It is no secret that the real estate business is trending toward mobile.

Following years of steady growth, NAR reported for the first time this year that buyers used mobile devices as often as computers when searching for homes.

Considering that mobile usage is even more common in the younger generations that will soon dominate home buying markets, two questions arise:

1) Can mobile IDX apps replace traditional real estate websites?

2) How soon will it happen?

The answers are an unequivocal yes and probably sooner than you think.

Opportunity for Agents

In the technological change cycle, it is pretty clear we are in the diffusion stage for IDX app platforms. More and more real estate clients are turning to mobile, and soon mobile most likely will lead home searches.

This presents an opportunity for agents to be on the leading technological edge and capture new business. As more clients look to mobile, the agents with the tools and applications they seek will have an advantage.

But if anything, it seems most agents and brokers are lagging behind. In the same NAR report reporting mobile growth, just 47 percent of Realtors said they expect to use local MLS apps and similar technology over the next year.

Do you have an IDX app to capture mobile home searches?

Advantages of Apps Versus Websites

In some ways, the growth of mobile in real estate simply reflects the changing nature of property search. With the ubiquity of listings, property search has essentially become a 18-hour-a-day affair with home buyers checking market updates continually throughout the day.

But mobile IDX apps also offer several advantages over traditional real estate websites for clients and brokerages.

Accessibility

Mobile devices are exactly that—mobile. They live in the pocket of their owners and go wherever they go. This provides unmatched access between real estate agents and their customers. If a client downloads your app, that app will live on their home screen and be visible whenever they engage with their phone, be it for a phone call, to send an email, to tune up a podcast, or any other reason.

Notifications

Mobile app IDX platforms for phones and tablets also provide an additional avenue to provide updates to customers. Accuracy and timeliness are essential in the real estate business. If you can push a notification and reach clients faster via an app, you have an edge.

Branding

Agents with an IDX app also have more branding opportunities than those that rely exclusively on traditional websites. Yes, most sites are now mobile optimized, allowing users to browse on desktop or a mobile phone. But only a custom branded real estate IDX app, allows agents to extend their logo and marketing directly to a device home screen, putting their business on par with all the other functions of daily mobile phone use.

User Experience

In many cases, the user experience is improved on apps compared to websites. First of all, apps minimize typing and point-and-click in favor of taps and swipes. This makes for a faster, more intuitive home search experience. But mobile IDX app platforms also provide features such as animated transitions and splash screens that make home search more pleasant.

Communication

Finally, mobile app IDX platforms integrate really well with other communication methods in ways that traditional real estate websites don’t. In one click, users can call you directly. IDX apps also provide streamlined links to Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and other platforms  because most social media use occurs on mobile.

There’s a lot of debate about how technology will affect real estate agents and their work in the future. But at least this case seems pretty clear. Mobile app IDX platforms likely will replace real estate websites as the dominant tool for property search in the short to medium term. Those who embrace the transition will be better placed.

For more information and useful IDX app tips, check out the following blogs:

Dominate the Competition with a Mobile App

The Psychology of Font and How to Use It In Your Real Estate Logo

As digitization takes over the real estate industry, there are certain concepts that real estate agents, brokers, and other real estate professionals struggle with. IDX integration is one of these concepts. In this article, we will discuss IDX in detail, and after reading it, you will have expert knowledge of IDX and an understanding of how IDX integration relates to today’s real estate market.

Are you wondering how to become the most reliable source of real estate listings online in your local market?

You might think this is possible primarily because real estate professionals are now used to customers doing their home search on huge listing syndications. How can you possibly get an advantage over these huge companies? The first step is IDX. But you need to understand the term.

Not only can you display your listings through your website and IDX integration, but you can also tap into the power of the whole MLS database to generate leads and expand your company. How? Continue reading to learn!!

What Is IDX Real Estate?

IDX is an abbreviation of the words Internet Data Exchange. It is a concept used on websites that cover guidelines, policies, and software relevant to the display of a real estate listing website.

IDX is a regulation of the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) framework. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has explained that agents who engage in local listings may share details of their listings online. 

Although IDX is a NAR regulation, most Realtors and marketers use the word IDX to refer to the instruments and software that:

• show MLS listings on agent websites, 
• provide a means for customers to check for active listings, and 
• facilitate client contact/budget details by encouraging clients to select which real estate professional to share their information with.

This reality implies that through their platforms, Realtors will provide customers with access to all MLS info. IDX keeps them on the platform instead of referring prospective clients to a third-party listing provider or even the nearest MLS. 

IDX is not a static portal that forces a one-size-fits-all framework to be utilized by the customer. Instead, it is more of an MLS listings database that can be viewed in numerous ways. That is why IDX’s correct implementation means a lot in the real estate world.

How Does IDX Work?

IDX can be applied across four key technologies: IDX Framing, RETS, RESO Web API, and FTP. Each of these IDX technologies functions differently. 

IDX creates a data link between the MLS and your website, imports listings, and shows them on your website. The listings are changed regularly, so your audience already has access to the most up-to-date listings and can email you for updates on the properties accessible.

RETS

RETS is an acronym for the Real Estate Transaction Standard. It is an Internet Data Exchange mechanism based on XML that was created to replace the older FTP-based data exchange process in the real estate industry. RETS enables MLS servers and local real estate websites across the county to speak the same language for successful transmission and mixing of property listing info.

RESO Web API

RESO Web API offers a structured MLS database interface that enables IDX applications and websites to query and return listings live for search results via the application programming interface. With Web API, there is a streamlined access point to MLS data and Realtors can make direct calls to MLS servers.

IDX Framing

IDX Framing, also known as iFrame, is a popular application that shows MLS listings on Realtors’ individual websites. An iFrame is an HTML feature that is used by copying and pasting code to insert HTML documents, such as MLS search windows, into an organization’s website. IFrames are cost-effective and easy to use, but provide little to no SEO value.

FTP

FTP is an abbreviation for File Transfer Protocol. It is a way of sharing data between computers that were once used by default to transfer real estate listings to local real estate websites from MLS. Other quicker, more interactive technologies for the sharing of internet data have come into use since FTP is burdensome and slow.

What Are the Advantages of IDX for Real Estate Websites?

• Improved user-experience

Integrating MLS listings on your real estate website will effectively boost user engagement by permitting them to have a smoother home-buying experience, eventually contributing to further leads and more closed deals.

• Website search engine visibility

The second benefit of introducing IDX to your real estate website is website search engine visibility. IDX feed incorporation on a website will theoretically draw more search engine visitors, which is every Realtor’s dream.

However, it is not correct that by merely applying the IDX feed, it is possible to achieve SEO benefits for a website. One must understand that some requirements must be fulfilled here, such as;

1. Properly implemented content architecture

2. Added unique content

3. Promoting content constantly.

In a Nutshell

In recent times, most clients expect real estate websites to have listings. Reports from the National Association of Realtors indicate that virtually all buyers’ first step in their journey to get a new property is on an online search engine. So, when you compare agents who display listings with agents who do not, the latter end up at a disadvantage.

Do you want to attract more buyers to your brokerage? Read RealtyFeed and RESO: How the New Real Estate Social Network Is Built On Cutting Edge Technology Standards and How to Earn Additional Income as a Real Estate Agent.

Real estate signage is one of the most effective ways to market your real estate business and listings. Having the correct signage will help you better attract new potential clients. However,  think it through and come up with a very clever idea so that yours will stand out from your competitors, hence attracting more clients.

Real estate businesses are very competitive,  and a Realtor needs to get the attention of your potential clients. That is why the signs are vital. Because not only does it market the property, it also shares information about the agent.

Different Types of Real Estate Signages

Before the internet, people used to have signs with different colors outside their houses for sales. Having the writing on the sign was the key, so realtors needed to be very creative with what they had to write to sell the house. Now, everything we do for our real estate business is connected to the internet. Digitalizing the signs has made it easier and effortless for us to be creative in making various real estate signs.

There are two types of signs in general: traditional signs and digital signs.

Different Types of Traditional Real Estate Signs

Traditional signs are the ones you see in every house’s yard. They come in different colors and shapes, but they all have one thing in common, they are made to catch the attention of new leads.

Traditional signs can be swing signs, banner signs, magnetic signs, wooden signs, etc.

Different Types of Real Estate Digital Signs

When it comes to digital signs, we have a handful of ideas. Without the fear of being repetitive,  real estate digital signage allows users to easily visit your website, see the various services you offer, see other clients’ reviews, and eventually request your services.,  In other words, digital signages advertise information about an agent and their listings. Digital signs differ in Theme, slides, pictures, listings, and content. By digitizing the signages, it is easier for realtors to save time, be more creative in their quest to grab the attention of more clients. The most common type of digital signage is the ScreenCloud App Store, where businesses can access a variety of digital signages for marketing their products and services. 

Benefits of Real Estate Digital Signages:

Having Signs, especially the digital ones will help improve your real estate business.

Here are some of the reasons why digital signs are very beneficial for real estate agents. They are;

• Affordable 
• Very noticeable
• Multi-functional 
• User-friendly
• Time-saving 
• Attract more leads

How to Create Real Estate Digital Signs?

Creating digital real estate signs requires a few steps. With the help of a couple of designers, real estate agents can easily create a very convenient real estate digital sign.

First of all, an agent needs to decide which kinds of housing you are providing for your clients. The second part is to decide a theme for your sign and then provide the required information related to your listings. There are a lot of templates ready for your real estate signs that you can use.

Where Should We Put the Signage?

The placement of signs is one of the most important aspects of marketing through real estate signages. If you are using traditional real estate signs, make sure it is visible from different angles, such as parking spots, bus stations, telephone booths, etc. If you want it next to your house, you can use it on both sides of the street so that it catches potential clients’ eyes on both sides. Or, as usual, you can put your real estate signs on the sidewalk. On the other hand, if your real estate sign is digital, you have to search for places with the highest traffic to upload your signage. Your real estate signage should be placed near related topics or products.

What Colors Should You Use on Your Real Estate Signage?

What is the first thing that catches your eyes when crossing the street or rolling down pages on social media? Colors! They are the first thing that makes your real estate sign stand out or catch the clients’ eyes. Colors have meaning and influence on people. Thus, using the appropriate color for your real estate sign is a visual move to attract the attention of potential clients. There are a few colors that have a lot of influence on your potential clients. Such as:

• Red is the color that Calls For Action.
• Blue is the color of Trust and Security.
• Orange is the color of motivation, etc

Final Word

Your real estate signage says a lot about your real estate business. So, make sure you take every step carefully and create outstanding real estate signs that work as a  magnet for potential clients. In addition, know that having real estate signs is a must. Therefore, make sure to create the best of the bests and improve your real estate business.

Have you ever wondered how IDX applications and websites query listings in real-time while providing seamless results to the end-user? In this article, we will discuss RESO Web API Cloud and how it works. Read on!

What Is RESO Web API Cloud?

RESO Web API is the standard for the transfer of listing data. RESO Web API Cloud provides an ideal way to consume MLS data with your application, which offers better data and a consistent user experience. With its open technology standards, any company can easily distribute or receive data quickly.

Since the US real estate industry is decentralized, there are over 600 MLSs nationwide instead of a single MLS, making the need for a system such as RESO inevitable to provide a fluid interaction with the data. 

Using RESO Web API, real estate agents and brokers can benefit from lower hosting costs, flawless data transfer processes, increased security for MLS data, seamless integration with third-party applications, and more.

How Does RESO API Cloud Work?

RESO Web API is the real estate industry’s most advanced approach to data transfer as it makes data transfer faster and more efficient. Thanks to RESO Web API, access to the MLS database is now easier. As a result of RESO Web API’s improved technology benefits, companies are switching from older systems such as RETS to RESO Web API.

RETS required developers to make their own copies of the MLS database and update them one by one, while RESO Web API makes it easier for developers to get access to the MLS database in one place. In addition, it separates the MLS database from websites and other applications while maintaining the ability for users to query the data in real-time. 

As a result, technology companies see more consistent, faster, and easy adoption of new systems after switching.

Final Words

Because it relies on open standards and commercially available tools, many businesses can use RESO. Also, using RESO Web API, the industry advances toward RESTful technology, which is extensively accepted by most industries today.