If you’re in the real estate business, you’re probably familiar with Multiple Listing Service (MLS) portals and Internet Data Exchange (IDX) software. Furthermore, if you have a real estate website built on WordPress, being able to pull listings using IDX software will make your work a lot easier.
In this article, we will talk about what IDX software is. Then we’ll introduce you to the best IDX plugins for WordPress and discuss their key features, pricing, and who should consider using them. Let’s get to it!
What Are IDX Plugins?
To understand what IDX plugins are, we need to talk about the software itself. IDX is software that enables users to look through real estate listings in a specific area. The software pulls those listings from MLS platforms.
In turn, MLS platforms are local portals where realtors can share information about their listings. Realtors must keep that information up to date, making MLS listings much more comprehensive than what you might find on platforms such as Zillow or Redfin.
However, MLS portals are for realtors only. IDX software enables you to pull information about listings from those portals and display it on your website. In other words, you can use IDX to start your own listing site.
IDX plugins for WordPress allow you to display listings from MLS portals and manage them directly within WordPress. IDX plugins are similar to other popular real estate plugins for WordPress. However, this family of plugins focuses solely on IDX integration.
5 Best IDX Plugins for WordPress
In this section, we’re going to look at some of the best IDX plugins for WordPress that will allow IDX integration for your real estate website.
1. Realtyna WPL
Realtyna WPL is developed by Realtyna and is one of the most popular and powerful real estate plugins for WordPress. With this tool, you get to use a listings system on your website and the ability to upload new properties manually. And the free version comes with many powerful features to add and customize listings to build a real estate website.
Realtyna WPL can pull information that includes listing features, appliances, address maps, neighborhood details, images, videos, and more.
If you pay for their pro version and their Organic MLS Integration add-on, you’ll be able to host all the MLS/IDX data on your own server. This is great for real estate agents or agencies that want an independent solution with complete ownership of MLS data on their websites. This type of control is also great for Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
Divi Integration
The plugin integrates with the Divi Builder making it easy to add listings using custom Divi Modules.
For more, check out how to add real estate listings with Divi.
Key Features for WPL Real Estate:
- Supports organic MLS/IDX integration for WordPress
- Pull data from the MLS provider of your choice
- Tons of add-ons for more flexibility
- Publish imported listings or pull them organically
- A property/listing management system within WordPress
After importing properties using IDX, you can edit their information with the WPL property manager. This manager enables you to add any missing information and edit property descriptions using a simple interface.
Realtyna WPL is for you if…
- You want more control and ownership of property listings on your site.
- You want Divi integration and custom modules to add and customize listings on your site.
- You want to be able to customize the listings that you import using IDX
- You want options for organic MLS/IDX integration
- You are a real estate agent or agency that wants an independent listing website.
Pricing: IDX integration is available with WPL Pro, starting at $199 | Learn More About WPL Real Estate
2. Showcase IDX
Showcase IDX is a comprehensive solution for publishing listings, importing MLS data, and developing client relationships. On top of enabling you to use IDX, the plugin also doubles as a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solution.
With Showcase IDX, you can enable user registration (that supports social login) and encourage it using pop-ups. The plugin lets you keep track of what properties each user is looking at, and configure follow-up messages to encourage them to keep searching.
Although Showcase IDX integrates with most real estate themes, the plugin enables you to configure the style of your listings and search using internal settings. Plus, its listings are responsive right out of the box.
Key Features for Showcase IDX:
- Set up a listings solution for your website
- Import MLS listings
- Enable and encourage user registration
- Monitor user searches and configure follow-up messages
- Configure the style of your listings
When you import a batch of MLS properties, Showcase IDX enables you to create custom shortcodes to display them on your website. You get to configure unique styles for each batch of properties.
Showcase IDX is for you if…
- You want an all-in-one real estate and IDX solution
- You want to get access to built-in CRM tools
Pricing: There’s a free version of this plugin, while Showcase IDX plans start at $59.95 per month | Learn More About Showcase IDX
3. Estatik Real Estate
Estatik Real Estate is a plugin that adds a listing system to WordPress. With this plugin, you can create listings manually, including a broad range of information about each property.
Listings that you create can use over 50 unique shortcodes, and they can include image slideshows. That’s all available with the free version of the plugin. However, if you want IDX integration for Estatik, you’ll need to pay for a premium license.
Key Features for Estatik Real Estate:
- Add a property listings system to WordPress
- Use shortcodes to customize the style of your listings
- Include image slideshows alongside listings
- Import MLS listings with the premium version of the plugin
- A powerful fields builder for organizing your listings
- 4+ Themes to jumpstart your listings website
- Multi-lingual support
The Estatik property editor is fairly intuitive, and it integrates with the WordPress Classic Editor. You can also use the editor to update the information for any properties that you import using IDX.
Estatik Real Estate is for you if…
- You want a full-featured listing solution that includes IDX integration from multiple MLS providers
- You want access to premade themes
- You are a real estate agency that doesn’t want to spend extra money on web design
Pricing: The Estatik Real Estate premium pack supports MLS/IDX imports for $489 | Learn More About Estatik Real Estate
4. MLS Import
MLS Import integrates with the most popular real estate themes for WordPress. This plugin enables you to connect with an MLS platform and run batch imports for properties that fit the criteria you want.
One standout aspect of this plugin is that it syncs properties automatically, and you can configure it to import new properties periodically. MLS Import also offers a custom Content Delivery Network (CDN) for serving images, which means that you save on server space.
Key Features for MLS Import:
- Connect to your MLS platform of choice
- Import properties in batches and sync their information
- Configure the plugin to import new property data periodically
MLS Import can pull data for large numbers of properties in a single batch as long as your server can handle it. If you’re using a not-so-capable hosting plan, we recommend importing properties in smaller batches.
MLS Import is for you if…
- You want to use a dedicated IDX plugin and not an extension to another tool
- You don’t mind paying for a monthly or yearly license
Pricing: MLS Import plans start at $49 per month | Learn More About MLS Import
5. SimplyRETS
SimplyRETS is a powerful real estate platform that provides property listings, MLS data access, and other real estate information. The platform is designed to make the process of accessing real estate information easier, faster, and more efficient, giving real estate professionals a one-stop solution for all their data needs.
In fact, it takes about five minutes to have an IDX search integration with your MLS set up. The plugin allows for the display of your real estate listings with a scalable catalog that adjusts to the device being used.
Key Features for SimplyRETS:
- Access to MLS data and property listings
- Easy-to-use API and data access tools
- Flexible and scalable pricing options
With SimplyRETS, you can access MLS data and property listings from multiple sources, making it easier to find the information you need. The search options for your users include filters so they can quickly find properties that meet their criteria. Plus, the interface is customizable to match the theme of your website.
SimplyRETS is for you if…
- You’re a real estate professional looking for a one-stop solution for your data needs
- You need easy access to MLS data and property listings
- You’re looking for a cost-effective and flexible solution
Pricing: SimplyRETS plans start at $49 per month | Learn More About SimplyRETS
Final Thoughts on IDX Plugins for WordPress
There are a lot of amazing real estate plugins for WordPress. However, not all of them offer IDX support. Without this feature, you won’t be able to import MLS listings into your website, and you’ll need to add properties to it manually. If you have access to an MLS portal, not using an IDX plugin, it’s a missed opportunity.
If you’re looking for real estate plugins that offer IDX support, here are our top two picks:
- Realtyna WPL: This is one of the most popular real estate plugins for WordPress and Divi, and its premium version offers IDX support.
- Showcase IDX: This IDX plugin also offers CRM functionality, and it can help you follow up with buyer leads.
Do you have any questions about IDX plugins for WordPress? Let’s talk about them in the comments section below!
The post 5 Best IDX Plugins for WordPress in 2023 appeared first on Elegant Themes Blog.
