I have two sites with IDXs on them - one requires signing up after a few properties, the other one is an open door search. I get FAR more serious leads from the one that requires registration. 

I don't like forced anything & I wouldn't force anyone to register to use my IDX page. If they want to speak to me I have a Contact Me page & it's real simple to send me a message. 

Not by choice, if it were up to me they could look at as many as they want, unfortunately my provider at placester clamps down after 3 searches.

Scarcity mentality with our info, one more reason why Z is kicking our butts in this area.

I do not restrict access to my website.

This is actually called "Forced Registration".  Check with your MLS as some actually require forced registration as part of their IDX agreement to prevent people and companies from scraping the MLS data.

I don't have an IDX, but I've been on the receiving end of the forced registration on many other types of sites.  Every time I've given out bogus emails, bogus names and bogus phone number.  EVERY.  SINGLE.  TIME.  I expect nothing less on my site.  That's why I don't require signup to view my listings and that's why I don't have a pop-up for lead capture/newsletter signups/etc.  If they want to contact me, there is a contact form next to my listing info and they can use that.  100% accurate info and someone wanting to see the home.

we don't require any information.... if they want to see a property, we can show it or they can call their buyer agent... we prefer the latter because we ALWAYS represent the seller....no dual agency with us....

and we appreciate syndication... let it all shout out.... buyer agents are paying attention... they want the buyers and should have them... everyone deserves representation....

I have them sign up after a certain point in time... I haven't had but one bad lead in months. And even though I don't require a phone number many leave one anyway.

Andrew,

They can always fall in love with Zillow, Realtor.com, Trulia or someone else's websites.  In our opinion, this is an invitation to go elsewhere, and there are always other elsewheres.  Personally, I am turned off by this, and I look at it as abject stupidity!  I have seen people give their names as Mickey Mouse to gain entry for a gag...

I have new users sign up after their 3rd time searching for property.  I get more real leads than if I did not have that process in place.  I have not had any complaints so far.

The sites I work with have forced registration.
This way they get way more leads.

Yes, you get many bogus phone numbers, but hardly any fake names and emails.

Then, it's up to the CRM automation to figure out the lead quality.

Yes, I do.  Because I don't work for free and the web site costs me money to run and monitor.  They can browse other sites without registration and they are welcome to do that.

Andy, I have tried several methods, Free, 2, 3, and 5, but finally decided on giving them 2 tries before they are asked to register. This seems to work better for me, since I can at least get a valid email address. They can opt out anytime from any email campaigns or alerts. I have many who keep coming back to the site since they love how user friendly it is. They normally get a monthly newsletter from the email campaigns. 

I view as a public utility and they can puruse all they want.

A bear trap came to mind or a buried mine that goes off when stepped-on. Why "spring" anything on anybody? Support being inviting & reachable and what is yours will come....

There are numerous sites available for general public to search listings. i don't worry about registration. Some register without being asked, amd most of them are serious.

Nope, When active easy access was an element of service

I have never required registration.

A few of my websites require registration after a few searches. One does not. To be honest, I don't get as many leads from the freebie.

good question. No freebies.

NO NO NO

Mine is open. I do not force or require anything until it comes time to actually engage and do business. 

The last time this question was asked about half of those opposing forced registration actually had it on their website idx. So take all these answers with a shaker of salt.

15 years of experience on this... 15 years ago when MLS online was a new concept, no registration was needed. Calls abound. (Also we were 1 of 2 companies in the valley who had MLS online, it was still a concept quite controversial.) Today studies show that registration for any serious leads is a requirement. This we do, and this we gain from. No registration leads to no new clients. -K

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