NEW YORK — In a move that will make it easier for consumers to search for homes for sale, the Real Estate Board of New York has voted to implement Internet Data Exchange (IDX), a system employed in most U.S. markets that allows participating agents and brokerages to display properties represented by competitors on their websites.

Previously, REBNY members could provide public access only to listings pooled by the organization’s listing service, RLS, through virtual office websites, or VOWs, which require users to register.

Implementation of IDX, expected sometime in the fourth quarter, will make it possible for the public to search pooled listings anonymously on participating agent and broker websites.

David Walker, CEO of next-generation broker Suitey, said that many real estate websites operated by brokers and agents in New York City don’t allow consumers to search much more than their own listings. So the arrival of IDX, he said, could be a “really positive change.”

“There’s now an opportunity to build better products for consumers,” he said.

Because IDX is almost universally employed by associations and multiple listing services in markets around the U.S., it is supported by many vendors who build websites, mobile apps, and other tools for brokers and agents.

Depending on whether brokers take advantage of it, IDX could make their websites more competitive against third-party listing sites, like StreetEasy, which was acquired by Zillow last year, Walker said.

Diane Ramirez, CEO of Halstead Property, said IDX has the “potential of transforming the consumer search experience for anyone buying, selling or renting New York City real estate.”

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