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Defining the difference between VOW & IDX

By
Real Estate Agent with COMPASS Lyons Group 9039362

There seems to be a lot of confusion about what is, and what is meant by a virtual office website (VOW) and an internet data exchange (IDX) for real estate websites - so I thought I might shed some light on the subject.

An IDX is the actual MLS data exchange so you can display listings on or through your website (the IDX takes the data feed from your local real estate board and puts it into a format that can be displayed).

A VOW is the actual contact management system that once someone registers to access your IDX is placed into for your follow-up and management.  Another way to think about it is that once someone signs up to your VOW - they have stepped into your virtual office.

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Michael Thomas
First SEO Consultants - Scottsdale, AZ
Real Estate Website Optimization

What amazes me is that many Realtors and agencies do not use an effective VOW to capture leads - and many VOW's out there do not track things like the registrant's activities such as properties viewed, use of mortgage calculator, email a listing to a friend, etc. - all these activities can act as indicators to see when a potential buyer is getting ready to make a move.

VOW's are also a great place to keep your leads in one centralized place, keep notes on your interactions with them, send daily alerts to prospects, and much more.

May 27, 2007 10:46 AM
Patricia Aulson
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate - Exeter, NH
Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes

Thanks for the explaination.

 

Patricia Aulson/NH/ME/MA 

May 27, 2007 11:49 AM
M A
Boston, MA
Michael,  Good explanation.  It's guys like you that really help our community understand!
Oct 31, 2007 09:50 AM
Tracy Santrock
Santrock Realty Group Inc. , - Cary, NC
Raleigh - Cary Broker

Cool - I'm still trying to put a finger on all of this.

May 21, 2011 03:22 AM