I am about to start interviewing brokers to decide where to 'hang my shingle' so to speak. I am also considering employing REW expertise to help with my original website layout and (eventually) with the IDX integration.

Now, my question is: What questions do I need to ask my potential brokers about their available technology to ENSURE that I won't run into any snags later?

From an IDX perspective, you need to make sure

#1: that raw data is available to brokers (This is actually a board issue not a broker issue)
#2: that if it is available for agents (Upon broker signature) that your broker wont mind signing for it. Try to get it in writing.

What board / area are you going to be servicing I might have more info

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Hi--I am so new I appreciate all the help!

How do I find out what board I will be servicing? My area of business is the Jersey Shore and I will be focusing on Northern Ocean and Southern Monmouth Counties, both in Central NJ. I have not signed on with a broker yet, but I am in the process of preparing (hopefully!) intelligent questions

There has been a member or two who work for brokers that won't allow them to use IDX on their websites. So, like Morgan suggested, make sure to ask that question to every broker you interview.

It's also nice to be able to list the entire office's inventory in your "listings" area without having to ask permission. My broker allows me to put any company listings on my sites. I don't have to ask each listing agent. This is especially important for a new agent. You might not get a listing for a while and even if you do you'll want to feature as many listings as possible.

If the brokerage has their own web site, you might ask for a link to your site (if it's a good enough site). I've seen broker sites that use multiple domain names without using redirects which creates mirror sites and most don't have any kind of inbound links. They get excited when their site comes up in a search engine under the exact company name (if it's a unique enough name)! LOL!

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Questions to ask: Commission Rates+ Training + Fees + Support systems + Standard listing ads provided by brokerage? + Company email + Any backend programs for lead management + company MLS search?

Thank you all very much--I am compiling all your great information as we speak! I'll be meeting brokers in about 4 weeks so I want to be prepared.