1. What is IDX?

IDX stands for Internet Data Exchange. IDX is a cooperative service offered through Realcomp II Ltd. through which participating real estate BROKERS consent to display their on-market listings on other IDX Participants’ Websites. Please note: All participating Data Sharing Partner Listings are included in the IDX feed except those from the Flint Area Association of REALTORS^® and the Lapeer and Upper Thumb Association of REALTORS^®.

2. What is the difference between FTP and Framing? Click here for examples of Framing sites

The main difference between an FTP site and a Framing site is this... an FTP site downloads information to their site and displays it in a custom format. A framing site is a site that "frames" (includes a copy of) another site. A Web site that frames another site cannot manipulate the way the "framed" information displays on its site. Please see the above link for an example of a Framing site.

3. How do I participate?

Brokers who are interested in participating in IDX should read and complete the IDX Rules and Regulations* and the IDX contract*.

4. What if my Website is hosted by a third party?

If you chose the Framing option, then go into the portal, create your Framing link, and email it to your Web site host. Your Web site host will post the link on your Website Click here for instructions*.

If you chose the FTP option, then the third party must sign a Third Party Consultant Form*. The third party gets daily data extracts from our FTP site, and updates the data on your hosted IDX Website.

5. If I choose the FTP option, where do I get the layouts and sample data? Click here to view the FTP layouts and sample data.

6. As the Broker, how do I customize my IDX Frame site and generate the search link for my Website? Click here to view instructions*.

7. What if I choose the Framing option and I want my agents to be able to use the framing option on their own websites?

Click here to access the form that allows you to provide IDX access to the agents in your office through the Framing option.*

The Broker can customize the portal with the brokerage logo, colors and template selection and Agents can generate their own links.

Click here for instructions on activating Agents and steps for customizing the portal.*

Or, Brokers can generate the links for their Agents. Click here for instructions for activated Agents to generate their own links.*

8. Where can I find someone to host my Website? Click here to view a list of Web hosting companies in your area

*Important Note: Because the IDX service is a service that Realcomp offers to Broker-owners only, some of the documents referenced above can only be accessed by Realcomp Subscribing Brokers with Broker-access privileges. These hyperlinked documents are identified on this page as ending in an asterisk (*).

If you cannot access these documents, but need the information in order to provide service to a Realcomp Subscribing Broker, we kindly ask that you obtain this information from the Subscribing Broker with whom you are working. We thank you in advance for following this procedure.