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What Is IDX? And Why You Need It

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By Don Kyle

MRIS, July 28, 2008-IDX is an acronym for Internet Data Exchange. In the database there are hundreds of data fields containing information needed by real estate agents to assist them in matching buyers with sellers. Not all of these data fields can be displayed on Internet websites maintained by brokers and agents. NAR has identified which data fields with their corresponding information values that are allowed to be displayed on broker and agent websites. The “IDX Format” is that subset of data fields that has been approved by NAR for display on broker or agent websites.Internet marketing surveys have shown that the number one reason why the consumer goes to a real estate website is to search for available properties for sale or rent. Therefore, the most important feature of any broker or agent website is having the ability to allow visitors to search for property. MRIS receives calls each day from subscribers who want to add ‘the IDX format’ to their website. MRIS has many IDX solutions available from which brokers and agents can choose. They are: (1) RETS data access, (2) frame-able IDX hyperlink, and (3) a smart-framed “plug-in” search called Broker Bridge, which is only available for brokers.

RETS data access can be obtained by calling MRIS for a userID and password. A frame-able IDX link can be acquired by subscribing to either ActiveAgent or Lingo. For more information on ActiveAgent or Lingo, go to www.mris.com, login into MRIS using your userID, PIN, and SafeMLS® security code. Once you are logged into the service, click Products & Services from the menu on the left, and then MRIS Products. Scroll through our list of products to learn more about ActiveAgent, Lingo, or even ActiveAgent Professional. Brokers can also scroll through the list to gain more knowledge about Broker Bridge.

In this space during the next few weeks, we will explain each IDX solution in more detail.

To provide feedback on this article, e-mail communications@mris.com.

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