Why Should I Use IDX?

If you have been around awhile, you may know that the internet has not. In fact, it was not until the 1990s that agents began posting listing information online. However, once started, it never stopped. It is among the key ways that agents get new business.

Many people think that displaying property online is done by every real estate agent, broker, and MLS – but this is not true. In a recent review of four MLS market places, we learned that only about 20% of MLS subscribers have property search websites.

Initially, the internet became an efficient way for agents to show customers information about listings without jumping in the car and driving all around town. Home buyers loved it. Eventually, home sellers realized that it was a good way to market homes too.

Today, agents have the opportunity to provide direct access to every MLS listing through a product that is called IDX.

IDX stands for "Internet Data Exchange" and is also called Broker Reciprocity. The idea was that brokers reciprocated in allowing each other to display their listings on their websites. Over time, the reciprocal right was extended to agents.

Why should I use IDX?

In addition to offering site visitors access to all local listings, one main benefit of the IDX real estate system is that it improves an agent's means to obtain and maintain first contact with the consumer in the real estate transaction.

Top four advantages of IDX:

1. You can brand the MLS to you.

2. You can use it as a way to discuss listings with your clients.

3. You can use IDX to meet new customers through the internet.

4. You can tell sellers that you will be marketing their listing on your website and the websites of other agents and brokers.

RE Technology has searched high and low to pull together all of the IDX vendors in the nation. When you are looking at IDX, be sure to see if you get it as a free member benefit from your MLS first. If your MLS does not offer it for free, they may offer a version that is price reduced. You will see the Special in Your Area tag on those products.

Here is an example of an IDX solution offered by MRIS to their subscribers:

Not all IDX vendors have data agreements with your MLS. Here at RE Technology, we try to keep an accurate accounting of companies who have IDX agreements to provide service to you in your MLS area. To see if a company has an IDX product available in your market, look for the notes on the Product Detail page.

Here is an example if you are an MRIS MLS subscriber:

So if you do not already have an IDX solution, please click here to take a look at the products we have collected for you.

• The Digital Calendar of the Future
• Which Wordpress Should You Use?
• How to Leverage Customer Service