Ask David: Why does the map pin matter if the address is correct on my listing? 

An incorrect map pin can cause your listing to be excluded from map-based searches, even when every other piece of listing data is correct. 

When entering a listing into NorthstarMLS Add/Edit, it’s easy to focus on required fields, photos, remarks and other listing details. However, one of the most important pieces of listing information is often overlooked: the map pin location. 

While map pins are typically generated using county and tax data associated with the property, you should never assume the pin is correct. The listing agent or subscriber entering the listing is responsible for verifying that the map pin accurately represents the property’s location before the listing goes Active. 

It may seem like a small detail, but an inaccurate map pin can impact listing visibility, search results, compliance and the overall integrity of MLS data. 

Importance of Verification 

In most cases, NorthstarMLS receives location information from county and tax records, which are then used to place the property’s map pin. While these data sources are generally reliable, they are not perfect. 

New construction, recently split parcels, acreage properties, address changes, mapping discrepancies and county data errors can all result in a pin being placed in the wrong location. 

That’s why verifying the map pin is such an important part of the listing input process. A quick review can help identify errors before they affect the listing’s visibility and discoverability. 

Incorrect Map Pins Can Affect Listing Visibility 

One of the most significant consequences of an incorrectly placed map pin is that the listing may not appear in map-based searches. 

Many MLS users rely on map searches to identify properties within a specific area. Agents frequently draw custom search boundaries around neighborhoods, cities, developments, school districts, lakes, rivers and other geographic features to find properties that meet their clients’ needs. 

If a listing’s map pin falls outside of the area being searched, the listing may not appear in the results, even if the property itself is actually located within that area. 

Consider a waterfront property on a popular lake. An agent searching for lakefront homes may draw a map shape around the body of water and the surrounding shoreline properties. If the property’s map pin is incorrectly located several miles away due to a data or mapping error, that listing may be excluded from the search results entirely. 

The property is still on the lake, but because the map pin is outside the search area, agents and buyers searching that location may never see it. 

The same issue can occur with searches focused on neighborhoods, developments and other custom map boundaries. 

Good Data Starts at Listing Input 

Accurate map pins are about more than search results. They also play an important role in maintaining the quality and integrity of NorthstarMLS data. 

Geographic information is used throughout the MLS ecosystem, including: 

• Map-based property searches 

• Statistical reporting and market analysis 

• Broker and agent websites 

• Consumer-facing real estate portals 

• Listing displays and geographic filters 

When map pins are inaccurate, the quality of that information is diminished. 

Verifying map pin locations helps ensure: 

• Listings appear in the correct geographic location 

• Map searches return accurate results 

• Buyers and agents can find relevant properties 

• Geographic reports and analytics remain reliable 

• Subscribers and consumers can trust the information provided by NorthstarMLS 

For more help with map pins, check out these articles: 

Ask David: How do I move the map pin location in Add/Edit?
Ask David: How are map pins and geocodes set for listings in NorthstarMLS? 

A Simple Step That Makes a Difference 

Before changing a listing to Coming Soon or Active status, take a moment to verify the map pin location. Zoom in on the property, confirm the pin is positioned correctly and make any necessary adjustments before saving the listing. 

The process only takes a few seconds, but it can have a significant impact on listing visibility, search accuracy and data quality. 

The Bottom Line 

NorthstarMLS typically receives map pin locations from county and tax data, but no automated system is perfect. The responsibility for verifying the property’s location ultimately rests with the subscriber entering the listing. 

Before submitting your next listing, take a few extra moments to verify the map pin. It’s a simple step that helps ensure your listing appears where it should, reaches the right audience and contributes to the accuracy and integrity of the NorthstarMLS database. 

Need Help? 

For questions, contact the NorthstarMLS Help Desk at help@northstarmls.com or call 651-251-5456.

For MLS compliance, contact the Rules and Regulations department at rules@northstarmls.com or call 651-251-3210.