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Board IDX Feed vs CREA DDF Feed

Real estate board IDX and CREA DDF feed are two different ways of displaying real estate listings online on your website. They both use data feeds to connect your website with the MLS® system of your real estate board, but they have some key differences.

IDX Data Feeds​

IDX stands for Internet Data Exchange. It is a policy that allows brokerages to opt in to an agreement that gives their agents the ability to display one another’s listings on their real estate websites. IDX is also used to refer to the tool that makes this possible.

IDX data feeds are usually specific to a local real estate board, such as Vancouver, Calgary, or Edmonton. IDX data feeds generally include more listings in their local areas than DDF feed.

For example, if you are a real estate agent in Vancouver, you can use IDX data feed to display all the listings from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV), Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) and Chilliwack & District Real Estate Board (CADREB) on your website. This way, you can offer your visitors a comprehensive and up-to-date view of the local market.

However, IDX data feeds also have some limitations. For instance, you may not be able to display listings from other real estate boards, such Victoria or Kelowna. You may also have less control and customization over how the listings are displayed on your website due to board regulations. Additionally, you may need to pay a fee and follow certain rules and regulations from your real estate board to use IDX data feed.

CREA DDF Data Feeds​

DDF stands for Data Distribution Facility. It is a service that gives brokers and agents the ability to share their listings with third-party websites (such as real estate advertising sites and partner websites) as well as to a national pool featuring listings from other real estate agents and brokers (from various real estate boards). Any listing that’s a part of the DDF pool can be displayed on a participating real estate agent’s website.

DDF data feeds are national, and cover many local areas such as Ottawa that do not offer standalone IDX data feeds for member websites. Therefore, you can use DDF data feed to display listings from other real estate boards outside your IDX data feed on your website. This way, you can offer your visitors a broader and more diverse view of the market.

However, DDF data feeds also have some drawbacks. For instance, you may not be able to display all the listings from your local real estate board. You may also have less exposure and visibility for your own listings, as they will be competing with listings from other agents and brokers. Additionally, you may need to pay a fee and follow certain rules and regulations from CREA to use DDF data feed.

Choosing the Best Data Feed for Your Website​

Now that you know the difference between IDX and DDF data feeds, how do you choose the best one for your website? There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on your business goals and preferences. However, here are some factors to consider:

  • Target market: If you want to focus on a specific local area, IDX data feed may be a better option, as it will provide more listings and details for that area. If you want to reach a wider audience, DDF data feed may be a better option, as it will provide listings from different regions and provinces.

  • Niche: If you have a niche or specialty, such as luxury homes, condos, or waterfront properties, you may want to use IDX data feed, as it will allow you to filter and display listings that match your niche. If you have a general or broad niche, such as first-time buyers, sellers, or investors, you may want to use DDF data feed, as it will provide more variety and options for your visitors.

  • Budget: If you have a limited budget, DDF data feed may be a better option, as it may be cheaper and easier to set up and maintain than IDX data feed. If you have a larger budget, IDX data feed may be a better option, as it may provide more features and benefits for your website.

  • Website design: If you have a simple or minimalist website design, DDF data feed may be a better option, as it will provide a consistent and uniform look for your listings. If you have a complex or customized website design, IDX data feed may be a better option, as it will allow you to adjust and modify the appearance and layout of your listings.

  • SEO strategy: If you want to rank higher on search engines, IDX data feed may be a better option, as it will provide more content and keywords for your website. If you want to drive more traffic from social media, DDF data feed may be a better option, as it will provide more exposure and visibility for your listings.

Set Up IDX or DDF Data Feed on Your Website​

Once you have decided which data feed to use for your website, you need to set it up and integrate it with your website. The exact steps may vary depending on your real estate board, your website platform, and your data feed provider, but here are some general steps to follow:

  • Sign up for an IDX or DDF data feed service. Choose from various providers that offer IDX or DDF data feed services. There are vendors such as RealtyVis that you can subscribe for a monthly or annual fee for the service. Different vendors may offer varying degree of features and services for different prices, some might require a setup fee as well.

  • Get approval from your real estate board or CREA. You may need to fill out some forms and agreements to get permission from your real estate board or CREA to use IDX or DDF data feed on your website. Follow the rules and regulations regarding the display and use of the listings.

  • Install and configure the data feed plugin or widget on your website that will connect your website with the data feed service. You may also need to configure some settings and options, such as the layout, design, filters, and features of the listings.

  • Test and optimize the data feed to make sure it works properly and smoothly on your website. Monitor and update the data feed regularly to ensure it provides accurate and current information.

Make the Most of IDX or DDF Data Feed on Your Website​

After you have set up and integrated IDX or DDF data feed on your website, you need to make the most of it to attract and convert more visitors.

Don’t just display the listings on your website, but also provide value and information to your visitors. You can do this by adding your own comments, insights, and tips to the listings, as well as providing additional resources, such as market reports, neighborhood guides, and buyer or seller guides.

Encourage your visitors to interact and engage with you and not just let your visitors browse the listings on your website. Add calls to action, such as contact forms, email opt-ins, chatbots, and social media buttons, to the listings, as well as provide feedback, answers, and support to your visitors.

Track and measure the results, and never assume your data feed is working well on your website. Using analytics tools, such as Google Analytics, to monitor the traffic, behavior, and conversion of your visitors.