If you're a realtor with a website, you understand the importance of having a good IDX (Internet Data Exchange). With numerous homes for sale online, it's crucial to showcase your listings in the best possible way. However, with the array of IDX providers available, selecting the right one can be challenging. In this article, we will compare three popular real estate IDX solutions: Showcase IDX, IDX Broker, and iHomefinder. Our goal is to help you determine which one suits your specific needs. Let's dive in!
Company Overview
Showcase IDX
Showcase IDX was founded in 2003 and initially focused on building real estate websites for agents with their own IDX. However, the company shifted its focus to making a difference in the IDX and home search world. Today, Showcase IDX is the leading IDX software provider, offering both plugins and all-in-one solutions. They have received recognition from the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO) and continue to innovate in the real estate technology space.
IDX Broker
Based in Eugene, Oregon, IDX Broker provides agents with a range of plugins and extensive MLS coverage. It is a preferred choice for many brokers and web developers due to its strong relationships with marketing firms. IDX Broker has invested heavily in product updates and marketing to provide a comprehensive solution for real estate professionals.
iHomefinder
Established in 1997, iHomefinder is the oldest IDX provider among the three. They have worked closely with top-producing brokers for over 20 years, offering effective real estate website solutions. iHomefinder is popular among agencies for its MLS coverage and API access for developers looking to build custom software. Headquartered in Berkeley, California, iHomefinder continues to help agents thrive in the industry.
Strategy
Showcase IDX
Showcase IDX has a straightforward strategy: focusing on their IDX and home search. While competitors expanded into different product categories, Showcase IDX devoted all its energy and resources to perfecting their offerings. The company has achieved significant milestones, including raising private equity, expanding their team, and enhancing the home search experience. Acquired by eXp World Holdings in 2020, Showcase IDX remains an independent company, providing customers with access to new resources, improvements, and innovations.
IDX Broker
IDX Broker's main objective is to help real estate professionals establish their online presence and convert inquiries into leads. The company stands out for its multiple plugin options and comprehensive marketing solutions. With IDX Broker, agents can design their real estate website using the IMPress IDX plugin without the need for a developer. The recent acquisition of IDX Broker by Elm Street Technology expanded their services to create an end-to-end solution for real estate agents.
iHomefinder
Similar to IDX Broker, iHomefinder has a diversified strategy that revolves around providing agents with a comprehensive IDX website solution. In addition to IDX services, iHomefinder integrates marketing tools and CRM functionalities. Their flagship product, Optima IDX, offers accurate MLS data access, property listings, and marketing resources. With various integrations and custom solutions, iHomefinder helps agents connect with buyers and sellers effectively.
IDX Plugin
Showcase IDX
Showcase IDX's IDX software sets itself apart with its functionality, flexibility, and modern feel. Their home search is visually appealing, intuitive, and user-friendly. It is fully optimized for mobile display and outperforms other platforms, as confirmed by a 2021 IDX report by the Made in America Movement (MAM). Consumers prefer websites powered by Showcase IDX due to the ability to do private searches with friends and family, and the assurance that sensitive information remains private.
IDX Broker
IDX Broker offers a seamless and user-friendly home search experience. Their WordPress plugin, IMPress IDX, integrates easily, enabling agents to share MLS listings effortlessly. The plugin includes a search solution called Omnibar, allowing users to navigate the agent's website and search for properties using various filters. IDX Broker's design is compatible with both mobile and desktop views.
iHomefinder
iHomefinder's IDX plugin offers a visually appealing interface combined with all the essential functionality agents need to succeed in their market. The plugin provides comprehensive MLS integration and custom property search through their Universal Search Bar. Users can filter search results based on location, price, features, and other criteria. iHomefinder's platform also integrates marketing tools and CRM functionalities.
MLS Coverage
Showcase IDX
Showcase IDX is available in over 71 MLS markets, with coverage for 19 of the 20 largest MLSs in the country, including CRMLS and Bright MLS. The company actively expands its MLS coverage nationwide, continuously adding new markets and states. Currently, Showcase IDX covers around 70% of the active listings in the U.S., making it a reliable choice for real estate agents. They also provide MLS coverage for nine provinces in the Canadian market.
IDX Broker
IDX Broker is recognized for its industry-leading MLS coverage. They manage more than 550 individual MLS data sets both in the U.S. and internationally, ensuring agents have access to an extensive range of listings. IDX Broker's comprehensive MLS coverage sets them apart from their competitors.
iHomefinder
iHomefinder provides best-in-class MLS coverage in the United States, including territories like Puerto Rico and Guam. They also cover six Canadian provinces and other countries like Mexico and Panama. With iHomefinder, agents can access MLS data from various regions, allowing them to serve a wide range of clients.
Client Retention
Showcase IDX
Showcase IDX has a proven track record of higher client retention rates. According to the 2021 MAM IDX Report, agents' websites powered by Showcase IDX retained 9.8 times more clients compared to IDX Broker and four times more clients than a standard iHomefinder site. Showcase IDX's websites experience minimal consumer leakage, ensuring agents retain their leads effectively.
IDX Broker
Compared to other IDX solutions, IDX Broker has a relatively high consumer leakage percentage (90.3%), indicating that a significant number of qualified leads do not stay on their sites. The low retention rate was documented in the 2021 MAM IDX Report, suggesting areas for improvement in keeping leads engaged on IDX Broker-powered websites.
iHomefinder
iHomefinder's client retention rate falls in the middle, with 22.7% of qualified leads staying on their agent websites. While this retention rate surpasses IDX Broker's, it is four times lower than Showcase IDX's visitor retention rate. iHomefinder's consumer leakage rate was 77.3%, according to the 2021 MAM IDX Report.
Customization
Showcase IDX
Showcase IDX offers extensive customization options for agents. With their plugin, agents can use shortcodes to embed IDX functionality within their website. The plugin allows for the addition of widgets and various customization options, enabling agents to tailor their website to their specific requirements.
IDX Broker
IDX Broker utilizes shortcodes and widgets for customization. However, their IDX and listings are primarily based on subdomains rather than fully integrated into the website. This approach simplifies the setup process but may have branding, technical, and SEO implications for real estate websites.
iHomefinder
iHomefinder also utilizes shortcodes and widgets for customization. Their Optima Express plugin, however, relies on iFrames or similar technologies. Although iFrames are widely used in MLS listing display, they can negatively impact search engine rankings.
Mapping
Showcase IDX
Showcase IDX provides advanced polygon search with lightning-fast response times. Their IDX plugin enables the creation of multiple polygon boundaries within a single search. Additionally, Showcase IDX offers a Finger-Touch Mobile Polygon Map Search, further enhancing the mobile user experience.
IDX Broker
IDX Broker recently implemented front-end polygon searches, allowing website visitors to draw a radius or outline around a specific geographic location for property searches. This feature enhances the search refinement process and can be disabled if desired.
iHomefinder
iHomefinder's Eureka Search combines search tools with mapped results. Visitors can draw a search area on the map and see all the houses within it. Their "draw on map" feature simplifies the property search process for potential buyers.
CRM + Integrations
Showcase IDX
Showcase IDX's plugin includes a free real estate CRM tool that adapts to individual processes. This customizable CRM tracks website visitors' interactions and converts them into leads. Showcase IDX also offers premium CRM integrations with popular platforms such as Zapier, LionDesk, Follow Up Boss, Salesforce, and more.
IDX Broker
IDX Broker directly integrates with various CRMs, including Follow Up Boss, Top Producer, Infusionsoft, Wise Agent, and LionDesk. They also provide additional integrations through Zapier, allowing agents to connect their IDX Broker-powered website with other apps.
iHomefinder
iHomefinder offers an integrated CRM that caters to the specific needs of agents, brokerages, and teams. Their CRM efficiently manages leads using automation and organization tools. iHomefinder integrates with popular platforms such as Chime, FiveStreet, Follow Up Boss, Mailchimp, Top Producer, and more.
SEO
Showcase IDX
Showcase IDX prioritizes search engine optimization (SEO) by avoiding subdomains and iFrames, which are disliked by Google. Their IDX plugin is built to align with Google's traffic priorities, ensuring agents' websites demonstrate relevance, authority, and cohesion. Showcase IDX clients' websites receive 79% more organic traffic compared to other IDX solutions.
IDX Broker
IDX Broker incorporates several SEO-friendly features, such as IDX page personalization, search-friendly city links, customizable URLs, and the ability to add keywords and title tags to property details pages. However, their plugin's reliance on subdomains can make it more challenging for real estate websites to rank on search engines.
iHomefinder
iHomefinder provides SEO benefits to agents using their Optima Express plugin on WordPress websites. Agents can optimize their IDX pages directly on their domain, including permalinks, metatags, and titles. However, for non-WordPress users, iHomefinder recommends using iframes or their HTML wrapper integration, which may not be ideal for search engine rankings.
Pricing
Showcase IDX
Showcase IDX offers transparent pricing with two different plans: Essentials and Premium. They also provide a 10-day free trial with premium features and no setup fees. MLS pass-through fees may apply, ranging from $0 to $33 per month depending on the MLS.
IDX Broker
IDX Broker offers various pricing options based on agents' individual needs. Their plans include Lite and Platinum, catering to agents, teams, and offices. IDX Broker also charges MLS pass-through fees, which vary from $0 to $33 per month, along with an additional monthly fee for each additional MLS added.
iHomefinder
iHomefinder provides three pricing plans: Standard, Advanced, and OmniPress. Their Standard plan is the most affordable among the three IDX providers, starting at $49.99 per month. Like IDX Broker, iHomefinder charges MLS pass-through fees, along with additional fees for each additional MLS requested.
Unique Features
Showcase IDX
Showcase IDX offers unique features such as state-of-the-art mapping IDX and a friends & family search tool. The friends & family search allows homebuyers to collaborate with loved ones, share favorite properties, and post comments. This feature boosts website traffic and generates quality leads for agents.
IDX Broker
IDX Broker is recognized for having the most extensive MLS coverage among the three IDX providers. Their comprehensive MLS data sets ensure agents have access to a wide range of listings, enabling them to serve diverse clients effectively.
iHomefinder
In addition to their IDX services, iHomefinder provides website building, integrated CRM, and marketing solutions. They also offer their own app, allowing agents to manage leads on the go. iHomefinder offers a holistic approach to supporting agents throughout their real estate journey.
Conclusion
Choosing the right IDX provider for your real estate website can be challenging. Each provider offers different features and benefits. After comparing Showcase IDX, IDX Broker, and iHomefinder, we hope you have gained insights into which one best suits your business needs. Good luck with your decision-making process!
