What is IDX?

Most brokers and agents want the public to be able to search for listings (listings taken from our MLS system) on the broker's or agent's own website.  IDX makes this possible.

An Overview of IDX:

Brokers cannot advertise other brokers’ listings without each broker’s approval. Internet Data Exchange (IDX) affords each broker the option of authorizing other brokers to advertise their listings via the Internet.  IDX is made up of three components: (1) The IDX Data, (2) The IDX Business Rules and (3) A means to determine whose MLS listings to include in the IDX Data. This is accomplished by allowing brokers to “opt out” of IDX if they choose not to participate (see IDX Non-Participant).

In conjunction with the broker's decision to participate in IDX, the seller may prohibit their property from being displayed on public websites.

IDX Business Rules specify, among other things, requirements on how to “treat” other brokers’ listings.  The rules have been adopted by the IDX Work Group and RVAR Board of Directors for implementation of IDX in the Roanoke Valley.

As specified in the IDX Business Rules , for a broker to have IDX, two forms must be completed and submitted to RVAR, the IDX Broker Agreement and the IDX Subcontractor Agreement .

Sold Data in IDX:

Sold data in IDX is limited to properties that have closed since January 1, 2012.  Sold data is automatically included in the "standard" IDX RETS feed, though IDX Brokers are not required to display Sold data on the Broker's IDX website. 

What is Agent IDX?

In simple terms, Agent IDX is IDX for agents.  Whereas a broker may select any third-party subcontractor to build an IDX website, an agent is limited to three options . 

Both the broker and the agent should be familiar with the IDX Business Rules.