Add Property Search to Your Website with the Right Flexmls IDX Solution
IDX powers the property search on your website, and if your MLS uses Flexmls, you have three ways to add it: SmartFrame, the WordPress Plugin, or Spark API. Each one lets you display live MLS listings on your own website. And with SmartFrame and the WordPress Plugin, leads show up directly in your Flexmls contacts. The right option depends on how your site is built and how much flexibility you need.
Connected to the Flexmls Ecosystem
Whichever path fits your website, you're working with technology built around Flexmls, the MLS platform you use every day.
Bring Your MLS to Your Website
Give buyers and sellers live MLS property search on your own site — where they connect with you — and the online experience you want to create.
Keep Leads in Your Workflow
With SmartFrame and the WordPress Plugin, buyers who save searches or favorites on your website are added to your Flexmls contacts. You can see what they're looking for and follow up through the MLS portal you already use.
Choose the Right Level of Control
Start simple with SmartFrame, build more into WordPress, or use Spark API when your project calls for a custom development approach.
Start With Your Website
Best for existing or template websites
Flexmls IDX SmartFrame
Embedded WidgetAdd live MLS-powered search to your existing website the same way you'd add a YouTube video or Google map.
Simple embed — no coding required, copy, paste, and you're live
Real-time MLS listing data
Lead capture connected to Flexmls
Best for WordPress websites
Flexmls IDX WordPress Plugin
PluginBuild listing search, lead capture, and market content directly into your WordPress site.
Built specifically for WordPress
Live listings from your MLS
Leads flow into your Flexmls Contact Manager
Search, listing, market stats, map, and saved-search tools
Best for custom websites and applications
Spark API
API + MLS Data AccessGive your developer direct access to MLS data to build your custom website or application experience.
Built for custom development
Direct MLS data access
Control over the experience you build
Designed for developers and advanced website projects
Compare Your IDX Options
IDX SmartFrame
Most Complete
IDX WordPress Plugin
Spark API
Best For
Existing or template websites
WordPress websites
Custom websites and applications
IDX Solution Type
Embedded Widget
WordPress plugin
API / MLS data feed access
Technical Skill Level
●○○
Low
●●○
Low to moderate
●●●
Developer required
Integrated MLS Property Search
✔
Ready to use
✔
Ready to use
</>
Built by your developer
Leads
✔
Added to your Flexmls contacts
✔
Added to your Flexmls contacts
</>
Based on the experience you build
Flexibility
●○○
Simple and focused
●●○
More website functionality
●●●
Highest level of control
Best Choice When…
You want MLS search on your existing site quickly
You want a complete real estate experience in WordPress
You want to build something custom
IDX SmartFrame
Best for: Existing or template websites
Solution type
Embedded Widget
Technical skill
●○○
Low
Property search
✔
Ready to use
Leads
✔
Added to your Flexmls contacts
Flexibility
●○○
Simple and focused
Best choice when…
You want MLS search on your existing site quickly
Most Complete
IDX WordPress Plugin
Best for: WordPress websites
Solution type
WordPress plugin
Technical skill
●●○
Low to moderate
Property search
✔
Ready to use
Leads
✔
Added to your Flexmls contacts
Flexibility
●●○
More website functionality
Best choice when…
You want a complete real estate experience in WordPress
Spark API
Best for: Custom websites and applications
Solution type
API / MLS data feed access
Technical skill
●●●
Developer required
Property search
</>
Built by your developer
Leads
</>
Based on the experience you build
Flexibility
●●●
Highest level of control
Best choice when…
You want to build something custom
IDX FAQs
What is IDX?
IDX is the method by which you can share a home search and available listings with your customers and prospects, on a public-facing website. It’s a great way to engage new leads!
What is an IDX/Data Feed?
IDX data feeds are different ways that data is transported from your MLS to your website. API is the most common type of data feed.
What is a SmartFrame?
SmartFrame is FBS’ entry-level, plug-and-play IDX solution, and is a perfect fit for any website including Wix, Weebly, and Squarespace.
What is a WordPress Plugin?
A WordPress Plugin is add-on software specifically for WordPress websites that provides IDX search and display options for your website. With a Plugin you can typically manage most IDX functionality from within the WordPress dashboard itself.
Can I show just my listings?
Yes! You can provide both a full MLS search and a link to showcase just your own listings on your website. In fact, we recommend that you have links for both.
What do I need for a Wix site?
If you use a template site like Wix, Weebly or Squarespace, the most suitable solution would be the Flexmls IDX SmartFrame.
Do I need a developer?
Maybe not. If you use the SmartFrame or WordPress Plugin, you don’t have to have a developer. However, if you are looking for a more customized or sophisticated implementation, a developer might be a good idea. We have a list of recommendations. Neither solution requires any coding knowledge, however. For API, a developer is required in order to program data into a user interface.
What is IDX approval?
All MLSs or Associations require agents or brokers to obtain approval for access to IDX data. The process varies by organization and can include forms and fees directly to the MLS. Contact your MLS directly for more information.
When is IDX data updated?
It depends on how the data is accessed and the company you are working with. Some IDX providers download new data and update their IDX products every 15 minutes, others much less frequently. Flexmls IDX data is always as fresh as your MLS system.
What is live data?
Live data means data that is accurate and synchronized to within seconds to the data in your MLS — new listings, price changes, status changes, etc. Once a change is made in Flexmls, it is instantly reflected on your website. Flexmls IDX from FBS Products features live data with no delays.
What is an all-in-one site?
Sites that come ready with hosting, templates, and IDX; one price and one vendor, making the process as simple as possible.
Are there online tutorials?
Absolutely! We have educational webinars, articles, videos, downloads and more in our Academy, and our online Help Center is available 24/7 for product-specific questions.
Need Help Choosing the Right IDX Option?
Tell us about your website, your technical needs, and what you want to build. We'll help point you toward the right Flexmls IDX path.
Help Me Choose an IDX Solution