WebAPI is a type of data feed format used in the real estate industry to allow real estate agents and brokers to display property listings on their websites. Unlike RETS IDX, WebAPI is a newer and more modern technology that relies on a web-based application programming interface (API) to exchange data between different software systems.
With WebAPI, real estate agents and brokers can use a simple, HTTP-based API to request and retrieve property listings from an IDX provider, such as a multiple listing service (MLS) database. The API can also be used to send data, such as user search queries and preferences, back to the data provider.
WebAPI IDX is designed to be faster and more efficient than RETS IDX, as it allows for real-time data retrieval and eliminates the need for periodic data downloads. Additionally, WebAPI is more flexible and can accommodate a wider variety of data formats, including JSON and XML.
Overall, WebAPI IDX offers a more modern and efficient way for real estate agents and brokers to access and display property listings on their websites. It provides faster and more flexible data retrieval, which can improve the user experience for clients and make it easier for agents to manage their online listings. Displaying real estate listings on your website will massively improve your real estate website SEO.
Many MLSs (Multiple Listing Services) across the United States are now offering WebAPI as a data transfer protocol for accessing their data. Some of the major MLSs that currently offer WebAPI include:
- California Regional MLS (CRMLS)
- North Texas Real Estate Information Systems (NTREIS)
- Houston Association of REALTORS (HAR)
- Austin Board of REALTORS (ABOR)
- Greater Las Vegas Association of REALTORS (GLVAR)
- Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED)
- Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service (ARMLS)
- Georgia Multiple Listing Service (GAMLS)
- Triangle MLS (TMLS)
It’s important to note that MLSs may have different requirements and restrictions for accessing their data via WebAPI, so it’s important to work with an IDX provider or developer who has experience working with the specific MLS you’re interested in.
See also: Real Estate RETS IDX – RETS is an older standard still in use by many Multiple Listing Services.
