Add IDX – internet data exchange to your site

More than 80% of consumers begin their new home search online – probably using an IDX search site ..

… they can spend 6 to as many as 18 months researching homes and neighborhoods online with user friendly real estate search tools before ever contacting a Realtor.

In most cases the consumer will choose the first real estate agent that they contact. You want to be that first contact and one of the ways in interact with potential clients is to have a site that has been the most helpful.

Be aware though that the consumer, when they do get in touch expect a timely response – you must have the systems in place to do that or you will loose the consumer to someone else.

IDX is a great way to make your site attractive to the consumer.

Property searches make your site and/or blog “sticky” - one where a first time visitor is motivated to stay on the site exploring; they find it difficult to leave and bookmark the site to return to later. To compete in todays market place you must have IDX on your site quite simply because this is what consumers want when visiting your site.

Consumers want to see listings, lot's of them with multiple pictures ..

Consumers want to see property pictures & videos and they want to see them quickly and easily without filling out a ton of personal information. An IDX on your site and/or blog offers you several advantages:

• Gives consumers a compelling reason to return

• Opportunity to capture email addresses

• Create niche MLS Searches (REO, Coastal, Specific Zip Code, etc…)

• Interactive Map Searches are especially popular

We understand what buyers want when searching homes online, and we want to show you how to give them the tools to do it on your website — so that when they are ready act, they contact you. 

Here is an example (and there is a free version – see below)

How do I get an IDX home search on my site and/or blog?

Implementing IDX on your site is simple. You will either need to contact your local Realtor association / MLS to request their IDX solution. Or you can purchase an IDX solution from a third party vendor; this will require the authorization from your local Realtor association / MLS. 

Regardless of which route you go, take action and get your site equipped with an IDX solution as soon as possible. All IDX real estate solutions are not equal! When considering the many different options available to you, you should consider the demographic's of your target client and the functionality of the sotware providers implementation.

Resources for IDX

There are two inexpensive options available for agents who would like to utilize IDX on their site or blog that we would recommend you look at:

Realbird. This company offers some innovative solutions for property displays – although it's important to understand that it's not IDX in it's truest form.

The element missing is the full listing display. Not a problem if you already subscribe to another IDX as the two of them can actually be linked up together (we can show Premium members just how to do that).

Realbird offers some very useful widgets and can transform search results into RSS feeds too – more on that here.

RealtySoft is a Canadian company that offers IDX solutions to a large number of States in the US. The best part is it's true IDX and they have an option of free.

Yes, that's right a free version.

The signup is easy and there are ways to maximize this programs potential to get maximum exposure on the web! (Premium members click over here for an illustrated how to).

There is another option available to Brokers and agents called VOW's – Virtual Office Websites – we explain the difference between them here. If you really do not have the time and would rather pay to have someone else do all the work for you we can take care of that for you too.

Premium members recieve step by step lessons with screenshots showing each and every step to take in setting up your blog - signup or upgrade today and let’s get started!

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