Internet Data Exchange (IDX) is a software API used to publish Real Estate MLS listings data to the web. Use this tag for questions related to developing or integrating IDX solutions.
Internet Data Exchange (IDX) is an SEO technology for Real Estate properties, and defines one of the foundational technologies for publishing Real Estate listings. IDX is formally defined by the set of Multiple Listing Service policies, rules, agreements, and software that enables publishing Real Estate listing data to the web. IDX data is published to a given website using iframe, flash, silverlight, javascript, json, and (infrequently) as raw html.
IDX solutions are typically integrated into Realtor Agent websites, as well as Real Estate aggregation sites, such as Zillow, Trulia, RedFin, and Movoto. Realtor agents are required to comply with MLS publication rules, in order to protect any copyrighted information contained in the IDX data.
Specific technology limitations and publishing requirements may be placed on an IDX implementation by the governing MLS board. As such, IDX implementations tend to vary widely from one MLS to another. A number of plugin solutions exist to address these concerns, and make it easier for the developer of a website to properly include IDX data.
Resources:
- What is IDX?
- Need to intergate IDX MLS into a website
Developer pages for IDX solutions
Plugins