1. What is IDX?

IDX stands for Internet Data Exchange. IDX is a cooperative service offered by Realcomp II Ltd. through which participating Brokers (i.e. Designated REALTORS/Broker Owners) consent to display their on-market listings on other IDX related Websites.

2. How can Brokers gain access to the IDX data to make listing searches/listings available from their company websites?

By subscribing to either of the following services: 1) Point2 Agent, which offers an IDX search widget that can be displayed on any Point2 Agent website or 2) data access via Realcomp's RETS server.

3. What is the difference between the Point2 Agent and RETS IDX services?

Point2 Agent is available free of charge to all Realcomp Subscribers. By subscribing to this service, Realcomp Brokers and Agents can create their own websites (starting from various available templates or from scratch), and include a Point2 Agent/IDX search widget (labeled "MLS Listings") to easily make listing searches/listings available. This search widget provides the following features/benefits: simple and easy-to-use search interface, display of IDX listings, display of multiple photos for listings, e-mail leads on listings, mapping, mortgage calculator, and more.

The RETS server access is only available to Brokers (or their IDX website vendor) through a RETS account they subscribe to through Realcomp. The IDX data can then be placed on the broker's website through his/her custom interface according to Realcomp's MLS Rules and Regulations. Agents can then frame their broker's website to make listing searches/listings available from their own websites. However, Agents are not eligible for direct RETS account access to the IDX data.

4. How do Brokers publish their firm's listings to the IDX/Point2 listing database?

Realcomp Brokers have the ability to publish their firm's listings to the IDX/Point2 database through the "Office Admin>OfficePreferences" settings of Realcomp Online^®. Unless a Broker has communicated otherwise, the default setting for this service is set to "opt-out". However, this setting can be changed to "opt-in" at any time.

5. How do Brokers and Agents obtain the IDX listing search widget through Point2 Agent?

To gain access to this widget, Realcomp Brokers and Agents will need to sign up for a  Point2 Agent account. To sign up, MLS Subscribers just need to request a Point2 invitation. Simply follow the instructions included in the invitation e-mail that arrives. Once you have created a Point2 Agent account and website and are ready to add the IDX search widget to it, simply follow these tip sheet instructions. For additional Point2 Agent information, click here. No IDX contracts are necessary for the Point2 service.

6. How do Brokers obtain data through Realcomp's RETS server?

Brokers need to read Realcomp's IDX Rules and Regulations and then complete and submit the Realcomp IDX contract  to apply for a RETS account. If your website is hosted or programmed by a third party provider, you and your provider must also fill out and sign the Third Party Consultant Form at the end of the IDX Contract. Your provider will then be able to retrieve data updates through the RETS server for the purpose of updating your IDX website.

7. How do I get the appropriate data layouts?

RETS data access is quite different from the old method of FTP. General RETS resources and information are available on our RETS Info page.  For more technical information regarding IDX including rules, fields, display requirements, the IDX contract, and IDX technical announcements please visit our IDX Service page.

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

Note: Listings from the Flint Area Association of REALTORS^® are not included in Realcomp's IDX database.