IDX (Internet Data Exchange) and
VOW (Virtual Office Workspace)


Internet Data Exchange (or IDX) is an agreement among the brokers in each real estate market that allows them to display each other's Active status listings on their respective web sites without displaying the contact information of other listing brokers or agents. The purpose of this function is to maintain the focus of the consumer on the Broker or Agent's web site and push listings to more REALTOR® web sites. Participating brokers determine whether their agents are allowed to use IDX data. (Participating brokers are not obligated to display all their listings and may opt out listings on an individual basis.)

The options for VOW (Virtual Office Workspace) are identical to those for IDX.

Obtaining Data

CAAR has two ways to get data to participating broker and agent sites:

The most common method is to "Frame" the data using the List-IT Gateway, a simple linking tool that adds live, real-time data to your site. This is the easiest and least expensive way to put MLS data on your web site and it can be done online within the List-IT program. (You subscribe to Gateway via List-IT’s Setup icon, and select the Gateway tab. There is a monthly fee, automatically deducted from a credit card account.)

The other method of integrating listing data into your web site involves the download of data from the MLS via FTP transfer.  This is potentially far more flexible because programmers may reformat the data to fit other business requirements or formats.  These are however "raw data" feeds which require a web application and database to work.  You have the option of hiring someone to build that type of application or more likely to find another IDX software vendor or web developer. CAAR currently does not provide data in the RETS format.  (There is no fee charged for FTP data transfer.) In order to participate in the download of data both you and your developer must have a signed IDX/VOW agreement filed with CAAR.

Branding

Because IDX stipulates without displaying the contact information of other listing brokers or agents, CAAR prohibits listing agents and listing firms from branding themselves in any of the IDX fields displayed to the public, including photos, virtual tours and any other attached media. CAAR does require participating IDX websites to display all of a listing’s IDX information, including the listing firm, to be contiguous in the design.

Disclaimer Requirement

IDX websites must also contain a CAAR disclaimer, as follows:

Copyright ©2004-2008 Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors®. All rights reserved. Information deemed to be reliable but not guaranteed. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the IDX Program of Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors®. Listing broker has attempted to offer accurate data, but buyers are advised to confirm all items. Any use of search facilities of data on this site other than by a consumer interested in the purchase of real estate, is prohibited. Information last updated on yyyy-mm-dd.

Forms and Instructions

©2007 Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS®