The Data Distribution Facility (DDF™) was introduced during 2012 and since that time has grown tremendously as REALTORS® embrace the opportunity to advertise their listings amongst themselves, promoting local, provincial, and national listing inventory of participating REALTORS®‘ websites.
Internet Data Exchange or IDX is not something new, however not widespread in Canada as only a handful of Boards/Associations make this service available to their members. The CREA National Shared Pool provides for greater opportunities for members who want to be involved in IDX and providing the ability to filter listings by property type or even geography.
Today we have over 65,000 listings in the National Shared Pool and this number continues to grow as more and more REALTORS® look for opportunities to market themselves and the listing inventory to consumers. The Franchisor Pool is also doing well as it has the bulk of the listings now available in the National Shared Pool. This allows the Franchisors to share listings in an IDX fashion and who would have thought this would have ever happened.
The Third Party Destination Pool has also been embraced by several REALTORS® and now we have over 53,000 listings being distributed to other marketing websites in a controlled environment. Remember, this is not something new. REALTORS® have been sending their listing content to advertising websites in the past; however they may have done this, not appreciating where their listing content was going to end up, therefore losing control of their listing data and weakening the MLS® trademark.
DDF™ ensures robust contracts are in place with third party destinations and provides many advertising options for REALTORS® to choose from. More importantly, listing information is always up-to-date and changes are only required once in local Boards/Associations’ MLS® Systems saving REALTORS® time and money.
DDF™ is not for everyone; however it does provide for controlled advertising, peace of mind, and knowing that your consumers and vendors will be well served as this is something only REALTORS® can bring to the table. More information can be found on our DDF™ Product Page on REALTOR Link®.
REALTORS®, let us know about your experiences with DDF™ in the comments section below.
