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The Difference Between IDX and RETS
IDX
IDX stands for Internet Data Exchange. The National Association of Realtors® defines it as “a policy that allows brokers to exchange consent to display one another's property listings on the Internet. This program is known by several names, including Internet Data Display (IDD) and Broker Reciprocity.” Simply put, the IDX data allows agents and brokers to share their listings on their personal websites.
IDX Feed
The IDX data is typically hosted in what is called an FTP site or server. The website vendor, such as PropertyMinder, can access this FTP server to download listings data and any updates or modifications that were recently done. The vendor then uses the downloaded data to allow searches and display listings on their clients’ websites. The cost of the feed varies by MLS. Either the website vendor or the MLS member pays for it.
IDX Framed Link
This is a URL or website link that the MLS normally gives to the agent or broker for free. This does not come from the website vendor. Agents typically frame this page to their website to allow searches and display listings.
Both of the options posted above have their downsides. IDX feed hosted in an FTP server normally only gets updated every 24 hours. Every IDX feed is also different so it requires a lot of customization and configuration on the vendor’s end. The IDX framed link on the other hand is typically a set page from the MLS. You usually cannot modify the design of this pre-generated free link. This means that your home search page will most likely look just like the search page on other agents’ websites.
RETS
RETS stands for Real Estate Transaction Standard. It is an attempt by NAR and MLS vendors to “standardize” the way IDX data is provided. Most website vendors will refer to RETS as the real time solution. Unlike IDX that typically updates only every 24 hours, RETS updates are in an ongoing schedule. For example, Agent John enters a new listing into the MLS. This new listing will be available for download by the website vendor almost instantaneously. RETS also allows website vendors to download the data without time-consuming configuration on their end. In other words, the MLS’s will speak a common language to make it faster and easier for website vendors to expand their coverage with various MLS’s. A lot of MLS’s are already converting their systems to RETS and PropertyMinder has been complying with these changes as they happen.
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