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Residents can find properties on your public website using several search methods. The search experience is designed to be intuitive for property owners, buyers, and anyone needing flood information.

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Search methods

Your public website supports multiple ways to find properties, depending on how your portal is configured. The primary search method is by street address:
  1. Enter the street address in the search bar
  2. Select from matching addresses as you type
  3. The property page opens with flood information
Tips for address search:
  • Start typing to see suggestions
  • Include street number and name
  • House numbers and unit numbers help narrow results
  • Street type (St, Ave, Rd) is optional but can help
Residents can browse the map and click directly on properties:
  1. Navigate the interactive map using zoom and pan
  2. Toggle map layers to see flood zones and boundaries
  3. Click on a property or parcel to select it
  4. The property page opens with details
Map navigation:
  • Zoom in/out with mouse wheel or zoom buttons
  • Pan by clicking and dragging
  • Click the location button to center on current position
  • Toggle layers in the layers panel
If enabled for your community, residents can search by parcel identification number:
  1. Enter the parcel ID in the search bar
  2. Select the matching parcel from results
  3. View the property details
Parcel ID search is useful for:
  • Professionals who work with parcel data
  • Matching records to tax assessor information
  • Finding properties with incomplete addresses
Parcel ID search must be enabled by your Customer Success Manager. Contact your CSM if residents need this search option.
Some communities enable block and lot number search:
  1. Enter the block and lot numbers
  2. Select from matching results
  3. View the property page
This search method is common in communities where block and lot is the primary property identifier.

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The explore page

The explore page provides a full-screen map experience for browsing properties: Features:
  • Large interactive map
  • Layer toggle panel for flood zones and other data
  • Basemap options (satellite, street, terrain)
  • Search bar for address lookup
  • Click-to-select property interaction
Available layers may include:
  • Flood zones (SFHA, X zones, etc.)
  • Parcels and property boundaries
  • Community boundaries
  • Infrastructure (if configured as public)
  • Custom layers configured by your community
Residents can combine map exploration with the search bar to navigate to specific areas and then browse visually.

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Search results

When a search matches a property: Single match:
  • Navigates directly to the property page
  • Displays property address as confirmation
  • Shows property location on the map
Multiple matches:
  • Displays a list of matching addresses
  • Residents select the correct property
  • Common for apartment buildings or similar addresses
No match found:
  • Message indicating no property was found
  • Suggestions to try a different search
  • Option to use the Get Help form for assistance

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What residents see after searching

After finding a property, residents land on the property details page showing:
  • Property address and location
  • Interactive map centered on the property
  • Flood zone information
  • Base Flood Elevation (if available)
  • FIRM panel reference
  • Public records attached to the property
  • Public files available for download
  • Actions like Get Help or submit EC (if enabled)
Learn more about viewing property details.

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Property not found

If a property cannot be found, residents see options to: Try another search:
  • Search a different address variation
  • Try parcel ID if available
  • Browse the map to locate the property
Request help:
  • Use the Get Help form
  • Contact information for your office
  • Explain what they’re looking for
Common reasons a property isn’t found:
  • New construction not yet in the system
  • Address variations or spelling differences
  • Property outside your jurisdiction
  • Property marked as hidden from public
If residents frequently cannot find properties, work with your Customer Success Manager to review your address data and ensure property records are complete.

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Bookmarking and sharing

Residents can bookmark or share property pages: Bookmarking:
  • Each property has a unique, permanent URL
  • Residents can bookmark for future reference
  • URLs remain consistent over time
Sharing:
  • Copy the URL to share with others
  • Send to insurance agents, contractors, or family members
  • Include in documentation or correspondence
URL format: 
https://[your-community].withforerunner.com/properties/[property-id]

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Mobile search experience

The public website search works on mobile devices:
  • Responsive search bar
  • Touch-friendly map navigation
  • Pinch-to-zoom on maps
  • Location services to find nearby properties
  • Full property details on smaller screens
Residents can search from anywhere using their smartphone, making it convenient for on-site property research.

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Language support

If your public website supports multiple languages:
  • Search interface available in selected languages
  • Address suggestions work across languages
  • Error messages and instructions translated
  • Property information displays in selected language
Residents can switch languages using the language selector, typically found in the navigation area.

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Troubleshooting search issues

Try:
  • Check spelling and try variations
  • Include or exclude apartment/unit numbers
  • Use the map to browse the area
  • Try parcel ID if available
  • Contact your office via Get Help for assistance
Try:
  • Be more specific with the address
  • Include unit or apartment number
  • Verify the street name is correct
  • Use the map to confirm the location
Try:
  • Check internet connection
  • Refresh the page
  • Try a different browser
  • Zoom to a smaller area
  • Disable some map layers
This may occur when:
  • The property is new and data is being added
  • Flood zone data is not yet available
  • Records or files have not been created
  • Contact your office for more information