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Replies (20)
- reneburchell
- Contributions:4
realtor.com may be of help, but to get the most accurate sold history in your area you may need to contact a local realtor to pull recent active/solds in your area. Hope this is helpful.
- Tiffany Bond, "TiffanyBond"
- Contributions:3010
Unfortunately, a lot of the data comes from MLS feeds - so the data is likely the same on all sites and Zillow can't control that input. There is certainly a variance in the quality of data agents choose to input. Without going through and scolding agent by agent, there isn't much that could be done. I have noticed sites that are supposed to have the "best" data, like realtor.com, have the same problem. Even going directly through the MLS I have had the same issue.
Being trained to properly input data and market a home was not a part of the licensing exams I have taken, and I would imagine that holds true through most regions.
A long way to say, it's a user-input issue out of Zillow's control, and a real estate regulation issue if it's ever addressed.
At least Zillow gets points for including more data than most sites, like walk score, sale history, etc.
Being trained to properly input data and market a home was not a part of the licensing exams I have taken, and I would imagine that holds true through most regions.
A long way to say, it's a user-input issue out of Zillow's control, and a real estate regulation issue if it's ever addressed.
At least Zillow gets points for including more data than most sites, like walk score, sale history, etc.
- Maria Morton, "MariaMorton"
- Contributions:716
Maybe that's part of the reason most buyers find that working with a Realtor makes sense. They get accurate information.
I don't where Tiffany studied/trained, but here we do learn how to properly list and market a home. We also agree, in writing, to follow the MLS rules; if we do not, we can be fined or lose our privileges.
I don't where Tiffany studied/trained, but here we do learn how to properly list and market a home. We also agree, in writing, to follow the MLS rules; if we do not, we can be fined or lose our privileges.
- Tiffany Bond, "TiffanyBond"
- Contributions:3010
@ Maria
I have had access to multiple MLSs. Unfortunately, most of the trainings I have attended have been exceptionally minimal. They show you where the buttons are, but not how to take a proper photo, to enter large amounts of specific data, etc. I have also shopped for and own property in multiple jurisdictions. Because a policy isn't on the books, doesn't mean it is enforced (due to a variety of reasons, including desire, manpower, yadda, yadda).
Some examples: in the Seattle area, last time I checked you must have a photo of the exterior of the home or the view from the home as the first photo - this is chronically breached as agents decide some other feature is more important. In Philly, row homes are often listed as condos, though they are usually not. In Portland, ME - similar issue, many single family homes have been made into condos, but are listed by agents as single family - as are mobiles frequently listed as single family. These are issues directly in the data feeds and not from Zillow. They also show on realtor.com and other sites.
Don't even get me started on typos! I have seen a lot of panty (er, pantry) in the MLS and other chronically wrong word usage. Many agents just don't take the time to properly market the houses they have listed, or at a least have a different perspective on the minimum bar than others. Another classic example I ran across recently was an agent who only included two very poor interior photos because he felt "that no one would take the time to see the house if you showed them what it looked like." This was a gorgeous house that got little traction because of a poor marketing choice.
I have had access to multiple MLSs. Unfortunately, most of the trainings I have attended have been exceptionally minimal. They show you where the buttons are, but not how to take a proper photo, to enter large amounts of specific data, etc. I have also shopped for and own property in multiple jurisdictions. Because a policy isn't on the books, doesn't mean it is enforced (due to a variety of reasons, including desire, manpower, yadda, yadda).
Some examples: in the Seattle area, last time I checked you must have a photo of the exterior of the home or the view from the home as the first photo - this is chronically breached as agents decide some other feature is more important. In Philly, row homes are often listed as condos, though they are usually not. In Portland, ME - similar issue, many single family homes have been made into condos, but are listed by agents as single family - as are mobiles frequently listed as single family. These are issues directly in the data feeds and not from Zillow. They also show on realtor.com and other sites.
Don't even get me started on typos! I have seen a lot of panty (er, pantry) in the MLS and other chronically wrong word usage. Many agents just don't take the time to properly market the houses they have listed, or at a least have a different perspective on the minimum bar than others. Another classic example I ran across recently was an agent who only included two very poor interior photos because he felt "that no one would take the time to see the house if you showed them what it looked like." This was a gorgeous house that got little traction because of a poor marketing choice.
- Tiffany Bond, "TiffanyBond"
- Contributions:3010
Teaches me to post when I can't sleep...."because a policy *is* on the books..."
Also, this doesn't mean that a high percentage of agents aren't doing their jobs well. Rather, that just enough to be highly annoying to someone searching are not. If only 5% of listings in an MLS have problems or are poorly done, and a good portion happen to fall within one market segment because a particular agent or broker who doesn't pay attention or thinks their way is better than MLS policy/way happens to list a lot of homes in one area and/or price range, it can seem like every listing is a dud.
Also, this doesn't mean that a high percentage of agents aren't doing their jobs well. Rather, that just enough to be highly annoying to someone searching are not. If only 5% of listings in an MLS have problems or are poorly done, and a good portion happen to fall within one market segment because a particular agent or broker who doesn't pay attention or thinks their way is better than MLS policy/way happens to list a lot of homes in one area and/or price range, it can seem like every listing is a dud.
- Rachel Sartain, "Rachel Sartain"
- Contributions:408
Zillow recently started charging users for adding listings or updating their listings on here. This may also account for the innacuarate or incomplete information. As a Realtor, I can no longer 'enhance' the information pulled through the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) for our local Multiple Listing System (MLS).
- James Dunn, "DunnRealtors.com"
- Contributions:373
I think you were misguided in you initial expectations of Zillow. When discussing Zillow with most people, I tell them that it is for "entertainment purposes only". Zillow itself has a disclaimer stating that their information isn't 100% accurate and should only be used as a starting guide in determining the value of a home.
If you want true, reliable information, seek out the assistance of a trained, professional real estate agent. Zillow does have a lot of valid content on it's site, but you have to know how to weed through what's useful and what's a waste of time, and real estate agents have other sources of information that will provide you with much better results than you will get on this site, or any other for that matter.
If you are just 'window shopping' or being a 'nosy neighbor' wondering what the guy next door's house is worth, then Zillow is for you. If you are seriously looking to buy or sell a home, then you need to stop playing around and hire a professional.
If you want true, reliable information, seek out the assistance of a trained, professional real estate agent. Zillow does have a lot of valid content on it's site, but you have to know how to weed through what's useful and what's a waste of time, and real estate agents have other sources of information that will provide you with much better results than you will get on this site, or any other for that matter.
If you are just 'window shopping' or being a 'nosy neighbor' wondering what the guy next door's house is worth, then Zillow is for you. If you are seriously looking to buy or sell a home, then you need to stop playing around and hire a professional.
- wetdawgs
- Contributions:26854
The quality of data in Zillow depends on the quality of data agents and home owners and assessor's put into their systems.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of typos/errors and sometimes perhaps intentional exagerations. There are a lot of agents who leave properties listed "for sale" for months if not years after they've been sold, there are many who have no idea how Zillow works so change price in one source and not another. So, if an agent says "its not the agents" or snarky comments such as "I don't know where X trained", they aren't seeing that their colleagues are a big part of the problem. (I am NOT an agent nor other professional in the real estate zoo.)
There are also errors in the MLS. As an example, a few years ago when we were looking, 2+ toilets was a non-negotiable must. Two of the 15 houses we saw claiming 2+ toilets had only one. That is only one of the dozens of factual errors encountered in those 15 listings.
So, there is no on-line source that is fully accurate. There is no agent with 100% reliability. The consumer has to have a big filter and patience.
Good luck in your search. Zillow is a good tool for some comparisons of properties. Your search is strengthened by using many tools, and not ignoring one because it doesn't mean all your needs.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of typos/errors and sometimes perhaps intentional exagerations. There are a lot of agents who leave properties listed "for sale" for months if not years after they've been sold, there are many who have no idea how Zillow works so change price in one source and not another. So, if an agent says "its not the agents" or snarky comments such as "I don't know where X trained", they aren't seeing that their colleagues are a big part of the problem. (I am NOT an agent nor other professional in the real estate zoo.)
There are also errors in the MLS. As an example, a few years ago when we were looking, 2+ toilets was a non-negotiable must. Two of the 15 houses we saw claiming 2+ toilets had only one. That is only one of the dozens of factual errors encountered in those 15 listings.
So, there is no on-line source that is fully accurate. There is no agent with 100% reliability. The consumer has to have a big filter and patience.
Good luck in your search. Zillow is a good tool for some comparisons of properties. Your search is strengthened by using many tools, and not ignoring one because it doesn't mean all your needs.
- Vince Curtis, "SoCal Appraiser"
- Contributions:4701
You raise good points...these are all Zillows downsides currently, I hope they fix them. But I think all the sites may be worse. Report back and let us know...
- Rudi Hofmann, "LUXURY HOME LOANS CA"
- Contributions:7435
Messsi !,
If you truly wish to search for homes on a site with no commentary, but excellent source of information, I suggest www.listingbook.com. A close runner up is www.realtor.com ..... Happy house hunting, Rudi
If you truly wish to search for homes on a site with no commentary, but excellent source of information, I suggest www.listingbook.com. A close runner up is www.realtor.com ..... Happy house hunting, Rudi
- sara bonert, "Sara Bonert"
- Contributions:920
Sara from Zillow here. Thanks for your comment, as someone who works directly with the hundreds of feed providers we ingest every day, I feel your pain in getting this corrected since we can only display what we are given.
Few points:
- The 'single family home' designation is given to us by what the country has the home designated as in their records.
- I try to work with Partners to clean up their feeds to not send Rentals as For Sale (this is a coding thing in their feed). But as a user, you can filter your search to a price range. Since Rentals are usally a much lower price than homes which are For Sale, setting a min search usually does the trick.
-"call us and we will give you more!" If you see these and they are not true listings, Flag It. We contact the feed provider and get them to correct it.
Few points:
- The 'single family home' designation is given to us by what the country has the home designated as in their records.
- I try to work with Partners to clean up their feeds to not send Rentals as For Sale (this is a coding thing in their feed). But as a user, you can filter your search to a price range. Since Rentals are usally a much lower price than homes which are For Sale, setting a min search usually does the trick.
-"call us and we will give you more!" If you see these and they are not true listings, Flag It. We contact the feed provider and get them to correct it.
- sara bonert, "Sara Bonert"
- Contributions:920
Comment to Rachel - This is not true. There is no cost for an agent to come on Zillow and "enhance" their listing. We display whatever we are given, from unlimited photos to open house into to virtual tours. And agents are welcome to come add even more photos or tour links and dates to what is provided in the feed.
It is important that an agent's email address on their profile matches the email address on their listing for them to have access to do so.
It is important that an agent's email address on their profile matches the email address on their listing for them to have access to do so.
- Lisa Fox, "Lisa.fox"
- Contributions:49
I agree with Maria that if an agent feels they dont have the training in their area, then they need/should go and get it. WIth photos, practice makes perfect. We are fortunate to have an excellent Board of Realtors here in Cincinnati that offer multiple classes on how to input, search, edit, etc for mls, among other very useful classes to keep us current and effective for our clients. I think zillow has developed by leaps and bounds from where they were when I first got into the industry. It does draw from mls, but just as you would update fliers, mls sheets, other sites, etc, so should any agent be responsible for going in and editing their listings when need be on ANY site where you are marketing. I just changed a price reduction on one of my listings that I noticed hadn't transferred from mls (no fee and took about 12 seconds). I think if more agents took ownership, maybe that would alleviate some of the issues. Realtor.com is another great site. Hope this helps.
- John Sefton, "Your Realtor John"
- Contributions:106
More reliable and more current searching can be done with the direct MLS search sites that many Agents have. The MLS (Multiple Listing Service) is the official real estate market used by agents and which agents are required to update within certain time limits when there are changes in status, price, etc.
Zillow does not seem to update their database very quickly for pending and sold listings, and also pulls listings from other sources besides the MLS. Sometimes these wind up being orphaned listings after they are sold or taken off the market if whoever listed it forgets about it, or they may be "Leader Specials" designed to draw prospects and not subject to the MLS guidelines and controls.
The search website I use, if you want to try it, can be found at CaliforniaCoastline.net. This has a direct link to the SoCalMLS, which covers Orange County, Los Angeles County, Inland Empire. For other areas, look for a local Realtor in your area of interest with an MLS search site.
Zillow does not seem to update their database very quickly for pending and sold listings, and also pulls listings from other sources besides the MLS. Sometimes these wind up being orphaned listings after they are sold or taken off the market if whoever listed it forgets about it, or they may be "Leader Specials" designed to draw prospects and not subject to the MLS guidelines and controls.
The search website I use, if you want to try it, can be found at CaliforniaCoastline.net. This has a direct link to the SoCalMLS, which covers Orange County, Los Angeles County, Inland Empire. For other areas, look for a local Realtor in your area of interest with an MLS search site.
- wetdawgs
- Contributions:26854
@John: Zillow displays what they are giving, so if they are picking up orphan listings because the agents haven't cleaned them up, then their data are bad. Agents like to blame zillow, but interestingly all the tools are there for the agents to keep Zillow in top form.
- John Sefton, "Your Realtor John"
- Contributions:106
I agree, Wetdawgs. I was not trying to put the blame on Zillow, I was just explaining what happens. The MLS went through the same problem for many years before it got cleaned up, and it is still far from perfect, but it is relatively more accurate than other sources because of its controls.
- Coleen Donovan, "Plano Real Estate"
- Contributions:88
[content removed by moderator due to self-promotion]
- btsloss
- Contributions:1
As a newbie Zillow user, I disagree with the original poster. The data here is has been incredibly useful, and the Zillow estimates are usually very accurate w.r.t. sales prices I see. I expect Zillow will have some issues with people attempting to game their data feeds and valuation algorithms -- every successful information aggregation company has these issues, even Google -- but that's one of the prices of success.
Cheers,
Ben Treynor Sloss
Cheers,
Ben Treynor Sloss
- Tiffany Bond, "TiffanyBond"
- Contributions:3010
@ Lisa
I'm all for continuing education...but that doesn't mean that being well-educated in all facets of real estate is a minimum requirement. It's sort of like driving in the snow - I can control my car and handle when it does something unexpectedly. However, I cannot control the driving skills of others. My point was that a substantial amount of agents do the bare minimum required to keep their license, and the minimum to keep one's license still does not require many fundemental skills to be mastered (or even attempted). The end result is that there are a good amount of people with a license that do not know how to do the basics of their job - and it tends to show up to the public when they have access to more information from the MLS.
Bad comes with the good.
I'm all for continuing education...but that doesn't mean that being well-educated in all facets of real estate is a minimum requirement. It's sort of like driving in the snow - I can control my car and handle when it does something unexpectedly. However, I cannot control the driving skills of others. My point was that a substantial amount of agents do the bare minimum required to keep their license, and the minimum to keep one's license still does not require many fundemental skills to be mastered (or even attempted). The end result is that there are a good amount of people with a license that do not know how to do the basics of their job - and it tends to show up to the public when they have access to more information from the MLS.
Bad comes with the good.
- Jesse Madison, "Jesse Madison"
- Contributions:143
Good answers here. But you need to know that Zillow will pull listings from various sources and some are not updated frequently. The most reliable source is the MLS. Its best to contact a realtor that can either give you info or they can set you up with MLS access through their site. Let me know if you need help with this as I can give my buyer clients MLS access that is accurate and easy to navigate.
Zillow Losing It's Credibility and Reliability?
-Mobile or prefabbed homes being listed as single family homes.
-Homes for rent listed as being for sale.
-Condos or town homes being listed as single family detached homes.
-Listing with minimum or useless information, (call us and we will give you more!)
-Other sites or agents using Zillow as an advertising link.
I can go on.... IT'S LIKE GOING TO A CAR DEALER TO BUY A HOME. UGGGHHH.
All this has and is devaluing Zillow. It's too bad but I am looking for another site to get my info and home shopping done.
Anyone aware of another site better than this?
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