Real state project data structure suggestion

Question

I am working in a real state project (linux, drupal, php 5, mysql) and I need to pull data in from the local mls sytem.

What data structure should I use IDX or RETS? (and why?)

Thank you

Answer 1

Well. Don't know these format myself (therefore sorry if this answer won't be satisfying to you), but a quick search revealed few already existing Drupal modules which seem to do what you are looking for:

• dRealty IDX - http://drupal.org/project/drealty
• MLS - http://drupal.org/project/mls

and few example discussions on the subject:

• http://drupal.org/node/658662
• http://groups.drupal.org/taxonomy/term/5439
• http://groups.drupal.org/node/9450
• etc...

But perhaps you've already seen them?

Answer 2

Technically, IDX is an NAR policy and not a technology. RETS is a protocol for sharing property listing data over the net.

When then term is misused and not relating to the NAR policy, IDX is meant to use a limited set of data generally useful for advertising purposes only. RETS, when misused in a similar matter, may mean the full feed of data.

Answer 3

For MLS/IDX Data Downloading from server RETS IQ in Java is good.

Data Structure in Storage format

<MLSNAME>/DataDownload/
         /DataProcessed/