! The more places your listings show up, the faster they are likely to sell. The bottom line is that no one gets paid until the property closes. The Internet has taken a once closed MLS system and opened it up for consumers to make faster and better informed buying/selling decisions. IDX opened the door for free advertising on tens of thousands of websites.

Why would I want to display someone else's listings on my website?

When you display these listings on your site, you give consumers one more reason to keep coming back to your site. Your site, and thus you, become a tremendous resource for home buyers in your area. Additionally, home buyers today are looking for specific information and adding IDX to your website can help answer some of the questions about what homes are available in the MLS.

Does the 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.

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.