If you’ve spent any time looking for a new tool or service for real estate marketing, you’ve probably heard the term IDX before. It stands for Internet Data Exchange and it is the core service offered by many MLS search engines (which includes AllTrac, Trulia, and Urbaniste). It allows agents to use an easy-to-use web form that allows clients to enter their information and receive personalized responses from their agent. For example, if someone searches for “apartment in New York City” they can specify the city and the type of apartment including floor plan, one, two, or three bedrooms, townhouse, coop, or even condo ownership. It’s a very simple, yet powerful service that allows realtors to give top priority to real estate marketing.
Little Known Ways To What Is Idx?
Unfortunately, many real estate websites are using what is known as a “typo squatter” tactic – spammers using common website template tags and methods to send targeted website visitors to a random list of “preapproved offers” on the MLS. This practice has been labeled “typo squatterring” and the search engines have taken measures to limit the amount of sites that offer “preapproved offers” on their search results pages. Using a real estate agent’s website to gather leads is an excellent way to attract qualified home buyers. However, if the website visitor does not meet the qualifications for a call-back, the agent’s personal information and client contact information is exposed to the public – this is where the danger comes from.
To protect your listings from misuse and protect the quality and type of home available through your real estate site, be sure to follow industry standards such as the IDX MLS and NAR National Association of Realtors’ Code of Ethics. As stated in the Code of Ethics, a broker “cautions that he or she will not undertake a misrepresentation of material facts, the falsification of records, or misleading statements.” In addition, a broker must make it clear that he or she will not use personal information obtained in the course of any transaction except as required in the course of that transaction. And, finally, a broker must ensure that he or she will not use any other improper means to solicit business or gather client contacts.
