Zillow customer service replies
I entered my home on Zillow using the cute "Make Me Move" feature. But I was surprised when Zillow had no info on my home built in 2004 or my neighborhood.
I wrote to Zillow: I am a realtor, however, accuracy is paramount. Construction started in my neighborhood, a very popular and well known subdivision in 2001 and there are over 400 homes and it isn't to be found on your website.
After 7 days, their computer generated reply finally came via email. Dear Zillow.com User,
Thank you for taking the time to contact us.
There are times when we don’t have the public records necessary to identify a house but do have a current image for the region. Our maps and home facts come from different sources. We regularly receive updated data so you may want to check back with us to see whether this house has been added to our database.
We are glad to inform you that you can still post your home for sale in the U.S. or set a Make Me Move™ price, even if the home is not in our database. As you go through the posting or Make Me Move process, just enter the address, identify the home's location on the map and the home will be added to the site.
Best regards,
Zillow.com Customer Service
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Gee, thanks! One week for an auto reply that says nothing of value. By the way, even the map they used had no detail of my entire neighborhood (the current image mentioned in the reply was likely from 2000 before the streets existed). So I can't even imagine what kind of response you might get if you questioned an inaccurate (Z)estimate that potentially devalues your property in the eyes and wallets of prospective buyers.
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Advances in technology should be embraced and the internet is changing the world for the better. I'm obviously not old enough to remember when newspapers began and readers likely believed whatever they read just because it was in print from a "trusted" authority. Information published in black and white then or digitally today doesn't automatically make something trusted or accurate without checking further.
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As Larry Cragun in Real Estate Undressed suggests with his very thoughtful post and credit for the picture as well, it is time for Zorro. Consumers: Since you have to live with Zillow you better hire Zorro
sellsius° takes another approach, total humor, here is one of several fun pics they're posting.
See them all at Real Estate Horror
70's and sunny again today and through the weekend, Charleston is a great place to live. See you Monday!