Heat Level: 
Mild: These tips are beginner-friendly.
Bottom Line: If you work in real estate and want to do any digital marketing, an IDX website will make a world of difference.
Do This: If you don’t have IDX on your site yet, you might want to change that ASAP!
Brokers and agents can use the power of IDX in so many ways.
We specialize in IDX websites. That’s the core of what we do. But...what does IDX mean, exactly? Maybe you’re here because you’re too embarrassed to ask. Maybe you know what IDX is in a general “yeah I’ve heard of that” sense. Or maybe you’re just here because you want a better understanding of the magic behind being able to search for a home online. Regardless, here’s your quick and easy guide to IDX, and why we love it so much!
IDX stands for Internet Data Exchange. It’s an umbrella term that encompasses the policies, systems, and software that allow real estate professionals to share each other’s listings. An IDX system refers to the tools used to add listings from the MLS to your website. So when we talk about IDX websites, we’re referring to a site with a high-quality IDX software built into it that also follows all of the policies and rules that govern the overall Internet Data Exchange.
IDX goes all the way back to the early 2000s, when real estate professionals realized the power of being able to share listings via the internet. The cost of hosting and sharing listings online used to be extremely costly; however today most firms are able to have some form of IDX search on their site.
The underlying goal of IDX and having listings accessible online is to level the playing field so agents and brokerages of all sizes can share listings and compete. Being able to access and share all of the listings within an MLS fosters cooperation and competition, which benefits both real estate professionals and consumers.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) sets all policies and regulates everything related to IDX. You can find out more about their policies here.
You should also check with your local MLS for specific regulations in your area. Generally speaking, IDX rules cover things like what fields can be shown, how often data must be updated, how broker names must be shown in another office's listing, etc. These rules are all a big part of the overall goal of IDX to create a fair and cooperative marketplace.
IDX is the core of all real estate digital marketing. Most home buyers look online. In fact, the NAR found that some 95% of all buyers used a website at some point in their house search. Agents share and promote listings online - whether through email, on social media, paid advertising, etc. - all of which have to come from an IDX site.
Without IDX, sites like Zillow couldn’t exist. The way that most people buy and sell houses today would quite literally be impossible. All other marketing efforts we advise - having a website, using social media, etc. - are built around the foundation of having IDX to find and share listings.
So there you have it! Now that you know what IDX is and why you need it, you can start to explore solutions for getting an IDX website. You can contact us to find out more about setting up your own IDX broker or agent site!
Working with ListingManager allows Jess to explore an alternate reality where she could one day own a house instead of renting. When she’s not focused on her daily to-do lists, Jess enjoys HBO binges, gourmet lattes, and playing with her dog. How did you like this article?
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