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There are two possible ways that MLS listing information can be provided when authorized for display on a participating Realtor's website. They are called: (1) Framed IDX Link, and (2) Data Feed.
A "Framed IDX Link" is standard programming code provided by CTI as part of our MLS service. This code displays on a website the standard search screens and search listing results that have been approved for public access by the local MLS association. Standard IDX link code provides for personalization through use of optional modifiers. Modifiers include Realtor specific information such as code for background colors, contact phone number, agent/office listings only, and predefined custom search criteria (see Custom IDX Search Profiles below). A website designer can just insert the IDX code from CTI into a page frame on a Realtor's website without needing to do any special programming or data hosting. The IDX link automatically provides information from the MLS server for listings that match search results directly over the Internet. This is the least cost solution for displaying MLS approved listing information on a website, and is used by most Realtors who maintain their own websites.
"Data Feed", on the other hand, provides "raw" data for all MLS listings that have been authorized for public display on the Internet. To use a data feed, the web designer must write code to extract and format listing information as desired from the MLS data. The raw data must be hosted (stored) on the web provider's Internet equipment and updated periodically from the MLS. A Data Feed gives the web designer greater control over customizing the way MLS information is displayed on the Realtor's website. However, it also requires considerably more programming sophistication and data maintenance expense.
To be authorized to use data links and raw data feeds/downloads of MLS listing information, most MLS associations require a signed confidentiality agreement with the web designer and the Realtor's broker that restricts the use of any MLS information provided solely for the benefit of that Realtor/broker. MLS data, IDX links or any derivative thereof may not be used by or provided to anyone or any entity not an active member and IDX participant of the local MLS providing the data. Contact your local MLS office for rules, procedures and authorization requirements to use MLS listing information through an IDX Link or Data Feed on your website.
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Where allowed by your MLS policy, instructions for an IDX framed search link are provided through CTI Navigator by clicking Web-Links > Realtors Only (or MLS Private) website > Documents > IDX Link Instructions. If a third party is handling your website design for you, you can e-mail them these instructions from the MLS Website. While viewing the instructions, go to your Internet browser menu > click Tools > select Mail & News > Send Page. This should open your default e-mail program with which you can send the instructions.
To setup an IDX link, substitute the 3-letter code for your MLS (where indicated by {MLScode}), enter your agent code (where indicated by [YourAgentCode]) and enter any desired optional modifiers (see notes) in the example links. Then put that link on your website - typically inside a personalized frame. For example:
To display your Agent page:
http://{MLScode}.ctimls.com/psearch.asp?cid={MLScode}&id=[YourAgentCode]To display your Office page:
http://{MLScode}.ctimls.com/psearch.asp?cid={MLScode}&id=[YourAgentCode]&sponsor=office
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There are many optional modifiers you can use to personalize the criteria for your IDX link. Most modifiers take effect as soon as they are entered in the IDX link code on your web site. However, setting an IDX link to display only search results based on pre-specified selection criteria requires that a personalized profile be created and stored on the MLS server by CTI. Once CTI has saved your personalized profile on the MLS server, you can add the "&profile" link option in your IDX code to display search results based on the criteria you specified in your profile.
To create a personalized search profile, first perform the desired search in CTI Navigator and Save the Search with a short descriptive name. (Saved Searches are stored on your hard drive in Program Files\Cti Navigator\{Your MLS}\Users\{Your Name}\{Your Saved Search filename}.src.) Email this src file(s) as an attachment to Tom@ctimls.com and request that CTI create and save a personalized IDX profile for your search on the MLS server. There is no charge for up to 10 personalized profiles (and thereafter it costs $20 each). Please allow at least 7 to 10 business days for CTI to create and store your personalized profiles on the MLS server. You will be notified by email when they are available.
Note 1: The MLS code can be determined by opening the CTI Navigator login screen > click the Setup button > the MLS code is the first 3 letters in the Internet Server Address box.
Note 2: Your broker (or designee with management authority) must log into the IDX control panel for his/her office to modify the IDX search results default for his/her office so that "Cooperating Broker" is displayed after "Property Listed By" instead of the actual Listing Office name. Agents cannot make this change.
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rev. 07.01.08