Should I Pay for IDX?

Agents and brokers all want a modern website with beautiful property listings, and data—lots and lots of data about those listings. If you see a web listing for a property, then IDX made that listing possible. Basically, IDX is the technology that makes the posting of MLS listings on broker and agent websites. IDX stands for Internet Data Exchange (IDE), and is sometimes also referred to as IDD or Broker Reciprocity; it is technology, as well as rules and policies to make these web listings possible.

What is IDX?

IDX is an interchange tool that allows agents to display parts of the MLS database on their own websites. IDX was created by the National Association of Realtors (NAR); think of it as the governing policy that regulates how MLS members are allowed to display active listings. Within the IDX infrastructure, a basic search capability exists as a courtesy to members, but many Realtors and brokers want much more sophistication that the MLS doesn't offer. Use of a customized, advanced IDX tool allows enhanced MLS listings and better property search capabilities.

How is it different from my MLS datafeed?

MLS now provides a raw, unstructured IDX data feed of all MLS data, but unless you're a Realtor and a pretty savvy computer programmer, it's impossible to structure that data to make it work for you. That's where IDX providers, like WolfNet, come into the picture–to use that raw data feed as a starting point, to provide custom search capabilities, lead generation and more products and solutions tailored to your specific needs.