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»	What is IDX/Broker Reciprocity?
»	Why would I want to display some other broker's listings?
»	What other IDX based programs can you provide?
»	Can I get these tools directly from my MLS?
»	Who can have IDX?
»	Do I have to be a member of the local MLS to get data?
»	Where does J.Zack Designs get the data?
»	Does your system adhere to my MLS board's rules?
»	What is the connectivity and reliability of your servers?

 

What is IDX?
IDX or Internet Data Display, is a program initiated by the National Association of Realtors which went into effect on January 1st of 2002. The IDX concept allows the members of an MLS system to display publicly, on their company or personal web site, all of the currently available properties for sale within that MLS system. There are options for some properties to be withheld from display but this is very rare in most MLS systems.

Why Use IDX/Broker Reciprocity?
The purpose of Broker Reciprocity is to empower REALTORS® to deal with the real estate consumer of the future. Among the objectives are: 1) permitting brokers to fully market their services on the Internet; 2) permitting the brokerage community to take advantage of the data brokers have contributed to the system; and 3) permitting brokers to obtain and maintain first contact with the consumer in the real estate transaction.

Why would I want to display some other broker's listings?
Visitors to your web site are usually buyers, and as buyers they have one reason for being there, they want to see everything for sale in their price range and area of interest. The inclusion of our IDX search program in your web site allows visitors to search for all available properties from all brokers, not just your company listings. Most companies have only a small portion of the listings in an MLS system. Even if your company has 20 to 25% of all listings in your MLS, this still means you don't have the other 75 to 80%. Visitors to your site who use our IDX programs can now see everything for sale in one spot. There is no longer any reason for them to go from your site to a competitor's site, and another and another.

As long as they stay in your site they will be exposed to your contact information and if they do a search and find a property they like, we include an email response box attached to each IDX property listing, this response box includes the address and MLS number of the listing in question and this box is returned directly to you.

Can I get these tools directly from my MLS?

Members of an MLS system may, in some cases, get a raw data feed directly from their MLS. This data feed is data with out any programming so someone will have to create a program to make use of this data. In some cases your MLS system may provide a simple "frameable" search program with minimal "branding" to your site. These systems do not provide any lead capture tools and often display the listing agent and broker contact information prominently. Few MLS systems provide an email update program that can be used in your web site to capture leads.

Who can have IDX?
It depends upon your own MLS system. Some systems allow both Brokers and agents to have IDX programs, and some only allow Brokers. You may contact us to find out whether your MLS system provides IDX for you. If we do not currently support your MLS system and their rules allow you to have it, we may be able to add it for you.

Do I have to be a member of the local MLS to get data?
Yes, our agreements with the various MLS systems requires that we only provide our IDX based programs to members of that MLS. As a member of a local Board or Association of Realtors you may join multiple MLS systems without rejoining a local board or association.

Where does J. Zack Designs get the data?

iHomefinder: We get the data from the MLS system on a daily basis, usually in the early morning. Because of this, our data is always less than 24 hours old. Photos usually take a few day longer for the board to make available, and will be automatically added to the listings when they are available.

We are required to sign an agreement to abide by all the rules and regulations of the various MLS systems whose data we provide.

Does your system adhere to my MLS board's rules?
The J.Zack Designs (ihomefinder) team works closely with each MLS board to ensure full compliance with the distribution and branding requirements of every listing, while maintaining the consistency and ease-of use that our system is known for.

What is the connectivity and reliability of J.Zack Designs servers?
We are committed to providing 99.9% uptime. Our dedicated servers are managed and monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by a national hosting company with a 99.999% Network Uptime Guarantee. We have connectivity through multiple Tier 1 providers (including AT&T, Level 3, Qwest, UUNET & Verio) using OC48 - 192 backbones. The server facility is manned with 24/7 security personnel with badge/photo ID access screening as well as multiple biometric access screening points and continuously monitored video cameras. There is dual power availability from independent power distribution units (PDUs). Power is provided by a redundant Need+1 (N+1) design of uninterruptible power supplies utilizing two separate commercial power feeds from two separate power grids. Five redundant standby generators guarantee consistent operation in the event of a power failure from commercial power. These generators are equipped with 72 hours of diesel fuel on site, and two contractors are on call to refuel the storage tanks.

We also ensure high-availability using a geographically distributed DNS fail-over system with independent backup servers at two additional facilities. In the event of a server failure, the DNS monitoring service automatically redirects the DNS records to the next available server.

FAQS created by ihomfinder 2007