In search of IDX - N. GA.

[rebelbwb]

I like others at this forum are just starting out doing real estate site development. I am currently in the process of doing a crash course on MLS, IDX, VOW, etc., etc. I am interested in knowing of a good IDX that supports the NE GA. MLS. If someone out there knows of one I would be interested in dialoguing.

Thanks so much

Ben

[webmaster]

you mean the north georgia MLS? I am working on that right now, the data files are freakin huge! Lol - I will be publishing it on one of our new sites http://www.northgeorgiahomes.com/ when it is done - what questions do you have?

[rebelbwb]

Yes, NE GA MLS. I am not a developer at all and have a partner of mine handling the backend. Because I am living in the area I am deemed as 'project manager' and doing some of the leg work on this deal. This is my initial foray into this area.

You ask what questions...well...need answers to just about everything. I contacted the local realtor board in asking some basic questions. Been reading a lot today in regards to IDX and am slooooowly learning some things.

What are some initial steps that I need to take in getting the ball rolling?

Any help is appreciated

[webmaster]

You need to get your broker (If you are not a broker) to apply for the IDX datafeed on your behalf. There is a sizable doc that needs to be taken care of before they will even send you sample data.

Once you get the sample data, you build your solution. After the solution is completed you need to submit it to the board for review, when they approve it, they release the real data.

[rebelbwb]

Thanks for the good info. Does the process you are referring to still remain the same if you use a 3rd party vendor such as a ListingWare.com or idxbroker.com? I'm not sure at this point if something is going to custom designed or our end which that sounds like what you might be referring to in 'building your solution' or to use a 3rd party that will allow us to customize to some degree, i.e. font styles, colors, etc.

[webmaster]

For third party, I have no idea - we custom build our IDX solutions so I dont know what their process is, its best to ask a rep about that.

[KSA]

rebelbwb,

I work with Listingware a lot, and they do have an excellent engine. All you need to do for a 3rd party like Listingware is sign up.

Listingware does provide the capability for customizing colors. They also have 3 levels of login - none, always, and progressive prompting. The progressive prompting allows a visitor to use the search without logging in, then requires a login on the fifth visit.

With the ProSearch, visitors can save listings and subscribe to automatic e-mails when homes that meet their criteria are added to the MLS. There is also a contact manager that allows you to track your visitor's searches and learn more about what they're looking for.

Another useful feature is that you can pre-define searches and provide links to them. So, if many of your visitors want to search for homes in a specific town in a specific price range, you can provide a link to those search results. I think it's a nice competitive advantage to have one-click access vs. selecting everything on the menu.

I don't think you'd be disappointed with either a custom feed from the Webmaster, or Listingware.

Hope this helps.

Kathleen

[rebelbwb]

Kathleen,

Thanks for the good feedback. I am glad to hear of someone who has had a good experience with Listingware. I really like the features that it offers. I don't know as of yet how this new client will go. All I know if that I want whatever we use to integrate well design wise into the site or at least have the ability to customize colors and fonts, etc.

Does Listingware provide some good help stuff? On their site I didn't see any kind of forum or bulletin board. Does their support staff field all those kinds of matters?

Are you available to dialogue some about Listingware via email if I should have further questions? If so, that would be awesome and could you provide your email address?

Thanks again Kathleen

Rebelbwb

[KSA]

rebelbwb - I sent you a PM (private message), so check your inbox here on the Forum!

Kathleen

[Doug Quance]

ListingWare is a good solution.

I have been using them since their inception... in fact, I provided them with most of the early feedback that was used to shape their service.

I find them to be an extremely good value, as I am sure you will.