IDX (or Broker Reciprocity) is a program that allows MLS Participants to display listings from other brokerages on their own agent and office websites. Simply put, the IDX program manages the listing search utilities on internet displays owned and operated by local agents and offices. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) created IDX and gives MLSSAZ a strict set of guidelines on participation in the program and the display of the listings. MLSSAZ monitors and enforces these guidelines.
IDX can be a great addition to your agent, office, or company website. If having IDX on your website interests you, there are two options available to complete your website, an IDX Feed for a custom solution or the turnkey flexmls smartframe IDX solution.
The IDX feed is available to Third Party Vendors and Website Developers who will be creating the website. The vendor/developer will be granted access to the MLSSAZ IDX servers via the Real Estate Transaction Standard (RETS) where listing information is downloaded and processed into the listing search utility.
The IDX feed is available to website developers who have a working knowledge of RETS. Information on working with RETS is available from the Real Estate Standards Organization at www.RESO.org.
IDX Feed Cost
There is no cost to the MLSSAZ Participant or Subscriber to supply an IDX feed to a vendor. Vendors may be subject to an annual fee.
Where to Start
Contact your vendor/developer to see if they have RETS access for the MLSSAZ IDX program. If so, you may skip to the next paragraph. If not, your vendor will need to complete the MLSSAZ IDX Vendor License Agreement.
The next step is for the agent and his/her broker to complete the Agent/Office Website agreement. You and your broker will complete pages one and two and your vendor will complete page three. Please be certain the agreement is complete and all dates are current. Incomplete agreements will be returned and may delay the approval process.
Send copies of the fully completed Agent/Office Website agreement, and the IDX Vendor License Agreement if this is a new vendor, to the MLSSAZ Office in person, fax at (520) 322-6613, or email to idx@mlssaz.com.
If agreement(s) are approved, you, your broker, and your vendor will receive an email with the fully executed agreement(s) attached and details of the next steps.
Flexmls IDX is a SmartFrame solution designed to be framed into your existing website. With flexmls IDX, there is no advanced web development experience necessary. Flexmls will provide links to a consumer friendly listing search utility built by flexmls. Simply plug them into your website for an easy IDX search utility.
How much does it cost?
If you choose FlexMLS IDX, their IDX packages start at $349/year. This fee is billed by flexmls and is subject to change.
How to get started
If you decide FlexMLS IDX is best for you, you may call the IDX team at FlexMLS at 800-437-4232 ext. 108 or e-mail them at idx@flexmls.com. You may also sign up by selecting the IDX Manager from the Preferences menu in flexmls.