I have an IDX on my website.... they need to register to see it... I get notified.... 

 IDX.

     Anything too complicated, or requiring a phone number or email, will send them packing to Zillow or Realtor dot com.

I have IDX built in and do not require a log in.

Call to action and landing pages are best with item of value for download. IDX is standard on most sites. No one is going to search the MLS on our sites theses days, they go to Zillow.

An IDX is mandatory to attract any interest.

My website works like Barbara Todaro...

Wanda,

A good IDX is plenty in my opinion.  A

Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!  You really need to offer both. An IDX feed on your website allows casual visitors a place to search for property and opens the door to let them in. You can choose to have them register before searching, register only if they want to save their favorites or not register at all. I personally require registration only if they want to save properties. I think registration before searching only scares them off.

Using an MLS portal is great once you have made initial contact with the prospect and have an idea of what type of property they are looking for. I like it because it narrows down their searches and keeps them on task. Plus it makes it easier for me to keep track of what they are doing on the site.

Regardless of which way they access your site, you must make sure that it is mobile ready. They must be able to easily access it from their phone, tablet or computer. Remember you are competing with Zillow, Trulia and Redfin. You must make it easy for them to use your tools.

If your MLS offers HomeSnap take a look at that app. I am finding clients that like it very much.

Seems two gurus like IDX, one requiring registration and one does not! Good luck!

I would keep it simple. Complicated sites will scare people away.

I've seen many sites when I did my research ( and I'm not an expert), and everyone is offering MLS search for free, the message appears from time to time to register, but it is not mandatory to. 

I use my IDX feed and search capabilities on my website so I can keep bringing them back there, time and time again and capture their interest and their business.

Why did you word it as portal? Seems ancient speak.

Seems like many people have their favorite place to search these days. Redfin, Zillow, Realtor, MRIShomes, listingbook, etc.

What does your portal/ IDX offer that the consumer does not already have and a something that the consumer actually cares about?

That is to be differentiated from what those selling these services tell us. Unless buyers and sellers in your area are asked, by you, you really won't know.

They DO want stuff. There are no less than five that easily identified. 

One would be newly listed (IDX is quicker) and accurate data pertaining to a specific school district. School districts often include multiple communities and towns.

I find when the benefit is clear, they will sign up without regret.

The over deliver with school ratings, activiites and your observations.

I have IDX on my website. I have clients who use that and I also set up a portal for them from mls... sometimes just a small change in search criteria yields different results. And I can search with much greater specificity through my mls than you can on most IDX sites.

Make sure the feed from your IDX is not all there is for your own listings. Lift the hood, add more images, branded video link, plat maps, floor plans and make what you offer more than RTZ... so the prospects without needing to provide name, rank, serial numbers to let them in to feast on your buffet of hot and ready any time real estate information. Blog channel, make it like a big box everything is in here for the come and get it buyers and sellers. Heading over to test drive your new site Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can! !

Both for different purposes as they progress on the scale of just looking to asking about a specific type of property.

We do both

I prefer the IDX because they can set it the way they want to - it's not just a set-it and forget-it search like most buyers get through the MLS portal.

IDX cost concern

I have an IDX set  up...

The portal I give through FlexMLS tracks which ones they like and such.  An IDX link doesn't do that.  For the website, IDX without registration (if done right) gives you a good SEO boost because Google can scan and note all the homes listed.

I have been using IDX on my website, making it keyword responsive is important. It's a tough world competing with the Zillows out there, let alone your other realtors fighting for page one on Google.

I've built out my website with IDX and pay a monthly premium for the IDX. I've found however that the MLS portal is actually better, more effective and efficient for me.

If you can get your site to rank with IDX that may be a good reason to have it. If I were building  a new site today, I would not have IDX. 

Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can! I would say an IDX where potential clients can take a look at properties. Every Doctor in my town has a portal and it is a real pain to logon and search them.

I guess would be good to have 2 options.

Both.