OMG What have I done?

[thankins]

Hey guys, first off this forum has been a life saver for me, i just found it and reading all the post have helped a lot.

Here is my problem.

I was hired to do a website for a realtor in my area, I developed a nice page for her at buygjrealestate.com and all. She then tells me she wants IDX support on it. Me not knowing what that was, proceeded to try and figure it out. I have been developing web pages for about 5 years now, so i know my stuff.

I have been given the FTP info from our local MLS and am pulling a lot of .tar, .zip files onto my computer . I open these files and see text files and images. What exactly do i do with those. My Server, has php and MYSQL. I know I have to upload them or something but dont know what to do with them.

Also after I do, and get them uploaded to my server, can I use Open Reality to build the customized/intergrated listing into my site?

I also saw something on here, about one that isn't integrated, but isn't customizeable (is that a word), could someone point me in the direction of that as well!??!?


Thank your all your help!

[thankins]

I also just rec'vd a Excel file that that is populated with a lot of info that has a heading that says: LS: CREN**Client: IDX Client**Listing Class: Residential

What is that?

[webmaster]

Now you have done it - You will need to write a script that imports the data into your MYSQL file. You will also need to write yet another script to import new data and flush old data (Sold expired's etc) every night.

Once you have the data in a mysql file, standard IDX / MLS integration calls for the programming of a search page, a listings page and a details page. You will likely want to include at least "inquire" "print page" and maybe mortgage calculator on your details page.

IT takes some php knowlege but is not incredibly difficult (Just sounds bad)
Here is a website we developed to use for inspiration http://www.destin-florida-real-estate.com - if you have specific questions or need programming assistance let me know

Assuming you dont want google mapping or other advanced functionality, it should take no more than 40 hours for you / another programmer to code.

[thankins]

Thank you for your reply. I was curious if there is anywhere I can look that has a ore built script? I am a little new to php and dont know where to begin on creating it. I have made forms and what not before, but not to fimilar with scripts. Also is there some where I could look for a online calculator as well?

Thank you for your help. It is much appreciated!

[spdrus]

First of all I am not an expert at this by any means...but...I would have to think that there must be an easier way to accomplish this based on the number of real estate websites that use this solution. Either a canned script or from your broker that provides this to the agents that use IDX.

[webmaster]

It would be nice if it was that easy, however every MLS board is different, and how they list, organize and deliver their data is different so it is not possible to have an easy out of the box solution.

First of all I am not an expert at this by any means...but...I would have to think that there must be an easier way to accomplish this based on the number of real estate websites that use this solution. Either a canned script or from your broker that provides this to the agents that use IDX.

[frobn]

First of all I am not an expert at this by any means...but...I would have to think that there must be an easier way to accomplish this based on the number of real estate websites that use this solution. Either a canned script or from your broker that provides this to the agents that use IDX.

Briefly, there are two IDX approaches: framed and integrated. The framed solution is usually free to agents through their local MLS. Generally, only brokers are authorized for to get an IDX feed for an integrated approach. Integration is a matter of degree. Having an IDX feed lends itself to better integration because there is greater control over listings features and elements, but even a framed IDX can be integrated.

Most web site developers who do not specialize in real estate web sites will farm out custom IDX projects because they do not wish to get involved with programming and supporting database applications.

[webmaster]

Another thing web developers need to be prepared for is the sheer volume of data: Take the north georgia MLS for instance. It has almost 20 gigs of images, and a text file that is HUGE with all the data. You need to host this! You cant do this on a shared $20 a month hosting account with bandwidth and storage limitations. You have to have enough control over your server to be able to schedule update queries etc as well - and what happens if you are a really good SEO as well? Then you are dealing with tons of unique visitors and tons of page views per visitor.

Each listing has 5-10 pictures, each visitor views on average of 10 listings per visit and you get 500-1000 unique visitors per day, how much bandwidth is that?

I think developers who are not set up to deal with these factors should not be attempting to provide IDX servicing, they will just end up dissappointing their clients.

Once again, setting up an IDX is not difficult for an experienced programmer. But setting up a good IDX is not cheap and does take some work - so make sure you prepare you client for the expense and requirments

[thankins]

Thanks for all the replies, I have been scrowing the web for a pre made script that i could customize to fit my needs...no luck!

The spacee for the images isn't an issue, I have over 750 GB of space to host all of it.

If anyone runs across a script that i could use please let me know.


Alsowould Open Reality work for my problem?

[webmaster]

Frobn would be able to answer the open realty question, we custom code everything so I dont use them.

What kind of scripts do you need? We could code something for you so that you would have the data in a managable fashion. Do you have any php experience at all? Like if we wrote the updating scripts etc and got it into a mysql database for you, could you handle coding the search pages, listings and details pages?