So what, exactly, is included with VOW data?

VOW, or Virtual Office Website, is a way for clients to find out crucial information about properties they might be interested in. Information can include vital pieces of data such as original listing price, price change history and days on the market. VOW also tends to include Sold listings. All of this information can be extremely useful for your prospects as they are researching properties.

How is VOW different from IDX?

IDX data is available to any consumer online via a brokerage or agent website. It is open to the public and does not require any authentication to view property information.  Access to VOW data online is only available to consumers who have completed various authentication steps. These steps can include creating an account on the website, double email authentication, acknowledgement of terms of use and other requirements set forth by an MLS and NAR. Consumers dedicated to completing this process are ones that are genuinely interested in accessing the additional VOW information for properties. Their contact information (email, phone number, etc.) tends to be more accurate and they will likely be more engaged in the home buying or selling process.

Do I need both?

Coupling IDX and VOW data can be a very effective lead generation strategy. Effective brokerages and agents will display property details from IDX to generate initial interest and then tempt the consumer to create an account on your website (by providing email address and phone number) to gain access to more detailed VOW data. Doing this creates a sense of exclusivity – making consumers think that they can’t get this data anywhere else.

Ready to take your listings and customer interface to the next level? Contact WolfNet to learn more about our innovative IDX/VOW services.

The post Generating Leads with VOW appeared first on WolfNet.

The MLS Approval Process

Gaining MLS approval can be a long tedious process, especially for new agents. No sure where to get the needed paperwork? What signatures you need to acquire? How long does the entire process take? Working with MLS’s on a daily basis, me along with the rest of the WolfNet team have developed some great relationships and have tips on expediting this process. We’ve laid out some key things to keep in mind when looking for approval!

• Make sure you have the most up-to-date version of the data access agreement from your MLS. You get this from the MLS directly or your IDX/VOW provider may have a copy on file too!
• Know your website address by heart and make sure it’s accurate on your data access agreement.
• Do you know your “Broker of Record” on file with your MLS or brokerage? This may be different than your own broker. Make sure to find out who this may be and obtain their signature on your data access agreement if necessary.
• Submit your completed data access agreement directly to the person that handles each approval.

The most innovative solution providers should be able to monitor this whole process for you starting from access to the right documents all the way up to approval so ensure you have a speedy turnaround.

How WolfNet Can Help

Here at WolfNet, our staff members are dedicated to the MLS’s we service, which means our team members are experts in all things related to your MLS. Having an intimate knowledge of your MLS’s rules and regulations helps us provide you with the necessary tools for success!

The post Tips on Expediting the MLS Approval Process appeared first on WolfNet.

How IDX Works

IDX, or Internet Data Exchange, encompasses various policies, rules, regulations and software that help display property listings to the public. Homes that are currently on the market are placed on a Multiple Listing Service but only members of that MLS can access this list of properties. So what happens when an agent wants to display housing information from an MLS they aren’t apart of? How do home buyers and sellers access housing information? IDX was created to remedy this exact problem – it pulls data directly from the MLS allowing agents to display property information on their personal sites. Now all you need is a trusted IDX provider (hint, hint) to equip your website with the best IDX property search and you’re all set!

Adding Value with VOW Data

VOW, or Virtual Office Website, is very similar to IDX but with a few subtle changes and additions for home buyers. VOW data offers even more in-depth information about a property such as how many days on market, original list price, and any price change history. Additionally, in order for customers to access VOW data they have to register with an email and password before seeing property information. This provides a great way for agents to build their potential lead list with VOW! One important thing to note – VOW data is not always available in every MLS market or region. Any good IDX/VOW provider will notify their agent and brokerage customers once VOW data has become available in their market.

IDX & VOW are both vital tools in helping agents and brokers bring home buyers and sellers into the market. While there’s plenty of information and history behind both, this high level explanation can hopefully shed some light on the process it takes to bring your real estate property search to life!

The post Know Your Lingo: What’s IDX/VOW? appeared first on WolfNet.