IDX Real Estate vs. VOW Real Estate Web Sites
What is VOW (Virtual Office Website)?
» A VOW is where the public can enter, provide contact information, get a password, describe property interest, and then conduct searches of all available MLS listings.
» The Participant can display all available MLS listings.
» All listing information details can be displayed.
» Display rules are set by the MLS.
» The visitor becomes a bona fide customer / client.
» VOW is a business site.
What
is IDX (Internet Data Exchange)?
» An IDX web site is where the public can enter and conduct searches of
available listings.
» The participant can only display listings allowed by other
participants.
» Limited listing information details are displayed.
» Display rules are determined by your MLS, listing broker and the
displaying broker.
» The visitor remains an anonymous visitor while searching. (Until they
use your info request form).
» IDX is an advertising site.
IDX and VOW web site comparison chart:
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IDX
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VOW
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Public is:
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Site Visitor
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Customer / Client
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Search is:
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Allowed listings
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Allowed listings
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Display has:
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Allowed items
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Allowed items
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Display rules:
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MLS, Listing Broker, Displaying Broker
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MLS
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Public reveals:
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Nothing
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Contact info, Property interest
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Listings scope:
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Outside MLS possible
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MLS only
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Opt-out:
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Total, Selective
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Blanket, Selective
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Site is:
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Advertising
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Business Office
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Rules applied:
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IDX
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VOW
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Items required to use IDX or VOW:
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IDX (Internet Data Exchange)
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VOW (Virtual Office Websites)
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Search
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Client contact information
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Display disclaimer
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Terms of use agreement
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User ID and password
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Search criteria
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Search functiont
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Display disclaimer
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Comparing a real brick-and-mortar office to a VOW (Virtual Office Web site):
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VOW(Virtual Office Websites)
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Real Office
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Public is:
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Customer / client
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Customer / client
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Search is:
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Available listings
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All listings
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Display has:
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All allowed items
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All allowed items
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Public reveals:
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Contact info, search criteria
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Contact info, search criteria
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Site is:
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Business Office
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Business Office
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Rules applied:
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VOW
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MLS
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