June 10, 2025
IMLS “AREA” Field Change Notice – Effective January 6, 2026
Effective January 6, 2026, the “AREA” field lookup values will no longer be available for listing input.
Why are we making this change?
The decision to remove the “AREA” field was driven by several factors:
- Increased Search Accuracy: Reduce inaccuracies occurring due to overlapping of boundaries. Zip codes are more precise and universally recognized for property searches (even with mixed urban/rural zip codes).
- Enhanced Adaptability to Growth and Change: As the IMLS service area expands and the Treasure Valley grows, area designations become increasingly outdated. Zip codes offer a more accurate and adaptable representation of physical locations.
- Improved Technological Compatibility and User Experience: Streamlining the user experience and ensures integration with modern mapping, apps
and search tools (Zillow etc.); which primarily rely on zip codes. The area designation field adds unnecessary redundancy to our search platform. It will also eliminate discontent and potential dissension within the IMLS constituency as to what subdivisions may or may not belong in an “area”. - Data Consistency and Analysis: Allows consistency across platforms; facilitating more precise data analysis, and better-informed decision-making based on market trends and demographics.
- Current Possible Affected Areas: South Meridian, Kuna, Eagle, Star, Boise NW, Filer/Hollister/Rogerson, Mayfield etc.
What Alternative Fields Can You Use? - Map Search: Draw custom boundaries for precise geographic filtering.
- City Search: Use this field for more specific standardized searches as it offers a recognizable, standardized geographical identifier that users are familiar with. It helps narrow down searches within specific urban or rural areas.
- Zip Code Search: Use this field for more specific standardized searches
Action Required – Update Your Saved Searches To avoid your clients receiving unnecessary email notifications, we kindly request you to update all your Active Saved Searches that currently use the “AREA” field. You can use the following alternative fields instead: “Map Search,” “City Search,” or “Zip Code Search.” By making these updates before January 6th, you will prevent your clients from being bombarded with emails due to the change.
Will the AREA field still be required while entering a listing?
No, this field will no longer be required for listing entries.
Will I still see the AREA field in the IMLS system?
No, the “AREA” field within Paragon will be removed.
What will happen to my saved searches with the AREA field?
Our IMLS vendor will remove the AREA field from the Search module. Therefore, it is important to update those searches (using either CITY, Zip Code, or Search by Map) before January 6, 2026.
Will I be able to input or modify my listings on January 6, 2026? Listing Entry and Listing Maintenance may be offline for a short period of time due to required upgrades. If so, more specific information will be provided in advance.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this update, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding during this transition. By embracing these changes, we can enhance the efficiency and accuracy of our IMLS system, benefiting all members.
Regards,
Willis Stone
IMLS Board of Directors – President
Rev. 6102025-1