If you’re a real estate professional looking to enhance your WordPress site with MLS listings, Showcase IDX and CT IDX Pro+ are two popular options. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:
- CT IDX Pro+ offers broader MLS coverage (99% of U.S. homes), faster data updates (up to hourly), advanced search tools (like draw-to-search and geolocation), and seamless CRM integration offering Follow Up Boss direct API, and any other CRMs via Zapier. At $79/month, it’s designed for professionals who want a plug-and-play solution with minimal setup hassle.
- Showcase IDX is a simpler option with basic search and lead capture features. It requires more manual setup but covers the essentials for smaller-scale needs.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | CT IDX Pro+ | Showcase IDX |
|---|---|---|
| MLS Coverage | 650+ markets, 99% of U.S. homes | Standard coverage |
| Data Updates | At least 4 times daily, some hourly | Standard updates |
| Search Features | Advanced tools (draw-to-search, map) | Basic search options |
| SEO Optimization | Fully crawlable, indexable pages | Standard SEO features |
| CRM Integration | Zapier (Salesforce, Hubspot, etc.) | Not specified |
| Pricing | $79/month (additional MLS boards are $79/month) | Contact for pricing |
| Setup Process | Automated, professional installation | Manual setup |
| Support | Live chat, video tutorials | Standard ticket system |
CT IDX Pro+ is ideal for agents who want advanced features, better SEO, and hassle-free setup. Showcase IDX is a simpler, more budget-friendly choice for basic needs.
About the IDX Plugins
Showcase IDX Basics
Showcase IDX is a WordPress plugin designed to integrate MLS listings directly into websites. Its main focus is on delivering a powerful search experience and tools to help agents attract and manage leads, ultimately boosting their online presence.
CT IDX Pro+ Basics
CT IDX Pro+ connects MLS listings from all 50 states, covering over 650 MLS markets and 99% of U.S. homes. Its standout feature is its seamless WordPress integration via a high-performance API, ensuring quick and reliable data updates.
The plugin automatically creates SEO-friendly, crawlable listing pages, helping your site rank better in search engines.
Key features of CT IDX Pro+ include:
- Advanced Search Tools: Offers features like map-based searches, draw-to-search options, and geolocation for a user-friendly experience.
- Lead Generation: Includes tools to capture visitor details and integrates smoothly with popular CRMs using Zapier.
- Listing Management: Displays office-exclusive and sold property listings effortlessly.
- Mobile Optimization: Fully responsive design ensures compatibility across all devices.
- Analytics Dashboard: Tracks key metrics like views, searches, visitor data, and lead conversions.
Additional features make CT IDX Pro+ even more user-friendly. These include WalkScore integration, nearby place details, and social login options. For customization, it supports Elementor widgets, allowing you to create unique listing grids, carousels, and interactive maps.
Next, let’s break down the tools each plugin offers in greater detail.
Showcase IDX The Leading IDX Plugin for Real Estate …
Key Features
Here’s a closer look at the tools provided by each plugin.
Showcase IDX Tools
Showcase IDX includes fundamental IDX tools like property search, listing displays, and lead capture. These features cover the basics for real estate professionals.
However, CT IDX Pro+ takes it a step further by offering more advanced functionalities.
CT IDX Pro+ Tools
CT IDX Pro+ is designed with modern real estate professionals in mind, offering a comprehensive suite of tools.
-
Advanced Search Options
- Draw-to-search for defining custom boundaries
- Integrated map and listing interface
- Geolocation-based searches for local results
-
Data Management
- Access to 650+ MLS markets across all 50 states
- Frequent data updates (at least four times daily, with some boards refreshing hourly)
- Support for multiple MLS boards with individual management options
-
Lead Generation Features
- Mandatory lead capture forms with automated saved-search alerts
- Direct lead assignment tools for brokers
- Zapier integration for seamless CRM connections, including Salesforce and Hubspot
The table below highlights CT IDX Pro+ features at a glance:
| Feature Category | CT IDX Pro+ Implementation |
|---|---|
| MLS Coverage | 99% of U.S. homes across 650+ markets |
| Update Frequency | At least 4 times daily, some hourly updates |
| Search Interface | Portal-quality with integrated map functionality |
| Lead Capture | Includes forms, alerts, and saved searches |
| Additional Board Cost | $79/month per extra MLS board |
"Our real estate IDX plugin dynamically creates search engine-friendly listing pages that are fully crawlable and indexable. With improved visibility and rankings, your website will drive more traffic, generate more leads, and capture your audience effectively." – Contempo Themes
With its extensive MLS coverage and consistent updates, CT IDX Pro+ is well-suited for meeting various regional demands.
Setup Process
The installation process for these two IDX plugins differs quite a bit, especially in terms of workflow and requirements.
Setting Up Showcase IDX
With Showcase IDX, users manually download and set up the plugin through the WordPress dashboard. This approach requires more hands-on effort compared to CT IDX Pro+.
Setting Up CT IDX Pro+
CT IDX Pro+ simplifies the setup process with an automated, three-step workflow designed to save time:
1. MLS Approval Process
After purchasing the plugin, you’ll receive pre-filled paperwork and detailed instructions to speed up the MLS approval process.
2. Installation Handling
Once MLS approval is complete, the installation process is straightforward:
- Provide your WordPress admin credentials for same-day professional installation.
- You’ll get a confirmation email once the setup is finished.
3. Technical Requirements
CT IDX Pro+ is designed to work seamlessly with up-to-date WordPress environments. Here’s what you need:
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| PHP Version | 8.0 or newer |
| WordPress | Latest version |
| Hosting | Cloudways recommended |
| Theme Compatibility | Real Estate 7 |
This managed setup ensures the plugin is configured correctly and ready to use right away. It’s ideal for real estate professionals who want to avoid technical hassles and focus on their business.
Technical Support
Showcase IDX Help Options
Showcase IDX provides standard help desk support. Users can submit tickets and browse basic documentation to resolve common issues. Their response times and support methods align with general industry practices.
CT IDX Pro+ Help Options
CT IDX Pro+ takes support a step further by offering a broader range of resources. Here’s what users can expect:
- Live chat support for quick help
- A documentation library featuring HD video tutorials and written guides
- Dedicated assistance for MLS integration
- Pre-purchase support to answer questions before committing
With over 790 5-star reviews, the platform’s support team is often praised for its responsiveness and expertise.
"I’m absolutely blown away by the customer service. Chris and his team are amazing! Truly top-notch. Don’t hesitate for one second, this is the best Real Estate theme and IDX on the market! I’ve purchased 5 different real estate themes and there’s no comparison, from UI/UX, ease of use, customization, and customer service. Thank you!"
– AK Metoyer,Head of Marketing – California
| Support Feature | CT IDX Pro+ |
|---|---|
| Live Chat | Available |
| Documentation | HD video tutorials & written guides |
| Response Time | Immediate |
| Pre-Purchase Support | Yes, included |
| MLS Integration Help | Dedicated assistance |
The team is particularly skilled at managing complex issues, especially those involving MLS integrations. Oscar R., a business owner from California, shares his experience:
"Quality support all along the way. Great theme and plugins as well. Don’t consider any other theme or company for the Real Estate market!"
Stefan N., an agent from Florida, also highlights the team’s efficiency:
"The support is amazing and support is almost instant in their responses to any questions."
Feature Comparison Table
Full Comparison Details
Here’s a detailed comparison of key features between Showcase IDX and CT IDX Pro+ to help you choose the right tool for your needs:
| Feature Category | CT IDX Pro+ | Showcase IDX |
|---|---|---|
| MLS Coverage | • 650+ MLS markets • Coverage in all 50 states • 99% of homes for sale |
Standard MLS coverage |
| Data Updates | • Updates at least 4 times daily, some hourly • Direct MLS connection |
Standard updates |
| Search Features | • Draw to Search • Map Pan/Zoom Update • Geolocation • Save searches with email/SMS alerts • Compare up to 4 listings • Social media login |
Basic search functionality |
| SEO Optimization | • Fully crawlable pages • Indexable listing content • Dynamic SEO-friendly URLs |
Standard SEO features |
| Integration | • Elementor widgets • Shortcode support • Optimized for WordPress |
WordPress compatible |
| Base Pricing | $79/month | Contact for pricing |
| Additional MLS | $79/month per board | Contact for pricing |
This table highlights CT IDX Pro+‘s broader MLS coverage, more frequent data updates, and advanced search tools. It also provides fully crawlable, SEO-optimized listing pages, as emphasized by Contempo Themes:
"With our real estate IDX plugin for WordPress, you get dynamic listing pages that search engines love. They’re fully crawlable and indexable, paving the way for top rankings. More visibility means more visitors and more potential leads."
Conclusion
CT IDX Pro+ provides coverage for over 650 MLS markets across all 50 states, reaching 99% of the market and updating data at least four times daily, with some updates happening hourly.
Key features like draw-to-search, map pan/zoom, geolocation, and SEO-friendly, indexable pages are designed to improve visibility and drive leads. AK Metoyer, Head of Marketing at Locale Real Estate Partners, shares:
"Truly top-notch. Don’t hesitate for one second, this is the best Real Estate theme and IDX on the market!"
These tools make managing listings and leads more efficient. At $79/month (plus $79/month for each additional MLS board), and with integration capabilities through Zapier for popular CRMs, CT IDX Pro+ simplifies lead management and installation, making it a dependable choice for IDX solutions.
