It’s one of the biggest hurdles every real estate agent faces when building their own website: how do I get property listings on my site and what’s the best IDX plugin to do so.
That is the problem we will be tackling in this issue.
First, the website. Most agents turn to WordPress as the platform of choice for creating websites and blogs. It offers a wide range of plugins to enhance the functionality of your site.
One such plugin is the IDX plugin, which allows real estate agents to display property listings on their website. However, with so many IDX plugins available for WordPress, it can be difficult to determine which one is the best fit for your needs.
Obviously, we are partial to our own IDX plugin — VistaWP. But for the sake of this article, we will talk about all the factors to consider when choosing the best IDX plugin for your WordPress site.
First and foremost, you’ll want to ensure that the plugin is easy to use and integrates seamlessly with your website. Additionally, you’ll want to look for a plugin that offers a wide range of customization options, so you can tailor the look and feel of your property listings to match your brand. Very few plugins allow such customization.
Be sure to understand all the fees associated with the plugin. Oftentimes there are “pass through” fees that many companies tack on based on your specific MLS. After all, there are around 560 MLS systems in the U.S. and each carry their own fees.
Finally (and perhaps most importantly) is customer service. When you need help or ask a question, you don’t want to have to wait days for a response.
Ultimately, the best IDX plugin for WordPress will depend on your specific needs and preferences. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top IDX plugins available for WordPress, highlighting their features and benefits to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding IDX Plugins
What are IDX Plugins?
IDX (Internet Data Exchange) is a system that allows real estate agents to display property listings on their website. IDX plugins are WordPress plugins that enable real estate agents to integrate MLS (Multiple Listing Service) listings into their website.
The IDX plugin imports property listings from the MLS database and displays them on the agent’s website in a searchable format. The plugin also provides various features such as lead capture forms, property comparison tools, and map-based property searches.
Importance of IDX Plugins
IDX plugins are essential for real estate agents who want to provide a comprehensive online experience for their clients. By integrating MLS listings into their website, agents can provide their clients with up-to-date and accurate property information.
IDX plugins also help agents capture leads by providing contact forms and other lead generation tools. Additionally, the plugin’s map-based search feature allows clients to search for properties based on location, making it easier for them to find properties that meet their specific needs.
Overall, IDX plugins are a crucial tool for real estate agents who want to provide a seamless online experience for their clients and capture leads efficiently.
Best IDX Plugins for WordPress
WordPress is a popular platform for building real estate websites. By using an IDX plugin, you can easily integrate MLS listings into your site. Here are three of the best IDX plugins for WordPress:
Plugin 1: VistaWP
You didn’t think we wouldn’t put our plugin No. 1 did you?
VistaWP is one of the few IDX plugins that allows you to fully customize your listings. Don’t like the font? Change it. Don’t like the color? You can change that too. Want to narrow in on the most important features of the home. Yup, you can do that as well.
VistaWP can also makes it easy to ensure you are in ADA compliance as well as meeting all the rules and regulations of your specific MLS.
There are plenty of other features coming online everyday as well.
VistaWP offers a free 3-month trial, and pricing starts at $49 per month. There are no annual contracts, which means you can cancel anytime.
Plugin 2: IDX Broker
IDX Broker is a popular IDX plugin that offers a lot of features and customization options. It has a user-friendly interface and supports multiple MLS regions. The plugin also includes lead capture forms, property search widgets, and a mobile app.
IDX Broker pricing starts at $55 per month.
Plugin 3: Showcase IDX
Showcase IDX is a powerful IDX plugin that offers advanced search capabilities and lead generation tools. It has a modern design and is easy to use. The plugin also includes features like saved search alerts, market reports, and property valuation tools.
Showcase IDX offers a 10-day free trial, and pricing starts at $74.95 per month.
If you’re not sure if you even need an IDX plugin, check out our article 5 Reasons Why IDX Plugins Are Necessary for Real Estate Website Success.
If you’re on the fence of whether a website is necessary, we explain why every real esate agent should have their own website, here.