My foray into real estate websites began back in 1995–when “you’ve got mail” was actually a thing. Back in the “olden days”, there was no such thing as IDX (internet data exchange), but at least we could browse for properties using a very crude online MLS system. Once MLS data could be displayed on agent websites, I was first in line to try this cutting edge technology. Over the years, I tried and tested many systems including one provided by our local MLS, IDX Broker, Ihomefinder and one that has since gone out of business. Many years ago, after several disappointing platforms, I found Showcase IDX and I have used this platform on multiple sites since–like the site you are on now, enjoygaineyranch.com and jaymichaelmartinez.com.
I had several criteria for what I wanted in an IDX platform and Showcase IDX hit all the major buttons:
- A clean URL for each property–meaning that when a viewer clicks on a particular property, the output URL that you see at the top of the browser is nice and neat–where the property address is shown rather than just a bunch of numbers and random letters
- Beautiful output for each property: https://luxerealestategroup.com/search/
- An option to display initial search results in a grid or row
- A map option which could be turned on/off for every custom search
- An easy-to-use dashboard–this is super important because as agents, we are already inundated with so much technology–the system has to be easy to use and adopt; otherwise, you won’t create custom searches and get the full use out of the system
- The dashboard would need to accommodate multiple sites
- A reasonable price–to this day, Showcase IDX has pricing that is very competitive
- Excellent customer service–this one was and still is paramount. Let’s not beat around the bush here–technology is not always perfect and I won’t leave you in suspense–neither is Showcase IDX. Major updates are required from time-to-time; the platform occasionally has hiccups….all systems do. What I really like about my IDX platform is that the people on the other end seem to care and they have shown up for me and my questions more times than I can count.
The WordPress plug-in works very well and with just a small amount of training, you can begin to create custom search pages on your site. Two of my most successful search pages were created in a matter of minutes. In truth, I didn’t even optimize the pages well for SEO–yet, within days of sending those pages live, I was getting leads. From those two pages, I have generated multiple clients including a few high-end sales–of course, it helps to create search pages for which there is little competition.
If you have not seen a sample search page for Showcase IDX, here is what you can expect in terms of output:
IDX Summary
For the reasons above and others that I have not listed, I highly recommend Showcase IDX to any agent or broker who is looking for a new IDX solution. If you want additional perspective on this platform, feel free to reach out to me anytime. If you want a better hosting experience for your real estate website, I also recommend WP Engine–this is the hosting company I use for all of my sites. WP Engine is a bit more expensive than Go Daddy for example, but you get what you pay for:) I wrote a longer post about WP Engine here–check it out if you are looking for the best Word Press site host.
For themes, I only use Studio Press–each one of my three real estate sites uses a Studio Press theme–their themes are easy to modify, rock solid in terms of performance and in my opinion, look amazing!
Note: I earn a very small commission for the products mentioned on this page. Keep in mind that I have successfully used these products for years and continue to do so. I never endorse or recommend products that I don’t use and trust.
