Tags can automatically assign Listing Alert and Market Activity Alert templates to contacts on RealScout. This article covers how tag matching works, how to set it up, and how to troubleshoot common issues.

One tag connects everything. When a contact and a Template share the same tag, RealScout assigns that Template to the contact automatically. Tags are not case-sensitive, but spelling must match exactly.

Where this fits: this article is the how-to companion for setting up tag automation. For the full reference on Activity tags, Action tags, and the Tag Automations page, see Tag Automations: Activity Tags, Action Tags & How to Act on Them. For the questions agents ask most, see FAQ: Tag Automations, Tags & Templates.

Alert types overview

RealScout sends several types of email alerts to contacts:

Listing Alerts: Based on saved searches and tied to specific criteria, such as location or property type.
Market Activity Alerts (MAA): Provide updates on market activity within a broader zip code, which may include nearby towns.
Home Value Alerts (HVA): Sent to property owners based on their address. If a valuation cannot be generated, the system may default to sending a Market Activity Alert for the zip code.

How tag automation works

Rule	What it means
Match-based	If a contact tag matches a template tag, RealScout assigns that template's alert to the contact.
Runs hourly	RealScout checks for tag matches about once per hour.
Not case-sensitive	`BUYER` and `buyer` are treated the same.
Affects all contacts	A template tag matches both existing and new contacts, not just newly created ones.

Timing note: a tag match runs on the hourly cycle, but the first alert can take longer to arrive. Keep the Template's send new alerts next day setting enabled. If that setting is turned off, the first alert waits for the next regularly scheduled send, which can be up to two weeks away.

Broad tags cause mass assignments. Avoid using tags like Buyer or Seller on targeted templates. If many contacts already carry that tag, all of them will receive the alert automatically. A generic tag can also send the wrong market's search to many contacts at once, for example a Boston buyer receiving a San Diego search, so use a unique, specific tag per Template.

Set up tag automation

Step 1: Add tags to the template.

Click Alerts, then go to Templates.
Open Listing Alert Templates or Market Activity Alert Templates.
Open the template you want to use.
Add one or more Tags to the template. Use unique, purpose-built tags like LA_Oakland_600-900k instead of generic tags like Buyer.
Confirm the send new alerts next day setting is enabled so the first alert is not held for the next scheduled send.

Trigger automation on contacts

For new contacts: When creating a new contact, add a tag that matches a template tag. The template will be assigned automatically within the hour.

For existing contacts:

Go to Contacts.
Select the contact or contacts.
Add the same tag that exists on your template.
Wait up to 60 minutes for the hourly check.

Verify email alerts were assigned

Open the contact.
Check their Email Alerts tab.
Confirm the alert exists and matches the template criteria.

Troubleshoot common issues

Template tag is too broad: Alerts get assigned to many unintended contacts. Avoid common tags like buyer on targeted templates.
Tag mismatch: Check for spelling or punctuation differences. Case does not matter; spelling does.
Wrong alert assigned and no retroactive removal: There is no retroactive removal of a wrongly assigned alert. Removing the tag does not remove the alert it already created. Open the contact, go to their Email Alerts tab, and disable the incorrect alert there.
Wrong template type: Make sure you set the tag for the right group or segment so contacts receive the appropriate Listing Alert or Market Activity Alert.
Market Activity Alerts or Home Value Alerts showing off-area content: These alerts may include broader areas like nearby towns or zip codes. Adjust or disable them if they are causing unintended notifications.
Agent settings influencing non-search-based campaigns: Verify that the agent's default map or settings are not unintentionally triggering alerts.

Things to Know About Tags and Templates