Listing syndication is the automatic posting of a property on real estate portals and marketing platforms. Agents will often make an initial posting on the MLS. That listing can be syndicated to major real estate portals and marketing platforms.
Listing syndication services are widespread and often included in the MLS. The same real estate posting can appear on dozens of websites. But listings often still start on the MLS. The MLS remains an important source of inventory online as a result.
An IDX feed refers to a data connection between the MLS and an agent’s property site. IDX allows an agent or brokerage to showcase MLS listing data in a compliant and approved way on their own site.
RETS is a raw data feed that provides more granularity than IDX. But it requires more effort to convert into a usable format. RETS provides more flexibility than IDX but will have greater engineering and storage requirements.
An IDX website is an agent or brokerage website that accepts an IDX feed. It often allows users to search and filter listings via the IDX feed.
Most MLS platforms include listing syndication. Other syndication services include Listhub (owned by Realtor.com), Point2 (owned by Yardi), RealtyMX, and Tribus.
There are dozens of IDX website platforms. Some of the most popular are RealSavvy (owned by OJO Labs), IDX Broker, Agent Image, Placester, and Diverse Solutions.