Internet Data Exchange (IDX) is a service of the MLS that offers MLS Participating companies the option of authorizing their active listings to be displayed on other MLS company websites. MLS provides to Brokers in IDX the tools they need to accomplish this reciprocal display so that they may better serve their clients and customers. IDX is an extension of the many data services provided by the MLS that enhances cooperation among REALTORS to facilitate the purchase and sale of real property.

IDX is a service whereby participating MLS companies authorize their active listings to be part of the MLS IDX group of listings. Participating companies can choose to display these MLS IDX listings on their company website.

For details on placing IDX listings on your company website, please see below and also refer to the IDX information found in Section 20 of the MLS Rules and Regulations.

MLS Companies can choose to participate in the IDX program:
1. By allowing their active listings to be included in the IDX data*, OR
2. By allowing their active listings to be included in the IDX data AND using IDX data on their own company websites.

* Note: Listings are shared with the IDX data pool first on a company basis, then on an individual basis through an IDX Y/N field on each listing data sheet. Individual listings can be excluded from IDX (by indicating IDX=No), but by participating in the IDX program, the intent and assumption is that the majority of a participating company’s listings will be included in the IDX data pool.

MLS IDX listings can be displayed on a participating company’s website. RANW MLS currently does not allow agents to have direct IDX links on the agent's website. If the agent’s company/broker agrees, an agent may be able to link to or frame the company website so that visitors to the agent’s website can access the IDX search option available there.

When participating companies choose to display IDX listing data on their company website, the data is provided to the company broker in one of three ways (see below), and continuation in the IDX is dependent on the website complying with the MLS IDX rules.

The three methods of obtaining IDX date are:

1. Via a “free” link to the IDX data from RANW MLS (includes a search engine tool and two displays)

Free Link: No charge
a. Must have company IDX Participant form on file with RANW MLS.
b. Submit the IDX Link Agreement Form to RANW MLS with Free Link indicated.
c. Submit the Free Link Order Form to RANW MLS.

The link will be created by RANW MLS and Offutt Systems, Inc. and emailed to the company broker. This web link can then be added to the company website. When the Free Link is used, all MLS IDX data is “real time.”

2. Via a “SmartLink” to the IDX data from Marketlinx (MarketLinx is RANW MLS’s vendor.) The IDX SmartLink includes a search tool and two displays with an email link from each display that will generate email to the company email address. A second web link to the company’s own MLS IDX listings is also provided by MarketLinx. (The email option and link to the company listings is the difference between the “free” and “Smart” links.)

Smart Link: $195 one-time setup fee plus $200 annual fee ($395 first year), payable to MarketLinx.
a. Must have company IDX Participant form on file with RANW MLS.
b. Submit the IDX Link Agreement Form to RANW MLS with SmartLink indicated.
c. Submit the SmartLink Order Form to MarketLinx.

The SmartLink will be created by MarketLinx and emailed to the company broker. This web link can then be added to the company website. When the SmartLink is used, all MLS IDX data is “real time.”

3. Via a data download file from RANW MLS, available through FTP. With the data download, no programming is provided by RANW MLS orMarketLinx; the company must arrange for database and website programming to create a search engine and display screens that conform to Section 20 of the MLS Rules and Regulations.

Data Download: No Charge
a. Must have company IDX Participant form on file with RANW MLS.
b. Submit the IDX Download Agreement to RANW MLS.

The FTP account will be created by RANW MLS and login/password provided to the broker. The data download consists of a pipe-delimited data file and a photo (.jpg) file. When the data download is used, MLS IDX data must be updated daily on the company website and will be current as of the time of the FTP files. Each Saturday, the photo file will contain all available photos for IDX listings; an incremental photo file is generated Sunday through Friday and includes only those photos added or changed since the previous photo file.

Each participating company broker using the data download option will need to give his/her web developer a copy of the Residential, Vacant Land, and Duplex/Multi-Family data sheets as an explanation of the coded features for each type of listing. Data sheets can be found within InnoVia by selecting MISC – Documents.

Each participating company broker using the data download option will also need to give his/her web developer a copy of the Code Set reports (available within InnoVia by selecting Reports – Code Sets). These code set reports change periodically as new codes are added; the broker will need to provide updated copies to the web developer as needed.

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