Simply, what is Internet Data Exchange (IDX)?
IDX gives MLS Participants the right to display limited property information from the MLS database on their Internet websites. The Berkshire IDX Solution was launched on May 1, 2002.
How can you utilize the MLS data on your own website?
Every Broker has the ability to enhance their public website with a compilation of listing information and offer clients and customers the ability to review listing data on their own. As a listing broker, you are assured that your name and phone number, as well as accurate listing information is consistently displayed and updated on all web displays. Every broker also has the ability to opt out of this reciprocal advertising agreement.
Internet Data Exchange is accomplished via a smart-frame solution, which is a free, secure website designed to protect the accuracy of the MLS information and uniformity of updates and display. A website frame is a combination of two or more web pages that have been designed to work together.
Every office that chooses to participate in the IDX system can ‘smart frame’ MLS data on their office website. Additionally, each participating broker can authorize any individual agents to use the IDX data on separate sales associate websites, provided all agree to adhere to the rules and regulations of the service, IDX and the Board of Realtors. If an agent is interested in taking advantage of this option, they should speak to the Broker in their office and obtain their signature on the Associates Authorization form.
Technical Information
Making a Transition
If you have a website and would like to feature a free search of the MLS database of listings (IDX: Internet Data Exchange) then you will need to agree to the rules and request permission to use the data.
Complete the latest “MLS Internet Data Exchange Smart Frame Authorization for Use” form, provided below.
- IDX Authorization Form (pdf)
- IDX Authorization Form (doc)
- Upon receipt of the above form, the staff will verify membership in good standing, review your website and submit an authorization to FBS Data Systems (FlexMLS) to begin the development of your unique IDX data search .
According to policy, use of IDX is limited. The MLS limits the right to display other Participants’ listing to licensed Real Estate Brokers who hold participatory rights in the Berkshire MLS. Participants may provide the Multiple Listing Service with a written release granting an agent in good standing with the ability to utilize the smart frame MLS solution, provided that the Participant acknowledges supervisory responsibility for said agent.
Any member that wishes to display the Berkshire real estate property search on their own website must complete the Authorization of Use form prior to including it on your website. All associates must also obtain their broker’s permission, and a place for their signature is included on the form.
If you would like to view a smart frame solution in action, please view the Berkshire Board’s display. The creation of this page took approximately 1 hour and is a very basic example of this system in action.
Click here to view a list of all Website Options, including the FREE Smart-Frame 1.0.
IDX Background:
The National Association of REALTORS® has issued a mandate that all Multiple Listing Services adopt an IDX policy. This policy requires that each MLS must enable their Participants to display on their public website, aggregated MLS listing information through either downloading and placing the data on Participants’ websites or by framing such information from the MLS or association website.
There are several very successful MLS IDX programs in the country that were the inspiration for this new policy. After one year of launch, most MLS’s are reporting 100% listing office participation.
By adopting internet policy that is fair to all members, it places all on a level playing field for web content and is a proactive approach to ensuring protections are in place to avoid ethics issues or lawsuits.
How will this affect you?
You will have the ability to enhance your public website with a compilation of listing information and provide your clients and customers the ability to review listing data on their own.
As a listing broker, you are assured that your name and phone number, as well as accurate listing information is consistently displayed and updated on all web displays. As a listing broker, you also have the ability to opt out of this reciprocal advertising agreement.
Have Questions or Need More Information?
Please contact the staff at the Board Office for more information.
Or try our IDX Q&A.
Top 10 Benefits: Advantages of the Berkshire’s IDX Smart-Frame Solution!
- All Realtor® members become empowered to deal with the real estate consumer of the future.
- Consumers will be able to obtain consistent, accurate property information from local brokers websites.
- When consumers visit these Web sites, they will stay longer because the brokers have more to offer and they will not have to link off to another web page that compiles Berkshire property data.
- Local brokerage Web sites will become the best source of listing data and compete with national aggregating sites (ie: Realtor.com)
- Sellers will have maximum exposure of their property information with stringent display requirements to ensure compliance with MLS rules.
- Members can fully market their services on the Internet.
- Members can finally take advantage of the data that they and other brokers have contributed to the system.
- Members can obtain and maintain first contact with the consumer in the real estate transaction.
- As brokers become more innovative in offering on-line services, listing displays will be a critical factor in their success
The Berkshire MLS has created a free, innovative way to increase services to your customer & clients, brand your company name, and remain the best resource for real estate information.
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