How does one import MLS into their site? I've seen some companies offer the service IDX but it is costly.

Our local MLS CMLS claims to not support IDX but there are local agents offering the service on their site.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what to expect to pay or reputable companies to work with?

Thanks!
Ridgefield CT Real Estate

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Rick Bucich
www.bucich.net
Ridgefield CT

I went to the local MLS link you posted and according to http://www.ct-mls.com/ they not only support IDX (Internet Data Exchange) standards but offer a reasonbly priced IDX solution for their members.

You might try digging a little deeper in that site to find what you're looking for.

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Jim Lee, CRS, ABR, GRI, e-PRO
Realty Executives Associates
Knoxville, Tennessee
http://www.KnoxvilleMLS.com
Jim@KnoxvilleMLS.com
1999 REALTOR of the year, Knoxville Association of REALTORS

I am not an attorney, I am not your attorney, and I am not giving you any legal advice. This response is only given for informational purposes and should not be construed or substituted for legal advice.

I know some portal sites provide their customers with MLS export-tools developed individually taking into account clien's database features...

Homes.com will create a web site for you that has an IDX feed programmed into the site. This means that it is not framed, which ensures that the client is not redirected to another site. That is how leads are lost.

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Matt
888-329-7576 x2125

Generally, if you want MLS on your site, you are better off paying a 3rd party for a front-end MLS system. If you buy the data directly from your MLS board, good luck turning the raw data into something usable.

Many sites are designed using an IDX wholesaler. The wholesaler get the raw MLS data each night from the MLS board and then they make a nice front-end for it (search, email updates,etc). The realtor web hosting company then adds the front end to their customers' sites.




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Realtor Website Management
www.myagenthost.com

This process is different in all states, but they're getting there.

Many times, your Board will offer you two options:

Take the raw data and hire a company to build an application to manipulate that data; or

Give you a custom URL that you can frame within a page on your website.

Now, some IDX URL's will keep the referring agent's details in front of the prospect - that's the ideal. Some don't...

And yes, normally frames in websites is bad - but when you use the "iframe" tag and imbed the search box directly into a page of your site - it would be highly difficult for the average surfer to be able to get his/herself onto a competing site. Also, search engines will still be able to spider the HTML all around that frame.

Example:



Just my $.02

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Cheryl Allin
VirtuAllin Administrative Services
callin@virtuallin.com - (253) 565-3015
IVAA Certified Real Estate Support Specialist
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[This message has been edited by VirtuAllin (edited 10-08-2004).]

[This message has been edited by VirtuAllin (edited 10-08-2004).]

[This message has been edited by VirtuAllin (edited 10-08-2004).]

[This message has been edited by VirtuAllin (edited 10-08-2004).]

I am located in Florida and the Planet Realtor web site has instructions on where to find the IDX url to use to get the MLS on your web site. I use frames to maintain user control so they can stay on my site. All users who have Planet Realtor access should be able to do the same!

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Jacky
Residential & Commercial Realtor
Ft Lauderdale, Miami, Palm Beach and surrounding areas in south Florida

I just put a link to realtor.com their listing search is pretty comprehensive.

Chip

If you put a link to realtor.com then you just lost your prospect and you have to hope they come back to your website after they get what they want. That's like building an independent shoestore and a customer asks about something you can't answer, so you send him to the mall to get the answer hoping he doesn't walk into one of the many shoestores there after he gets his answer.

One solution would be to frame the search page of your broker on your own website, at least that way you keep the visitor at your website. You could have a form on your page next to the framed search with something like "put the MLS numbers of listings that interest you here and I'll tell you more about them and can arrange showings." That way you get the best of both worlds and don't pay a penny for IDX integration. Of course this hinges on your broker allowing it. I know some do.

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Jason in Dallas
Telecom Sales and Service Manager
RE license coming soon

Thanks!

In the mean time, I can link to my broker's site and still retain my contact information in the searches. Doesn't look as professional but it's functional.

I could frame it but I would prefer to avoid frames. I just have a new browser window open so my site is still up.

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Rick Bucich
www.bucich.net
Ridgefield CT

I had a peek and your broker's search page is perfect for framing since it is not very wide: www.prudentialct.com/Buying/ViewProperties.asp

It's really easy to do, why are you reluctant to do this? I also don't see that the Prudential search keeps your name on the screen, and framing the search would accomplish this in addition to a lot of other good things.

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Jason in Dallas
Telecom Sales and Service Manager
RE license coming soon

Ours here in Las Vegas gives you a simple hmtl link with your code imbedded into it. You put it in, it opens into a nice search box, listing the property and MLS number, but no agent names. Very easy to implement and a great tool.

Visit the most comprehensive Las Vegas Real Estate , Las Vegas Golf Homes , Las Vegas High Rise Condos and Las Vegas Homes website online.

I'm subscribed to 3 MLS in the Souther Calif area. All have IDXs that they recommended framing with iframe. One identifies the listing office with no other contact information, another identifies the listing agent with no contact information, and the third doesn't say anything about the listing broker and puts YOUR name as an agent to contact to find out about buying the home.

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Ruperto Elpusan, MBA, e-Pro
Broker/Officer
Beverly Hills-Malibu-Palos Verdes Real Estate
Torrance/South Bay Real Estate
Rancho Palos Verdes Home Values