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IDX vs. VOW Websites
IDX – Internet Data Exchange
VOW – Virtual Office Website
Both of these websites allow the public to search for properties. One of the major differences is how you, the agent and website owner, capture the searchers’ information.
With an IDX site, the public can search anonymously. It is not required for them to leave their emails and contact information with you. VOW websites on the other hand require the users to enter their information before they can view any search results and move forward.
Also, the display rules for an IDX website are determined by the MLS, listing broker and other participants. With a VOW website, only the MLS sets the rules. IDX will let you show listings that are allowed by other participants. VOW lets you display all the available listings in the MLS.
IDX limits the amount of information that you can display on a listing whereas a VOW website can display all available information.
As they always say, IDX is more of an advertising website and VOW is a business website.
PropertyMinder websites are setup as VOW sites by default. Before the users see their search results, they would have to enter the password that was emailed to them. If the users give the agent a non-functioning email, that user will never be able to view his or her home search results. On the other hand, we also allow our clients to decide whether or not they want the public to search anonymously. With a click of a button, you can allow guest searches on your site, if that’s what you prefer. |
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