The GBRAR is implementing two types of changes to its IDX Program: Data & Licensing
The first change, is an expansion of the statuses of fields that are available for IDX. Historically, IDX data included only Active listing inventory. IDX data feeds can now include listing statuses of PENDING and SOLD listings. The intent is to give broker members access to listing statuses that may not be available from the other larger portals.
The second change is a change to the license agreements in order to simplify and make data licensing process more efficient. In short, we are moving from an ala carte model based on “display” to an “all you can eat buffet” based on “use.”
Under the old licensing model, IDX content was licensed on a “per-display” basis — meaning that a member would have to execute a license agreement for each and every display which had to be registered with the IDX Vendor and the MLS. If that member operated 5 different IDX product displays, it would require 5-separate license agreements and license fees of $50/month.
NEW LICENSING
The new licensing will not be based on “display” but on “use.” Any member who wishes to take advantage of the optional IDX services from the MLS only has to execute a single $10/month license agreement and can then use the services of any/all GBRAR Licensed IDX Vendors.
When the member is licensed and IDX services are “ON” that member record will be flagged in the RETS data letting participating IDX Vendors know that that member has already been pre-approved to receive IDX services by the MLS. We anticipate this will dramatically improve the time it takes for a member to receive delivery of IDX services from a Third-Party IDX vendor.
Here is an outline of the changes:
PRICING
NEW: Licensing is $10/a month for use on UNLIMITED DISPLAYS.
OLD: Licensing was based on a display at $10/a month PER DISPLAY.
BILLING
NEW: IDX billing will be included in your standard MLS invoice simplifying the billing/payment tracking for members.
OLD: IDX billing was invoiced separately from your regular MLS billing giving you two sets of MLS invoices to track.
CHANGES to WEBSITES/VENDORS
NEW: As long as the license is active, members are free to use what licensed vendors they want, when they want, without requiring additional contracting or agreements.
OLD: License fees were nonrefundable an nontransferable between sites or vendors and every display required a contract.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What if I already have an IDX License Agreement on file with the MLS?
All Vendors and Members will need to execute a new agreement to take advantage of the benefits of the new licensing changes. The new licensing process will take place entirely online. Current Licensees will receive an email invitation once live, to execute the new agreements.
What happens if I don’t sign a new agreement?
If an updated IDX agreement is not completed then the member’s IDX status and any IDX vendor services may be disabled.
What if I’m not currently using IDX and want to begin using services of an IDX vendor?
You must first complete a member IDX agreement from the MLS. Once this is completed, your record will be identified as pre-approved and eligible to receive IDX services from any IDX vendor licensed by this MLS.
What if I no longer want to receive IDX services?
IDX services are optional services available from the Association’s MLS. If you no longer wish to participate, please notify the association in writing of your desire to resign from receiving IDX services.
What if my current broker (MLS Participant) signs off on my IDX License, and I change to a new broker (MLS Participant)?
Should an IDX user change the MLS Participant they are affiliated with, the approval status will be reset to “OFF” until they regain approval from their new MLS Participant.
Under the old policy I did not need a license because I was simply linking to my broker’s site. Will I need a license agreement now?
No. If you are simply linking to a broker’s IDX display or the MLS’s public display at mlsbox.com then you would not need the IDX license.
Under the old policy I did not have to have a license because my site was covered by a domain name licensed to my broker. Will I need a license now?
Under the new policy licenses are based on “use” not on a particular named display. A license will be required if you are receiving IDX services from a GBRAR licensed IDX vendor without regard for the domain name defining the display. Unlike before, you can now use any number of IDX products or services from GBRAR approved IDX vendors in any displays as long as it is otherwise compliant with MLS and LREC Rules and Regulations.
