Below is an excerpt of the new IDX rule for franchisors. As we understand things the new rule simply allows franchisors to display all of the MLS listings from any of their franchisees' IDX feeds on their corporate website.
This offers national franchise companies yet another leg up in the game. Mainly because of the increased reach of their brand on search engines- making the average buyer even more likely to find a national franchise at the top of search results.

Giving Independent the same advantages

So we threw up this website wondering just how interested independent brokers are to participate in getting some of the same advantages of the national chains-- without giving up your identity or being forced into a bunch of rules, etc.

It is interesting that NAR said "franchisors"-- In other words trade groups, associations, etc don't qualify. That presents a bunch of hurdles but you as independents want to participate the concept will keep moving.

HOW IT WOULD WORK

• Become a franchisee- for $1 a year -- This doesn't mean much, other than you'd be part of a national network that was feeding leads to you, for essentially free. You wouldn't be forced to use any logos, branding or anything else. You do your thing, just benefit from the search engine optimization, etc.
• Your MLS Data is distributed--via a national website. This means you'll have thousands of listings, the more brokers that participate the better off you'll be because the site will rank higher in the search engines.
• We feed you the leads--As people visit the national site they will search and be directed to your website. The alternative- someone visits a national chain site and searches- they'll send those leads- even your listings, right back to their franchisees. This is your answer to that.
• Get Advertising--Just like a normal franchisor would- but without the cost to you. YOur information will be included whereever it is allowed. There will be as many lilve links back to you as possible. You'll get a profile pages for your office (that you control). Generally if there is an idea that benefits you that can be implemented, then it will be. Your suggestions will guid that.
• Listen to you and each other--As Independents you should join together however you can. Are you frustrated by not having the same resources or manpower as the chains do? Group efforts are a way to overcome some of that, while remaining independent.

THE NEW RULE (EXCERPT)

• Display of IDX Information by Real Estate Franchise Organizations Participants may provide IDX information to their real estate franchise organizations ("franchisors") to be indexed for display on franchisors' websites. For purposes of this policy, "real estate franchisor" is defined as a company granting real estate brokerage franchises under the franchisor's trademarks pursuant to a franchise disclosure document meeting applicable Federal Trade Commission rules. Display of IDX information by franchisors is subject to the following requirements and limitations.
• SEE FULL RULE HERE

What?

• Recently (Nov 2010) the NAR passed a new rule for franchors regarding IDX. Basically they are allowing franchisors to display all of their franchisees' MLS data on their parent company website, and therefore establish a national presence feeding leads on any listing back to their franchisee offices (whew!). This is a big benefit to big franchises and is one more leg up- mainly because it affects web searches. In response we started this site, mostly as a publicity stunt, to provide Independent Brokers the same benefit. What we'll do is offer $1 franchises and go from there*.
  
  

Who?

• We are a small tech company based in Oklahoma (of all places) and are in short, as frustrated as you are. We know you are nickel and dimed, we know you crave good technology, we know you are crunched for time. This franchise organization will be set up under a board of Real Estate brokers who make sure we do things that are good for you as independents. At the end of our the day, our goal will be simple-- give you more tools, more exposure, and more business- while trying to REDUCE the amount of money your office spends. Of course the primary goal is to get you on the same footing as the national franchises as it concerns national listing of your data in a way that generates leads for you.
  
  Most franchisors are for profit, as we'll be- but our goal will be to get you more stuff for less money. Primarily we'll try to put you on even footing as "the big boys" when it comes to technology. We have very talented programmers, graphic designers, and such. You may be skeptical- but the proof is in the pudding. We are excited about this because our heart is with you. We love small business people. We love independent real estate brokers. More later.

* Please

• Don't take this as an offer of a franchise. If there is interest we will go forward. In the mean time there is nothing to offer. If you have ideas or want to be involved then send us an email to contact@realestatefranchisor.com .