The right IDX does more than display the latest MLS data. It showcases your listings, engages visitors, and encourages lead capture. Whether you want more leads, stronger SEO, or a premium search experience that keeps your clients off of Zillow, this 2025 guide covers the best IDX tools for every real estate business.
Find It Fast
From speed to sophistication: What to look for in IDX today
When it first rolled out 25 years ago, the speed of internet data exchange could make or break a platform. Today, nearly every provider refreshes MLS data at least every 60 minutes, some much faster than that. If your IDX provider can’t guarantee that, they’re not keeping pace with the market and aren’t worth your investment.
The real differentiators now are how IDX providers display, sort, and filter real estate listing data. Look for features that elevate your site from a simple search tool to an intuitive destination: custom searches that feel personal, filters that anticipate client needs, and dynamic displays that bring listings to life. For more on IDX technology in general, scroll down to our FAQ.
Top 6 IDX tools for your real estate site
| Company | Best for |
| Luxury Presence | Overall choice for real estate professionals who want a fast, accurate search experience that exceeds the expectations of high-end buyers |
| Lofty | Small teams targeting FSBOs or seeking automated social media posting |
| BoldTrail | Brokerages and large teams bundling IDX with a robust back-office solution |
| Real Geeks | Solo agents seeking a budget-friendly, all-in-one IDX and CRM package |
| Sierra Interactive | Teams that want to infuse hyperlocal content with MLS data |
| IDX Broker | Agents who want an a la carte tool that adds IDX to an existing site |
Best overall: Luxury Presence
Luxury Presence builds IDX directly into every website’s architecture, so search feels like a natural part of your brand. An intuitive interface offers more than 150,000 customizable filters that capture details from flooring type to architectural style (compared to less than 50 at Zillow).
Luxury Presence can even create a branded app to help you engage clients on mobile via saved searches, collaboration boards, and feedback threads, all within your business’s ecosystem.
Pros
- Data from more than 400 MLSs refreshes every three minutes; most listings update in under 15 minutes
- Award-winning design carries through to search, delivering the seamless experience luxury buyers expect
- Enhancements such as conversational search, location-aware filters, and a customizable polygon map tool that allows users to create saved searches with flexible boundaries, engaging and capturing more leads
- Custom searches, property tour request buttons, and password-protected listings generate more contact information for your pipeline
- Dynamic neighborhood pages display listings directly from the MLS, boosting SEO and attracting high-intent property searchers
- Proven workflows and follow-up tools such as timely listing notifications
- AI Lead Nurture Specialist uses MLS data to send targeted property alerts and updates based on search activity, keeping leads warm until they’re ready to sign
Cons
- Only available as part of full platform, not as a standalone IDX tool
Want to see how Luxury Presence’s IDX blends into your brand and keeps clients in your ecosystem? Schedule a one-on-one session with a proptech expert today.
Best for automated social posts: Lofty
Lofty (formerly Chime) differentiates its home search tools with automations. For example, the company’s IDX triggers automated outreach when buyers create custom searches. On the seller side, visitors can upload listings directly to the site, giving agents a way to capture FSBO leads.
Pros
- Manually upload off-market listings with custom images and video
- Automated social media posts for new listings and MLS changes
Cons
- Available only within Lofty’s all-in-one platform
- Data syncing issues reported by some using non-Lofty websites
- Lacks advanced map tools like custom polygon search
- Auto-published listings from outside users may contain inaccurate or unverified details
Best bundled brokerage solution: BoldTrail
BoldTrail offers AI-powered conversational IDX search and behavior tracking, all connected to its CRM, alongside other brokerage-level business tools. While update timeframes vary by MLS, some content, such as photos, can take up to 24 hours to refresh.
Pros
- Add off-market listings manually and generate detailed market reports
- AI enables buyers to search properties using conversational terms
- CRM tracks IDX-based user behavior for personalized follow-up
- Polygon map tool offers precise search boundaries
Cons
- No à la carte IDX option
- Geared toward brokerages, may exceed solo agent and smaller team needs
- Fewer search filters than some competitors
- Large feature set can be overwhelming and result in a steep learning curve
- Certain MLS updates may be slower than others
Best budget option for solo agents: Real Geeks
Real Geeks delivers MLS integration, lead generation tools, and automated search alerts in its website and CRM package. Agents can add the Real Geeks IDX to an existing site, though if they do, they’re charged the same as users who build their entire website with Real Geeks. While the Real Geeks layouts tend to be more basic than others on this list, it’s one of the less expensive all-in-one packages.
Pros
- Automated saved search alerts delivered daily, weekly, or monthly
- IDX and CRM tools can integrate with an existing website
- Polygon map tool included
Cons
- Must purchase website package, even if you only need IDX
- Basic design and fewer filter options than premium providers
- Map search is less intuitive
- No off-MLS listing support
Best for teams focused on hyperlocal content: Sierra Interactive
Sierra Interactive’s granular search capabilities make it easy to embed targeted listings into blog posts or neighborhood pages. Multi-site management allows you to run niche or community-focused sites from one dashboard, and automation tools respond to user behavior with timely alerts.
Pros
- Polygon search tool included
- Manage multiple sites from a single dashboard
Cons
- Part of an all-in-one platform, IDX not sold separately
- Existing listings only refresh once an hour
- Map search is hidden behind a separate tab
- Higher price point aimed at teams
- No features for off-market or pocket listings
Best à la carte option: IDX Broker
IDX Broker integrates MLS search into WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace websites via plugins or iframes. Its introductory plan offers basic lead capture and social login, while the more advanced option opens up advanced map tools and AI-powered features.
Pros
- Works with existing websites
- Displays sold and pending listings
- Ability to edit status and pricing if your MLS doesn’t offer this data
- Polygon map tool available on advanced plan
Cons
- Monthly fee adds up when combined with separate website, CRM, MLS, and transaction management costs
- iFrame integration may reduce SEO benefits of on-site listing data
- Some integrations require advanced technical setup
FAQ: IDX home search tools for real estate
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What’s the difference between IDX and MLS?
The multiple listing system (MLS) is a database that local real estate agents and brokers use to share information about properties listed for sale. Internet data exchange (IDX) is a technological system that allows real estate agents and brokers to share and display MLS listings online. Learn more about IDX vs MLS here.
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What is the difference between an IDX provider and an all-in-one real estate platform?
An IDX provider focuses solely on connecting your website to your MLS, so visitors can search live property data directly on your site. An all-in-one platform offers IDX alongside other products such as a custom website, lead generation capabilities, marketing tools, a CRM, and transaction management tools, creating a complete business ecosystem.
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Which IDX tool is best for lead generation?
Luxury Presence has the best IDX tool for lead generation. They offer:
-Lead capture & registration: Saved searches, alerts, and gated property details encourage sign-ups.
-Advanced search capabilities: Natural language search and flexible filters, such as dynamically tailored options based on user location, keep buyers engaged.
-Targeted content & SEO: Advanced IDX lets you embed listings into hyperlocal pages to win search rankings.
-Behavior tracking: Platforms that feed search activity into your CRM make follow-up more personal and effective.
-Automation: AI tools that nurture leads based on search behavior keep your pipeline warm.
-Seller appeal: A polished, easy-to-use search reassures homeowners that their property will be presented in the best light. -
How fast do IDX listings update from the MLS?
It depends on your MLS. Most modern IDX providers sync at least every hour. Luxury Presence refreshes MLS data every three minutes, with most listings updated in under 15 minutes.
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Can I add IDX search to an existing WordPress website?
Yes. Providers like IDX Broker offer plugins for WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace. While integrated IDX offers stronger SEO benefits, this is a flexible solution if you want to keep your current site design.
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What is a polygon tool, and why is it important?
A polygon tool lets users draw their own search area on a map, from a few city blocks to a specific neighborhood, instead of relying on broad boundaries like ZIP codes. For agents, it’s a powerful way to save custom searches, boost hyperlocal SEO, and attract high-intent leads.
Many IDX providers offer a polygon tool, but Luxury Presence’s offering is more sophisticated than most. Users can draw multiple boundaries within one saved search, improving the user experience and attracting higher-quality, intent-driven leads.
Choosing the right IDX solution for your real estate business
The right choice comes down to how you work and how you want your clients to experience your brand. If you need a high-end, custom SEO website along with marketing and lead generation tools, Luxury Presence is the right choice.
If you’re still weighing your options, Luxury Presence’s expert team can show you how IDX search tools complement your online presence with accurate data, branded search experiences, and built-in lead capture. They’ll demonstrate Luxury Presence tools in action and help you decide whether an all-in-one solution or a flexible integration is the right move. Book your strategy call today.
