[Noxbane]

Hi all.

I've currently been using IDX Broker as my IDX solution on all my clients sites. And I've always thoroughly enjoyed working with them and they are super friendly. They host the IDX pages on their servers, and you just add header and footer code through their control panel to create a "skin" around the IDX content so that it looks to the user like they are still on the same website. The appearance is customizable, and you can turn on and off fields, but not a whole lot else is customizable. Overall though I'm pleased with it and would recommend it to other developers who are like me and don't know everything about IDXs.

This is the only type of IDX solution I have ever used. I don't really know what else is out there and its awful confusing trying to research it without having some general idea of what is available. So that's why I'm making this post.

Is IDX Broker's method of providing the IDX common or do most of you do it different. What are some different ways of providing the IDX? And of those different ways, what are the costs like?

I hope it's clear what I'm asking for. Basically a general overview of what all types of IDX solutions are available to a developer? If there was already an article written about this I'd love a link as its difficult to find clear info on it through Google. Thanks very much in advance.

[Noxbane]

I found this thread that gives a good overview: http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/...ad.php?t=10236. I now realize that I'm currently using a "A vendor-provided and hosted IDX-only plug-in solution" and that seems to be the option I want to stick with. However, now I'm interested in what other vendors provide this type of solution and what sort of variance can there be and how good the IDX Broker product is in comparison?

[Tim Shepard Destin]

From a broker's viewpoint:

I have used the idx from ihome, idx pro, and ihouse. They are all very good for basic searches and have been effective for the past several years. Their control panels are very good as well and provide realtors with considerable information on visitors.

However, Buyers and sellers looking at our sites want one thing....Listings.

As a result, in my opinion, a custom IDX is imperative if you want to be successful at RE web marketing going forward. The canned programs can't match the functionality and flexibility of a custom program.

If I had a choice of having a custom website or custom idx, I'd go with the custom idx everytime.

[webmaster]

I second this - buy the fancy paint job when you can afford it, if it's about conversion, there is no amount of "fancy design" that will match the conversion of custom IDX work. (I sell both, so no I am not biased lol)

Originally Posted by Tim Shepard Destin

If I had a choice of having a custom website or custom idx, I'd go with the custom idx everytime.

[Noxbane]

A lot of sites I build (with IDX Broker) just have a few different types of search forms that allow a search of all MLS listings. Then's there's some slideshows/showcases that feature the Realtors own listings more prominently.

What more do I really need that a custom IDX provides? Like what fancy functionality do you guys use with your custom IDXs that would generate more profit? I hear a lot about more "functionality/flexibility" but I don't really know what that specifically translates to on the website.

[Tim Shepard Destin]

My assumption is that you are a web developer and not a Realtor. As such, I can understand why you might not see the advantages/disadvantes from a "profit" standpoint.

If I were you, I'd explain the differences between a canned idx and a custom idx to your realtor clients. If they have creative marketing minds, then they will tell you why the custom site has so much more potential. If they don't see the difference then a canned program is probably fine for them.

[Noxbane]

Originally Posted by Tim Shepard Destin

My assumption is that you are a web developer and not a Realtor. As such, I can understand why you might not see the advantages/disadvantes from a "profit" standpoint.

If I were you, I'd explain the differences between a canned idx and a custom idx to your realtor clients. If they have creative marketing minds, then they will tell you why the custom site has so much more potential. If they don't see the difference then a canned program is probably fine for them.

Right I'm a developer.

But what I'm asking is, what are some real world examples of functionality that a custom IDX offers that a canned one doesn't? Like what are a few cool things you do with a custom IDX that I can't do with a canned one?

[Tim Shepard Destin]

Good review mindwarp.

I don't know anything about the design end, but from a practical standpoint I would add:

1. Return on Investment - That's the key, not cost. There is no comparison, custom IDX wins hands down. Although you'll close many more deals with custom IDX, it only takes less than one to make up the difference.

2. Flexibility - custom IDX wins hands down. For example, say you want to start a ppc campaign for golf course homes in your area. With custom IDX, you can create a landing page that only shows golf course homes. IDX Broker doesn't have this capability.

3. Website Development - custom IDX wins hands down. For example, say you want to create a page on your website that only displays homes in a specific neighborhood. Custom IDX, no problem, IDX Broker, Good luck.

4. Email Searches and admin panel- IDX Broker wins this one, at least when compared to REW. The "basic" control panel and format of emailed listings is much better than REW's basic package. HINT

In my opininon there is no comparison between the two tools. I use the word tool because that's what an IDX really is. Like any tool, a custom IDX is only effective if you really know how to use it.