Understanding account context and filter management is crucial for developers working with client Wix sites. This guide explains the relationship between Buying Buddy accounts, saved filters, and authorized domains.
Understanding Account Context
Critical Concept: Saved widgets and filters must exist in the same Buying Buddy account as the website where they will be used. This is a fundamental security and authorization requirement.
How Filter Authorization Works
When you create a filter with ID 1234 that you want to use on realestatepro.com, that filter must exist in the client's Buying Buddy account (not your developer account). Filter ID 1234 will only function on websites authorized in that specific account.
Conversely, any filters you create in your developer account will only work on the authorized Wix websites shown in your developer dashboard.
MLS Data Context
Only the client's Buying Buddy account will display their MLS search forms in the Widget Wizard. When you create filters in your developer account, the Wizard uses demonstration MLS data fields instead of live MLS data.
Understanding Authentication Context
Understanding how authentication works in different contexts prevents confusion and ensures you're working in the correct account:
Wix Editor Wizard Access
- Automatic Authentication: Uses Wix website instance ID and domain name
- Always Connects To: The client's account that owns the website
- Independent Of: Your current Buying Buddy login status
- Cannot Connect To Wrong Account: The authentication is domain-specific
Menu Links from Wix App Dashboard
- Follows Your Login: Takes you to whichever Buying Buddy account you're logged into
- Potential Issue: May not be the client's account
- Solution: Always verify you're in the correct account after clicking menu links
Direct Buying Buddy Dashboard Access
- Manual Login Required: You must specifically log into the client's account
- Full Control: Complete access to edit saved widgets and filters
- Domain Context: Only affects websites authorized in that specific account
Two Methods for Creating and Editing Filters
Method 1: Working Directly in the Wix Editor
When to use: For quick widget creation and basic filter adjustments
Account Access: The Wix Editor has a direct connection with the client's Buying Buddy account, so you do not need to be logged into the client's Buying Buddy account separately.
How the Connection Works: The connection is established using the Wix instance ID and domain name to automatically authenticate with the associated Buying Buddy account. This makes it virtually impossible to connect to the wrong account when using the Wizard from the Wix Editor.
This authentication is completely separate and independent of whether you are logged into any Buying Buddy account - it's a direct, automatic connection with the account that owns the website.
Steps for Wix Editor Method:
- In the Wix Editor for the client website (e.g., realestatepro.com)
- Access the Buying Buddy Wix App Dashboard
- Click the Wizard button to create a new widget
- Complete the widget configuration and add directly to the Wix page
Important Limitation: The Buying Buddy Wix App Dashboard does not currently provide methods to edit saved widgets and filters through this interface.
Important: Understanding Menu Link Behavior
Potential Confusion: While the Wizard automatically connects to the client's account, menu links within the Wix App Dashboard will take you to whichever Buying Buddy account you are currently logged into.
Example Scenario: You are logged into your Developer Buying Buddy account and editing the client's Wix site:
- In the Wix Editor:
- Using the Wizard creates widgets from the client's account (correct behavior)
- Widgets get added to the client's website homepage automatically
- However, clicking menu items takes you to your developer account dashboard
- In Your Developer Account Dashboard:
- Any actions here apply to your developer domains only
- Nothing created here affects the client's website
Best Practice: Pay close attention to which account context you're working in when navigating away from the Wizard interface.
Method 2: Working from the Buying Buddy Account Dashboard
When to use: For editing saved filters, advanced widget management, and comprehensive filter control
Account Access Required: You must be logged into the correct Buying Buddy account to access the tools for creating and editing filters.
Steps for Dashboard Method:
- Login Process:
- First, login to your Developer Account
- Then, navigate to and login to the client's account (e.g., for client "Sarah Johnson")
- Create New Content:
- Use the Widget Wizard to create new widgets and filters
- Add widgets directly to the Wix Editor using the "Add to Website" option
- Edit Existing Content:
- Go to to edit existing filters
- Locate the filter ID you want to modify (e.g., Filter ID
1234) - Make your changes and save
- Refresh the client's website to see the updates applied
Practical Workflow Examples
Creating a New Widget for Client Site
Scenario: You need to add a new property search widget to your client's homepage.
- Open the Wix Editor for your client's website
- Click on an existing Buying Buddy widget and select "Manage"
- In the App Dashboard, click "Widget Wizard"
- Configure your widget settings:
- Choose widget type (Quick Search, Property Grid, etc.)
- Set MLS criteria and filters
- Configure layout options
- On the final step, either:
- Use "Add Widget" tab to add directly to your site, or
- Use "Get Filter" tab to copy the filter for manual application
Editing an Existing Widget Filter
Scenario: A widget on the client's site uses Filter ID 1234 and needs to be updated with different search criteria.
- Login to the correct account:
- Access your Developer Portal
- Navigate to the client's account
- Login to their Buying Buddy dashboard
- Edit the saved filter:
- Navigate to
- Locate and click "Edit" for Filter ID
1234 - Make your required changes
- Save the updated filter
- Verify the changes:
- Refresh the client's website
- The widget will automatically display with the updated criteria
Alternative Method: Replace Widget Filter
Instead of editing the saved filter directly, you can create a new filter and replace the existing one:
- Create new filter:
- Use the Widget Wizard to generate a new filter
- Copy the filter code from the "Get Filter" tab
- Apply to existing widget:
- In the Wix Editor, click the widget and select "Settings"
- Click the "Settings" tab to show the Widget Filter field
- Delete existing filter content and paste the new filter
- Save the widget settings
Navigation Quick Reference
In Wix Editor: Click any Buying Buddy widget → Manage → Widget Wizard
In Client's Buying Buddy Account: (create new) or (edit existing)
Widget Settings in Wix: Click widget → Settings → Settings tab → Widget Filter field
Common Troubleshooting Scenarios
Filter Not Working on Client Site
Issue: Filter ID 1234 displays no properties or shows an error
Solution:
- Verify the filter exists in the client's Buying Buddy account (not your developer account)
- Check that the website domain is authorized in the client's account
- Ensure you're logged into the correct account when editing filters
Wizard Shows Demo Data Instead of Client MLS
Issue: Widget Wizard displays demonstration MLS fields instead of client's actual MLS options
Solution:
- Ensure you're working in the client's Buying Buddy account, not your developer account
- Verify the client's account has completed MLS approval and activation
- Use the Wix Editor method if possible, as it connects directly to the client's account
Best Practices for Wix Development
- Plan Your Account Access: Determine whether you need to work in the Wix Editor or the Buying Buddy dashboard before starting
- Document Filter IDs: Keep track of which filter IDs are used on which pages for easy future reference
- Test After Changes: Always refresh the client's website to verify filter updates have been applied correctly
- Use Descriptive Filter Names: When creating filters, use clear names that indicate their purpose and location
- Client Communication: Inform clients when you make filter changes that might affect their website's property displays
Video Resources
Need Additional Help?
If you encounter issues not covered in this guide, please submit a help ticket with the following information:
- Client's website URL
- Filter ID or widget location causing issues
- Screenshots of any error messages
- Steps you've already attempted to resolve the issue
Our technical support team will be pleased to help with any specific scenarios or advanced configuration requirements.