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How to Use Exact vs Partial Match Settings to Personalize Searches and Boost Trust

Control how listings show up for buyers by sending only exact matches or broader options, helping you match clients’ needs and build credibility.

Quick Summary

With new Exact vs Partial Match controls in IntelliSearch, you can fine-tune saved searches, e-alerts, and community pages to show only exact matches or include close alternatives. This helps you tailor results to each client’s buying stage, keeping them engaged and confident in your expertise.

Why This Matters

Buyers need different things at different points in their journey.

  • Early-stage buyers often want to explore, see what’s out there, and adjust their priorities. Showing them a range of similar homes can help them figure out what matters most.

  • Late-stage buyers, on the other hand, are usually ready to act. They want listings that meet their exact criteria. Too many off-target results can feel sloppy, erode trust, or even push them to competitors.

This feature lets you adapt your strategy on a per-client basis, maintaining your professional credibility and supporting each buyer exactly where they are.

Micro-example:
Imagine a couple just starting their search for homes around $500k with at least 3 bedrooms. You might keep partial matches turned on so they can see what an extra $25k might get them, or how a 2-bedroom with a larger lot compares.
Later, when they’ve decided on must-haves, you can switch to exact matches so their inbox only fills with listings that fit perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Choose Match Types When Setting Up Saved Searches

  • When creating or editing a saved search for e-alerts or market updates, look for the new match type option.

  • Select either:

    • Only Exact Matches for buyers ready to make offers, or

    • All Match Types (exact + partial) for buyers who are still exploring.

Small scenario:
If your lead is moving across town and knows exactly what they want, using “Only Exact Matches” keeps your emails laser-focused and prevents confusion.

2. Configure IDX Community Pages

  • Edit your community pages to decide whether they display only exact matches or include close alternatives.

  • This is especially useful for neighborhood-focused pages that position you as the local expert.

Small scenario:
Set up your “Lincoln Heights” community page to show only exact matches in that area, reinforcing your reputation as the go-to agent for that neighborhood.

3. Use Visual Match Indicators in Conversations

  • On property result pages, you’ll now see clear labels showing whether a listing is an exact match or a partial match.

  • Point these out to clients to explain why a listing appeared, guiding them through the process and building trust in your tools.

Best Practices

  • Align with Lead Status:
    Use more flexible match types for leads tagged as “New” or “Nurture,” and tighten to exact matches for “Hot” or “Ready” leads.

  • Review Regularly:
    Markets change. Revisit saved searches every few weeks to ensure match types still fit your clients’ needs.

  • Use for Discovery Calls:
    When a buyer says, “I want to see everything around this price,” keep partial matches on. Later, once you’ve narrowed it down, update to exact matches to avoid overwhelm.

How This Helps Your Business

This feature helps you:

  • Build stronger relationships by tailoring the buying experience to each client’s stage.

  • Protect your reputation by avoiding irrelevant listings that make you look less precise.

  • Keep your Sierra website and CRM functioning as true lead engines, attracting prospects early and guiding them to close.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • If you still see partial matches after updating your settings, make sure you changed the match type on the specific saved search or community page. Global defaults won’t override these individual settings.

  • Existing saved searches keep their original behavior until you manually update them. This means older searches won’t automatically switch to your new match preferences.

  • If you’re unsure why certain listings are showing up, or need guidance on which match type is best for a client, Sierra Support is always here to help. They can review your settings with you to make sure everything’s working the way you expect.

FAQs

Q: What happens if I don’t change anything?
A: Your site will continue showing both exact and partial matches, just like before.

Q: Can I control this for each client?
A: Yes, you can adjust match types at the saved search level, letting you customize results for every lead.

Q: Will this change how buyers see listings on my site?
A: Only if you set your community pages or saved searches to exact matches. Otherwise, visitors will continue seeing a mix of exact and close results.