What is IDX?: Shedding Light on Internet Data Display

Thursday 08 November 2007

IDX stands for Internet Data Exchange, a policy instituted by the National Association of Realtors® that allows MLS participants to display other brokers' listings on their websites. The benefit of taking advantage of the IDX policy is that your clients can search a subset of active MLS Data within the framework of your website, and your active listings will be viewed on other brokers' websites.

In order to employ IDX on your website, you'll need an IDX Solution. An IDX Solution is an Internet software application that harnesses the information in the MLS and makes it available for display on your website. While there are many 3rd party IDX solutions available, the IDX solution provided with MLXchange Pro is free with your MLS subscription, and FAR offers members a value-added solution as well. For more information on FAR's solution, you can contact them at (407) 587-1450.

Why Would I Participate in IDX?

Most homebuyers begin their search on the Internet. By allowing buyers to search for homes on your website, you are more likely to get the call when they're ready to start viewing homes. When you allow your listings on other broker's websites, you increase your exposure and the chance that they will bring a buyer to the table.

How Do I Participate in IDX?

Your listings are automatically part of IDX unless you specifically request in writing that they be withheld. A broker who withholds his listings from IDX is not permitted to display other brokers' listings on his website. If you'd like to participate in IDX and show listings on your site, a great place to start is to take advantage of the IDX solution that is part of the Agent Website feature on MLXchange.

Find out how to set up an IDX solution and get answers to frequently answered questions»