Who This Is For
Buyers, renters, sellers using the RealScout search app with an agent
Users who need more than a single city, zip, or area in their search.
How It Works
In the RealScout home search app, you can draw a freeform shape on the map by dragging your finger across the screen. Once you tap Done, RealScout filters the listing results to only include properties that fall within the drawn boundary and match any other filters you have applied.
The shape can be cleared and redrawn at any time before saving. When you are ready to save, you assign the search a custom name, select an alert preference, and save. RealScout stores both the boundary and your filter settings so the search can be reused and will trigger alerts based on your chosen frequency.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Open the Map in the Home Search App
Open the RealScout home search app on your mobile device.
Navigate to the map view.
Step 2: Draw Your Shape
Place your finger on the map at the edge of the area you want to include.
Drag your finger along the boundary of your target area without lifting it.
Complete the shape by returning close to your starting point or by lifting your finger when the boundary is complete.
Tap Done to confirm the shape.
Tips:
Draw slowly and deliberately for more accurate boundaries.
You can clear the shape at any time and start over if the boundary is not correct.
Step 3: Apply Your Filters
After tapping Done, the map will display only listings that fall within your drawn shape.
Apply any additional search filters (price range, bedrooms, property type, etc.) to narrow results further.
Listings shown will match both the geographic boundary and all active filter criteria.
Step 4: Save the Search
When you are satisfied with the shape and filters, tap Save or the save option in the interface.
Enter a custom name for the search so it is easy to identify later.
Select your alert preference to choose how often you want to be notified about new or updated listings that match this search.
Tap Save to confirm.
Common Questions and Edge Cases
Can I edit the shape after saving?
You can clear the existing shape and redraw it before saving. Once a search is saved, you would need to delete the alert and start over (or ask your agent to edit for you).
Does the shape filter work alongside other filters?
Yes. The map shape sets the geographic boundary, and all other active filters apply within that boundary. Only listings that satisfy both the location shape and the filter criteria will appear in results.
What happens if I clear the shape?
Clearing the shape removes the drawn boundary. You can then draw a new shape. This does not affect any previously saved searches.
Can I save more than one custom map shape on a single search?
Not at this time. If your initial map shape is more complex or has breaks in it: multiple searches can be saved under different custom names, each with their own shape and filter settings.
Your RealScout agent can create a custom alert for you like this, but would need to know the general area from you. Message or Reply to them in RealScout to request this.
Does this work on desktop as well as mobile?
The drag-to-draw workflow described in this article applies to the mobile home search app. A related polygon drawing tool is also available on the desktop map view. See Related Workflows below.
Troubleshooting
The shape is not registering or is drawing inaccurately.
Make sure you are dragging continuously without lifting your finger until the shape is complete.
Avoid drawing too quickly. A slow, deliberate drag produces a more accurate boundary.
No listings appear after drawing the shape.
The drawn area may not contain any active listings that match your current filters:
Try widening your filters or adjusting the shape to include a larger area.
Confirm that your other active filters (price, beds, property type) are not excluding all available inventory.