Ever wanted to search for listings in multiple locations at the same time? Starting August 1st, users will be able to do that and more when RMLS™ rolls out an improved map search on RMLSweb!

New features of map search will invite users to create multiple shapes on a map, find a location by ZIP or address, view listing locations easily on a map, and more. This new map search tool will also utilize Bing Maps, completing our transition to Bing.

Here is a rundown of the changes:

Basic Map Search

When using map search on RMLSweb, users will now be able to draw multiple shapes on the same search map (at right). Each shape can be adjusted and deleted independently. Searches using two or more shapes will find listings in all of the map shapes. (Search results will still be limited to a maximum of 500 results.)

To adjust the side(s) of a shape, click and drag the edge. To delete a shape, click the X icon on the shape itself, or click the X button at the top of the map search to clear all shapes. A small box in the map search screen will help remind you how many shapes appear on your map.

Clicking “Count” at the top of the page will not only return the number of listings that meet the outlined criteria, but those listings will now be visible on the map in the form of location dots. Blue dots represent listings with the selected criteria that fall inside the selected map range(s), and gray dots represent listings with the selected criteria outside those range(s).

Clicking “Count” at the top of the page will now also save your search criteria.

Furthermore, the text box at the top of the map search screen can now be used to center a map on either a ZIP or full address! Street numbers entered alone will be treated as a ZIP code, so don’t forget to include city and state information. And don’t forget to add a comma before the city name (for example: 8338 NE Alderwood Rd, Portland OR 97220)

In addition to a standalone Map Search, this tool will also be embedded in Hotsheet, Open House, Broker Tour, and Actual Expireds. Advanced MLS will have a few additional features…

Advanced and Prospect Searches

Advanced Search and Prospecting searches will feature a new page layout due to the new map search. Area/Map Range will be moved further right on the interface, presenting the map when “Map Range” is selected.

Clicking on other criteria in these searches (price, year built, etc.) will present a pop-up box over the map (at right). Select criteria or click “Cancel” to access the main screen again.

If you’ve clicked “Count” and an error occurs (“ERR“), the space below the box further explain the error. A polygon that intersects itself may create search errors, for example.

Prospect searches already saved in RMLSweb should work as is with no adjustment needed for this updated search screen.

As always, users experiencing difficulty with the new map search or who have questions should contact the RMLS™ Help Desk at (503) 872-8002 or helpdesk@rmls.com.

RMLS™ is excited about the capabilities of this improved map search feature, and know our subscribers will benefit from these improvements!