How to Add MLS Listings to WordPress with Divi

If you’re a real estate professional or a web developer creating a real estate website, integrating MLS (Multiple Listing Service) listings into WordPress can be a game-changer. It helps provide dynamic, real-time property listings directly on your site, enhancing user experience and keeping visitors engaged. If you’re using the popular Divi theme builder by Elegant Themes, you’re in luck—there are several methods to incorporate MLS listings into your WordPress site seamlessly.

This guide walks you through different ways to add MLS listings to a WordPress site built with Divi, what tools or plugins you might need, and how to deliver an optimized user experience that both looks great and performs well.

Why Add MLS Listings to Your Website?

Before diving into the how-to, let’s first address the why. Having MLS listings on your website means that you’re not redirecting users to external portals like Zillow or Realtor.com. Instead, you’re keeping traffic on your website, increasing engagement, and potentially capturing more leads.

Here are just a few benefits:

• Real-time property updates: Listings automatically update based on the MLS feed.
• Customizability: Show listings how and where you want.
• Brand consistency: Keep users in your professional environment, not a third-party platform.
• Lead generation: Capture inquiries directly from your platform.

Understanding What You’ll Need

To add MLS listings to your site with Divi, you’ll generally need a combination of one or more of the following:

• An IDX or RETS plugin (IDX stands for Internet Data Exchange; RETS stands for Real Estate Transaction Standard).
• An IDX integration service or provider (e.g., IDX Broker, iHomefinder, Realtyna).
• Divi Builder or Divi Theme installed on your WordPress site.

Let’s break down each of these components in more detail.

Step 1: Choose an IDX Solution

The easiest way to get MLS listings onto your WordPress site is by using an IDX plugin. Some of the most popular ones compatible with Divi include:

• IDX Broker – Robust features, customizable, and compatible with WordPress and Divi.
• iHomefinder – Offers both Lite and Premium services.
• Realtyna WPL – A powerful option for those looking for a RETS-based solution with full customization.

Each solution usually requires an account and approval from your local MLS board, along with integration fees. IDX Broker, for example, allows you to display listing search tools, area-based listing pages, featured properties, and more, all of which you can style using Divi.

Step 2: Install and Configure the Plugin

Once you’ve chosen your IDX provider, install the corresponding plugin on your WordPress site:

1. Go to your WordPress admin dashboard.
2. Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
3. Search for your chosen IDX plugin (e.g., IDX Broker).
4. Click Install and then Activate.
5. Configure the plugin via its settings panel, typically found in the left-hand menu.

This configuration process will include inputting your API credentials, selecting display options, and designating which MLS areas to include.

Step 3: Embedding Listings Using Divi

Now that your plugin is set up, the next step is displaying those listings using Divi modules. Divi is a powerful drag-and-drop visual builder that allows complete control over your layout and styling. Most IDX plugins provide shortcodes or widgets that can be embedded in Divi sections or modules.

Here’s how to do that:

1. Go to the page where you want to display your MLS listings.
2. Click Edit with Divi Builder.
3. Add a new Text or Code module.
4. Paste the IDX shortcode or widget code into the module.
5. Style the section using Divi tools (padding, margins, background, font, etc.).

Many IDX solutions come with shortcode generators or even custom Divi modules to make this even easier.

Advanced Customization via Divi Modules

Don’t stop at simply dropping IDX content into your pages—you can take it a step further with Divi’s advanced design tools. Consider these enhancements:

• Use Divi’s built-in filters to animate or stylize your listing displays.
• Create dedicated listing pages with an intuitive layout for easy browsing.
• Integrate calls to action like “Schedule a Viewing” or “Save this Property.”

For web designers, this is where creativity shines. You can create conditional displays, listing grids, and slide-ins all using Divi modules in harmony with your IDX data.

Bonus: Add Search and Filtering Features

A great real estate site doesn’t just display listings—it also allows users to find exactly what they’re looking for. Many IDX plugins come with built-in search and filtering widgets that can be embedded in sidebars, headers, or standalone pages.

With Divi, you can place these elements attractively and logically within your design. For example, create a custom “Search Homes” section at the top of your listings page using a mix of Divi’s layout tools and the IDX search form HTML or shortcode.

SEO and Performance Considerations

Depending on the plugin you use, MLS listings may be displayed via iframes, JavaScript, or dynamically-generated pages. This can impact SEO and performance.

Tips for Better SEO and Site Speed:

• Choose a solution with SEO-optimized pages, not iframe-based listings.
• Use lazy loading for images and listings grids.
• Integrate caching plugins like WP Rocket or W3 Total Cache.
• Frequently audit your site’s loading speed using tools like Google PageSpeed or GTmetrix.

The better your site performs and ranks, the more traffic and leads you’ll generate.

Mobile Responsiveness

Divi sites are responsive, and most IDX plugins are as well—but always verify. Check how listings display across devices, and make sure search tools are easy to use on mobile. You can use Divi’s built-in responsive preview options to test and tweak layouts for smaller screens.

Conclusion

Adding MLS listings to a WordPress site using Divi combines the best of real estate functionality and elegant design. With the right IDX plugin and a bit of layout magic via Divi, you can build a site that’s not only beautiful, but also informative, interactive, and user-friendly.

Whether you’re creating a site for your own real estate business or building one for a client, this integration adds immense value. With real-time listings, interactive search features, and customizable display options, your website can become a trusted hub for property seekers in your area.

So take the plunge, pick your IDX provider, fire up the Divi Builder, and start crafting an MLS-powered real estate website that converts visitors into clients!