In this video, we’ll look at how to draw a shape on the map and use it as part of your search criteria. We’ll also look at how to save that shape so you can use it as part of any future search you create.
On this quick search, I’ve already selected the residential template and put in some criteria to find single family homes with four plus bedrooms, four plus bathrooms between six hundred dollars and eight hundred thousand dollars When there are less than one thousand results, I’ll see them plotted on the map. If I’d like, I can use the map to add additional search criteria.
There are three tools for drawing on the map: the rectangle, the circle, and the freeform polygon. In this example, we’ll look at the freeform polygon. Perhaps I’d like to look for listings in a location that’s not designated as an MLS area or subdivision. This is a perfect opportunity to use the Freeform Polygon. I can zoom in on the particular location I want to look at. Then, click on the Freeform Polygon tool.
Now when I click on the map, it will set a point. When I click again, it will set an additional point and draw a line between the points that I’ve set.
I can trace the outline of the area that I would like to create.
Once I’ve finished drawing my shape, double click. Now the search is looking for the search criteria I’ve applied on the left within the shape that I’ve drawn. If I’d like to save the shape so I could use it again in the future on any search that I start, I can find the shape named Polygon in my search criteria at the left. Click on the shape you just drew. To give the polygon a name, click on Edit.
Type in the name. I can see that the polygon’s name has been updated. Now that I’ve named the shape, I can click on Save to Map Overlay. I can add this to an existing group of overlays or start a new group of overlays. In this example, I’ll create a new overlay called Parks. Then, I’ll click Save. My new shape, Orchard Glen, can now be found in my Parks overlay.
Now, when I begin a new search, I can use that overlay as part of my search criteria. Regardless of which search template I’m using, there is always a location bar at the top of the search template. Click in the location bar and start typing in the name of the overlay. When I see it appear in the results, double click to add it to the search.
This concludes the tutorial on creating and saving custom map overlays. Thank you.
