A user alert system is described herein that provides direct alerts to users of a real estate website each time a single event meets one of a user' s criteria. Unlike periodic summary reports that summarize all events within a regular time period, direct or “instant” alerts are delivered as soon as possible after a condition is met for a subject property or other source of the event, so that the user receives the most timely notification possible. Users can create a set of search criteria and then save the search for future reference. The user alert system leverages these search criteria to identify any item that matches the user' s search criteria and provide a real-time notification in a timely manner upon any real estate event occurring that matches the user' s search criteria. Thus, the user alert system allows users to find out about changes much more rapidly.