We did what Gene is doing.  We got rid of IDXpro several months ago and created a form that looks as if they are entering in their search criteria to search the MLS, and once they hit submit...it sends us all of their search criteria.  They are then re-directed to our MLS search page where they can search our MLS.  

The reason we weren't using it before, is because our MLS doesn't provide very much info including no addresses.  So once we get their search form, we set up a search for them in the MLS and email them a link to a client portal which is like their own website.  That is when they get ALL the info, pics, virtual tour links, addresses and so on....

We didn't see any drop in our leads when we switched it and got rid of IDXpro.  We have had more people say that they love the client portal and no one complained about the change.

Yes we have to manually enter them into our MLS.  When they were saving their searches via IDXpro, the seach was only good for so long and then they would have to go back in and re-set it up.  When I enter them in our MLS, I only have to do it once and they don't have to renew it, it stays there.....guess it just depends on your MLS.

Gene didn't comment today, but he did a while back and that's when we switched, after I looked at what he was doing and we tried it and it worked, so that is what we are now doing.

Cathy I have always required registration for MLS search and our MLS provides a link for client searches. No additional cost but I also make everyone register to gain access. I can't tell you how many move on because of this but I normally get one or two a day that do register so I am happy with the results. After they have completed the search, I try to follow it up with a detailed search for them since we have several boards and all the MLS's are not tied together in the link that I use. Hopefully it will be shortly but have been hearing that for over a year.

I use IDXpro for two websites, require registration, and I am pleased with the results.

Mama Catz,

I don't require registration in order to access my IDX. I still get lots of people registering and calling me.

If I knew how to create the masterful registration that Becky is using, I would do it. I just don't like the "cut and dried" option.

I like your form Becky.  Did you create it through Point2 or invent it yourself?  Got any tips?

Cathy, I have been using Ashton Data since 2003 and find that it works well for me.  I do not require registration but have many people doing so if they want their search format saved.  In other words, they do not need to register to conduct a one time search.  However, if they want instant notification they do need to register.  Here is the address to my search page using Ashton's format that has a feed from our MLS:

http://www.myprescottagent.com/Prescott_MLS_Search/page_565878.html

Cathy,

I have been using IDXPro for the past 7 months and overall, the impression is positive.  Although, I wish they would address a few issues with their search.

1. Basic Search and Advanced Search are extremely limited.  More criteria fields should be added.

2. When results are returned, the default photos are too small.  It would be nice to control the size of images displayed.

3. The company did not make any changes to the software in about 2 years, so I'm a bit curious about that.

There are other little things that can be improved, but overall, the system is working nicely.

The entire 7 months I've been using it, I required registration.  During the entire time, I gathered about 350 leads.  Each lead that's coming in through IDXPro, I enter the lead manually into a Prospect Group and add them to a drip campaign for 15 months.  Every month I send out a Newsletter to the entire prospect group.

Starting November 1st, I decided to experiment and turned the registration off.  I'm just very curious to see what kind of results it will produce.  I'm deciding to keep it off for the entire month of November.

Hope this helps.

We created it through Response-O-Matic

You can customize the forms to however you want.  I don't have the direct link to the site handy, but if you Google Response-O-Matic, you sould be able to find it easily.

LOL....At least I am almost certain that is what we used....it's 11:30pm and it's been a long day....

DUH!!  http://www.response-o-matic.com/

I've tried IDX with and without registration. We actually get more without it.  I think a lot of it is dependent on how agents in your local area do it. If most agents require registration, then people won't have a problem with it. If most agents do NOT require it, and  you do, then likely people will just leave your site and go to one that doesn't.

Also, since I hate registering for stuff on teh internet, I have a fundamental problem asking people to do it on my site.

As for the best IDX provider, it really depends on what you want, and what your MLS will support.

Becky, Did you purchase the program? That would be a nifty feature for P2 to add to our "tool box!"

We currently use the free version.

Hey Cathy, I use Birdview. I looked at MLSassistant, IDXpro & TP IDX and I found Birdview to be the best. It could also use some tweaking to make it better for me, but I guess you can't have everything. I have had nothing but great things said about it from my clients. What I like best is that I do not have to be there to set them up for it or change their criteria and they can do their own individual searches of all kinds. I know it supports MLS PIN, but I am not sure about the Cape & Islands. I wish you guys would just join the rest of us:)

Oh. and one more thing...the link:

http://www.joeschutt.com/Home_Search/page_1690342.html

Also, look at the side bar. I have the "MLS Quick Search." Basically just click on the neighborhood you are interested in and it brings up all the proporties without addresses, since our MLS requires registration. If you find a property of interest, you have the option to ask for more info or address. You are allowed one time without signing up.

Joe, that looks like a neat feature to just click on predetermined searches, but all I get is an IE error message. tweak tweak tweak

OMG...WHERE?! I hate it when this happens. What page were you on and what neighborhood did you click on. I do know that every so often they will do work and that happens. they need to do it overnight!!

Joe, I used the link you posted and then clicked on waterfront condo and then tried some 'up bay' something or other. Maybe it was just me and the computer I am at?

Cathy, it is Birdview. http://birdview.com/

And their customer support is pretty good. Is this you CCIAORMLS (MA)? If so, you can use them.

Greg, try again. I just went to Waterfront and Back Bay and they worked.

I just called them and ordered it. It is not really clear how to do it on the site. I originally dealt with Cory Devlin [cdevlin@birdview.com] who put me in touch with Tom Demos [tom@birdview.com] and walked me through things and will step in if there is an issue.

Work Smarter; Not Harder:)

oh and Cathy. The quick search is something you set up yourself after you get your birdview MLS up and running. I can show you how to do that, really easy. If you go that route.

Joe, yeah they are working just fine now. Then again, I am on a different computer. I'll check again later at the other computer, too.

BTW did you and Cathy take a Dress for Success class? You both are dress to the nines. Do I need to start wearing clean shirts now?

Hey Joe, this computer won't let me view the predetermined searchs you have on your site. It might be a security setting I have on one computer and not the other. I'll check and compare later - maybe it's the phishing filter. Anyway, I'll check and let you know.  If you don't hear from me - remind me.