MLS and IDX, how are they different?
MLS = Multiple Listing Service. MLS is a member based reciprocity service that maintains a single database of all real estate listings available for a specific area/region.
IDX = Internet Data Exchange. IDX is the technology that enables Real Estate Brokers and Real Estate Offices to display all the listings of other participating MLS members in their area, in a searchable and sales generating format, on their website.
The difference: - MLS is the actual service that provides listings of all Real Estate in a given area, and IDX is the technology which allows the MLS data to be viewed on a website.
MLS/IDX INTEGRATION METHODS:
The Real Estate Host provides 3 methods in which real estate professionals can integrate their property listings into their website and these are as follows:
1. Property Management Software - this specialized software enables real estate professionals to input their own listings, photos, and data directly into their website. It provides them with complete control over the amount of information they want to display about each listing, without relying on or connecting to their MLS. Often real estate professionals choose to use this method in conjunction with the below Smart Framing method, thus allowing them to enter and display their own listings on their website for their visitors to search, and only when the visitor is unable to find what they are looking for, then provide them with a link to search the MLS.
2. Smart Framing MLS Integration - using this method of integration the MLS provider formats the IDX data and displays it on their own server and then provides the real estate agent or broker with a link or a group of links which they provide to their web designer who then, using special coding, frames those links within a web page of the agents or brokers website, thus making it appear as if the IDX data is hosted within the members website when in fact it is actually hosted on the MLS' server. Because the data is in fact formatted on the MLS' server, it limits your ability to apply any formatting to the displayed results, therefore, we recommend that you contact your MLS and ask to see samples of web pages using this method so that you can view how the page looks, the colors used, etc. to insure its design will coincide with your design. (Regardless of who your MLS provider is, if your MLS provider supports this method, we can support your MLS) - Not all MLS providers offer this method, therefore you will need to contact your MLS provider and ask if they support Smart Framing.
NEW - 3. Raw Data / FTP Feed IDX Integration - using special scripts and software property listing data and photos are imported from the MLS' IDX into a database and then formatted for display within the real estate professionals website. While this method does provide for more customization and features, it is quite more entailed than the Smart Framing method and more expensive. Some MLS' only support this method. Click here to see if we support your MLS.
Have more questions regarding the above methods? - Click the Live Assistant link in the left menu to chat in real time with one of our representatives when online, or click here to submit our sales inquiry form and a representative will contact you shortly.
Click here to view our real estate website design packages and pricing.
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