iHomefinder Launches SEO-Friendly IDX/MLS Search

BERKELEY (MMD Newswire) March 16, 2011 -- iHomefinder today introduced iSearch Optima IDX, a new search engine-optimized version of its market-leading real estate property search. By using Optima IDX as part of their websites, real estate agents and brokers can greatly improve their chances of being found by consumers and converting leads into valued clients. Moreover, Optima IDX is easy and engaging for consumers to use, compelling them to return time and again.

Many real estate professionals know that search engine optimization (SEO) is important because the vast majority of homebuyers begin their home search process on the Internet, most starting from a search engine like Google Web Search™ or Bing™ search. This makes it critical that a real estate website's content be fully discoverable by search engines; Optima IDX ensures that property listings are found and fully indexed by search engines. Optima IDX pages are designed and coded to facilitate search engine discovery and indexing, including the use of universal resource locators (URLs) with full property address details and enhanced listing information. Optima IDX also makes it easy for consumers to share listings across their social networks with Facebook and Twitter integration, expanding a real estate professional's ability to generate word-of-mouth promotion and further improving SEO.

Some of iHomefinder's key web design partners are already raving about Optima IDX. "I love the usability of the Optima interface and its focus on lead conversion," said Josh Galvin, Owner of Tizish, a prominent real estate website design firm. "This definitely stands out above other IDX systems that load their systems with marketing features at the cost of usability and lead generation, which are really what we need from an IDX system." Optima's usability features include a unique new multi-city selection interface, expansive property photographs, and a wealth of page customization tools that web designers can leverage.

Optima IDX extends iHomefinder's reputation for superior lead generation. Proven marketing tools such as listing alert emails, the consumer property organizer, and showing request forms have been honed for even better usability. In addition, iHomefinder has added a new suite of consumer engagement tools, including Walk Score®, Great Schools™, and Google Maps™ Street View. These engagement tools help ensure that real estate websites with Optima IDX not only attract consumers and keep them coming back, but that consumers are compelled to reach out to the real estate professional using these effective tools on their website.

"iSearch Optima IDX is the fruition of iHomefinder's fourteen years of experience in the online real estate space, serving thousands of brokerages and agents," said Alon Chaver, CEO of iHomefinder. "Optima's SEO capabilities and social media integration build upon the WordPress and mobile IDX innovation we've recently rolled out, keeping our clients at the forefront of online real estate technology."

iSearch Optima IDX fits best in websites with a 720 to 750 pixel-wide container, making it perfect for WordPress applications and websites with a vertical navigation bar. The new product is a free upgrade for all existing iHomefinder customers. A demonstration website using Optima IDX can be viewed at http://www.anyhomesrealty.com/optima. To learn more about Optima IDX, please visit http://www.ihomefinder.com/optima.cfm.

About iHomefinder, Inc.

iHomefinder, Inc. is a leading national provider of hosted online property search technology, serving thousands of real estate brokerages and real estate professionals in every major U.S. market. Using the IDX standard, iHomefinder displays timely and accurate MLS content in full compliance with the local rules of over 150 MLSs. iHomefinder also provides MLS licensing, compliance and technology services to hundreds of web design and online marketing companies, as well as brokerages, technology vendors, Associations, and MLSs. Privately held and headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1997, iHomefinder maintains collaborative relationships with hundreds of innovative companies serving the real estate industry. Learn more at http://www.ihomefinder.com.