The Account Provisioning Process

Working with Draft Accounts

Draft accounts provide a complete Buying Buddy environment for development without requiring client involvement:

Setting Up a Draft Account

1. Create the account through the Add Account option
2. Access the plugin installation instructions
3. Install on your development domain
4. Configure widgets with demonstration data
5. Complete site development and testing

Best Practices for Draft Accounts

• Set up all desired widgets during development
• Customize widget theme to fit your website design
• Use realistic demonstration data for accurate client previews

Upgrading Client Accounts

When your client is ready to move forward, upgrading the account initiates the transition to live MLS data:

Upgrade Process

1. Select the account from your dashboard
2. Choose the "Start Upgrade" option
3. Provide required information:
   • Managing broker name and email
   • Flex Login ID (for FLEX MLS users only)
   • Domain details (staging and production)
4. Select the billing arrangement:
   • Developer pays (you manage billing)
   • Client pays (client handles payment)
5. Submit the upgrade request

The upgrade process:

• Changes account status to "PENDING"
• Initiates the IDX approval process with the MLS
• Provides client access to their Buying Buddy account
• Maintains demonstration data until MLS approval completes

Required Information for Upgrades

Gathering complete information before starting the upgrade helps prevent delays:

• Broker Information: Legal name of managing broker and email address
• MLS Details: Which MLS(s) the client needs access to
• Domain Information: Production domain and any staging domains
• Billing Contact: Who will handle payment for the account
• Plan Selection: Which Buying Buddy plan meets client needs

Managing the IDX Approval Process

The IDX approval process varies by MLS but typically follows these steps:

1. Process Initiation: Depending on the MLS, either the agent/broker initiates the process by completing a form or accessing their MLS dashboard, or Buying Buddy submits the initial IDX license request
2. Agent/Broker completes and submits required documentation
3. MLS reviews and approves the license
4. Buying Buddy activates the live MLS feed

During this process:

• The account remains in PENDING status
• Widgets continue to function with demonstration data
• Progress is visible in your Developer Portal
• Clients can set up profiles and import leads

When approval completes, the system automatically transitions to live MLS data with no additional configuration required.