Just recently I received an interesting request from an OKC metro area Broker demanding that I pull their listings from my website. My website has our listings and also shows all active listings in the OKC Metro area courtesy of IDX or what was formerly called Broker Reciprocity. It appears that not everyone understands how IDX works and the value it brings to the home seller. I thought this would be a great opportunity to shed some light on the subject.

What is IDX/Broker Reciprocity?

IDX/Broker Reciprocity is an agreement between members of the OKC Multiple Listing Service to allow the showing of each others listings on our websites.

What this basically means is that I can show other Broker’s listings on my website and they can show my listings on theirs.

This is great way for your listing to be shown and exposed on dozens of local OKC metro area Broker real estate websites without any cost to you or the listing Broker/Agent.

How is that possible?

It’s made possible by the use of a website technology called a “feed” that allows an MLS member to place a small code on their webpage that streams in all the listings in the MLS in a pre-determined format.

Do all Brokers participate in IDX/Broker Reciprocity?

Yes, and No. Upon becoming a member of the OKC MLS all Brokers give their consent for other brokers to show their listings on their site. In other words when I joined OKC MLS I gave blanket consent to any member Broker to show my listings on their site.

However, a Broker can opt-out either with a blanket opt-out or a per listing opt-out. If a Broker does not want other Brokers to show their listings they can simply opt-out of IDX. Their listings will be removed from the “feed” and their listing will not show up on any other Brokers website that is using an IDX feed. They can also opt-out on a per listing basis with the authorization of the home seller.

I have my house listed with Broker X and they have opted-out of IDX. How will that affect me?

As a home seller you want exposure of your listing to as many prospective buyers as possible. If your Broker’s listings (your listing) are not in the IDX feed then your listing is not getting the exposure it would if your Broker participated in IDX.

As a Seller how can I ensure I am getting the most exposure for my listing?

When you consider that over 90% of home buyers begin their search on the Internet the first thing you want to ask of your Broker/Agent is “How are you marketing my listing online”?  Are they participating in IDX? If not ask why?

For us here at Ray Roman Realty a complete and thorough home selling marketing plan includes participation in IDX and all that it has to offer. Anything less is a disservice to our home sellers.

If you want to learn more about IDX or about how we go about marketing a listing please call me at 405-538-7168 or use our contact form.