You pay to have the data from the MLS on your website. You provide this service so that buyers can have access to the same data real estate agents have access to ... and it is the most current data available. 

'It's the same MLS we get to use as agents but a more streamlined version, showing ALL available properties listed by ALL our members. I have it on my website as a convenience for our customers. Since it shows everything available, I have not seen all the properties. For our clients, we will tour and even preview the home. Would you like to set up a consultation?'

I just explain that we cooperate with other brokers and that we want to find you (the buyer) the best property for your needs.

I explain how it feeds the listings to my site.

John - I would say it is a database of all available homes listed for sale by all agents, and that we all (agents) have access to it so we can share every listing available to our clients.

John Novak I do not explain IDX to a prospect. I just let them know there is an MLS - a 'reservoir' of the information of homes for sale! And all the agents can access that.

I'd tell them that this is a direct feed from my MLS and it shows every listing out there.  It doesn't mean they are all mine.

I just explain how my association works and that the agents cooperate to sell all of the properties so that we can get the best situation for our buyers and sellers.

Sounds like you've got it covered John.

That we share information and also listings are syndicated.

Obviously an "analytical"!! 

I would just explain that they are looking at the public version and he would see the same on every agents site that provides idx.

That's the way the MLS works would be my explanation. 

It is a way that property information is shared to others via the Internet. Not an agent - yet

I explain that it is the way information about property for sale is transmitted through the internet.

I think that explanation starts with the buyer interview, and I must remember to include it on my appointments.

All Real Estate Agents who belong to the multiple listing system share information with each other on all of our websites.

I tell them I have access to all listings in MLS and can show and sell any of them and that is what they are seeing on my website. But it does't mean I have seen each home personally. I have seen many but not every single one. It would be impossible.

On my website you are able to view all of rhe properties available in our area.  I can help you with all of these properties, so there is no need to look at any other websites.  All of the available properties are right there on my site.

Love the analogy John Novak!! It is so treue!!

I like that analogy John Novak .

I think you had a good analogy John.