What is IDX? What is Broker Reciprocity?
When you view MLS listings on a real estate broker website, you may see the terms “IDX”, “Internet Data Exchange” or “Broker Reciprocity”. This refers to an arrangement by local real estate brokers for sharing and displaying MLS listings on a broker website. Basically, IDX is a system that determines which MLS listings appear on broker websites. If a broker does not want their listings to appear on the websites of other real estate brokers, they can “opt out” of IDX. However, when brokers opt out, they cannot show listings of other brokers on their website, reducing the value and utility of their website. The IDX system was set up to allow brokers to control where “their” listings are displayed, since many brokers were threatened by the idea of “free access” to listings on the Internet, and there are home sellers who do not want their listing publicly displayed. Because of IDX, there are MLS listings that you cannot access online. However, in most markets, this is a small percentage. I
