Wordpress and IDX

[Nick Ruiz]

I'm trying to see where this plugin would cause anyones license to be pulled, Im not going against you in anyway but the only thing I see different is that it is free. Good for us bad for you (IDX Providers).

Each of the listings that realshout displays has an MLS# and Discloses the listing broker to whom the listing belongs too. Im a participant in my MLS and well, I need not to go into detail but you can read here where I'm coming from. http://www.realtor.org/association_e...r_ae/memberidx

[webmaster]

Nick - perhaps you can point me to where you went through the rigorous (and unique) compliance process for your particular board?

You're in Sandicor (as far as I could tell) data's free anyways - and you don't have to be a vendor in order to get access to the data, or code your own solution, so let's not play the "you're a vendor of course you'd say that" card -- mmm-k

Back to the point - MLS data is the property of the listing broker (not Google, or anyone else) and you may only make use of it through direct permission of the member, or through a co-op agreement such as that which the IDX structure provides. So what it comes down to, is that you have not gone through ANY process by which to secure permission and have passed no compliance process (at it seems like you aren't even subject to one) - I am not going to run out and find the link, but I am pretty sure there are many explaining how you may not falsely misrepresent listings or advertise another agents listings without their permission. (I'd fine you or pull your license if I were on the board, and I know of many boards that would do the same)

[webmaster]

Incidentally, your link is not even valid, because "scraping listings from Google base" - is NOT IDX - IDX is MLS board controlled distribution of listings based on a collective broker agreement.

Tell you what - I'll send this thread (including your site) to Sandicor tomorrow AM, and get them to provide some commentary on this situation.

[Nick Ruiz]

From Realtor.com

Q.If I want to authorize other Participants to display my listings under IDX, how do I do it?

A. Once your MLS implements the IDX program you don't need to do anything. The way the IDX program is structured, the consent of each Participant to permit display of their listings is assumed. If you choose not to permit display of your listings by other Participants, you simply notify the MLS that your consent is being withheld. It should be stated that some MLSs have chosen to use an "opt-in" approach to IDX under which Particpants must affirmatively signify their intent to participant in IDX. Determining whether to use an "opt-in" or "opt-out" approach is a matter of local option.

[Nick Ruiz]

Tell you what - I'll send this thread (including your site) to Sandicor tomorrow AM, and get them to provide some commentary on this situation.

Thanks,
I would like to know as well.

Since this is fairly new technology perhaps they will have to implement or make new rules on this as well.

[Nick Ruiz]

Morgan,

Help me understand this, Earlier yesterday I spoke with a guy from diversesolutions, He told me of a new product they have for 30 bucks a month that does what the realshout does, (Link to DS removed)

What's the difference?

Nick

[webmaster]

Nick - DS is an IDX vendor (although I have no idea what their process is or anything about their product) - so I woudl assume if you sign up via DS just like any other vendor, you must go through the paperwork process and get "approved" for the data feed which will then come (directly and with permission) from the MLS board to be used for expressly (and only) for the approved use (terms) under which you applied for the feed (in this case an IDX solution)

With regards to DS and IDXpress though, I have a feeling they are going to get in trouble because technically they are not maintaining control of the display of the data (they are giving it to you the webmaster) and if that's the case, you could easily go in and violate the rules (with or without knowing them) - and the board would have a much harder time policing them.

[Nick Ruiz]

I went ahead and asked my board about what I have up, the local office said they weren't sure. I did however find "DOJ vs NAR" concerning http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_Office_Website'sthat says MLS has to allow the use of information as long as it follows guidelines. What I did
do however was password protected the data. It says that users have to actually signup before they are allowed to view any listings.

Anyhow Im happy to say I will be getting 1parkplace today$$$.