Spencer's Blog

On Fox Business News discussing a possible "double dip"

Spencer Rascoff (Zillow) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:01:16 -0600

Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog to receive updates.

Getting To The Top Of The Directory On Zillow

Spencer Rascoff (Zillow) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:22:32 -0600

Via Sara Bonert {Real Estate Internet Marketing} (Zillow):

This question came in from Karen Alterson a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Surf in Rockville Centre, NY. As it is a pretty common question, I thought I'd answer it on my blog, so multiple people can benefit from the answer.

Dear Zillow,

How do I get my name on the list of Realtors? And how do you get to the top???

Karen,

First of all, to get on the list, you simply have to create a free profile. All profiles are included in the Directory. To make sure you come up appropriately, make sure you completely fill out the fields like areas you specialize in and your marketing text. In the upper right hand corner, you'll see the Register button.

Helpful videos:

How to activate your account

Creating a free profile

With regards to sort, helpfulness and contributions to the site are big factors in determining the order.

Each listing and photo you add to the site are considered contributions. Also, in case you don't have listings, answering questions in our advice section are contributions. Also, once you contribute enough advice, you can be considered a Local Expert or All Star. You can sign up to receive emails whenever there is a question in your area to answer.

Helpful videos:

Zillow Advice overview

Becoming a Local Expert

Becoming an All Star

Hope that helps!

Sara
Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog and be notified when I post something new.

Connect with me on:

Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog to receive updates.

On CNBC discussing housing starts data

Spencer Rascoff (Zillow) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:17:18 -0600

And be sure to check out the Active Rain shout out 2:10 in -- "writes a blog for real estate professionals on ActiveRain"

Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog to receive updates.

Claremont CA Realtor Loves Zillow

Spencer Rascoff (Zillow) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:55:23 -0600

Tisza Major-Posner of the Route66 Living blog talks about why she likes Zillow. Taped at the NAR Convention in San Diego.

Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog to receive updates.

Understanding the Internet Buyer (NAR Convention Speech)

Spencer Rascoff (Zillow) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:30:04 -0600

Here is my presentation from the NAR Convention in San Diego, "Understanding the Internet Buyer". If you ever want me or someone from Zillow to present to agents in your office (in person or via webinar), please let me know.

Here's the video. It seems to crash the Firefox browser when I embed the video, so you'll have to watch it over on ustream.

Understanding the Internet Buyer

Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog to receive updates.

Portland Agent Loves Zillow

Spencer Rascoff (Zillow) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:04:25 -0600

Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog to receive updates.

Finding Zillow at the NAR Convention

Spencer Rascoff (Zillow) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:15:22 -0600

The NAR Convention in San Diego is more than halfway over, and our delegation of Zillowites has several thousand agents in just the last 2 days. If you are here and you haven't met one of us, here's where you can find us....

- Several of us are at Booth 3115 today, all day. Come by and pick up the best gift at the whole show -- Zillow hand sanitizer spray. And the show special -- 30% off Showcase Ads if you book today.

- Sara Bonert is on a panel with luminaries Rob Hahn, Eric Bryn, Jim Marks and Darrin Clement at 1:30pm today (Sunday) called "Going Beyond Listing Data". Room 6A.

- I'm giving a speech tomorrow morning (Monday) at 9am called "Understanding the Internet Buyer" wherein I'll share the secrets of how agents can bag these slippery fish. Room 25A.

And of course you can always find us on twitter.

Spencer Rascoff: @spencerrascoff

Sara Bonert: @sbonert

Drew Meyers: @drewmeyers

David Gibbons (who unfortunately isn't here at NAR with us): @davidgibbons

Greg Schwartz: @raves9

See you today and tomorrow...

Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog to receive updates.

Long Island Realtor with Coach Loves Zillow

Spencer Rascoff (Zillow) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:24:41 -0600

Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog to receive updates.

Sherry Adams (San Marcos Agent) Loves Zillow

Spencer Rascoff (Zillow) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:32:52 -0600

Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog to receive updates.

Analysis of high-end real estate

Spencer Rascoff (Zillow) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:29:54 -0600

"What's happening to higher end real estate?"

Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog to receive updates.

Find me at the NAR Convention

Spencer Rascoff (Zillow) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:47:42 -0600

I'm on a panel at 12:30pm on Friday in Room 6B on the Upper Level, talking about foreclosures.

And come by Booth 3115 tomorrow to meet several of us from Zillow.

Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog to receive updates.

On CNBC discussing high-end real estate

Spencer Rascoff (Zillow) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:35:58 -0600

Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog to receive updates.

Come meet Zillow at the NAR Convention this weekend

Spencer Rascoff (Zillow) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:59:46 -0600

Zillow will be out in full force at the NAR Convention in San Diego, Booth 3115.

Here are three of the people who will be there with me.

And of course, the world famous Sara Bonert will be there as well. And Greg Schwartz and Drew Meyers.

Come say hi.

Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog to receive updates.

Feature Request for MS Outlook: Autodelete to Keep Thread Current

Spencer Rascoff (Zillow) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:11:44 -0600

Here's a feature I'd like to see added to MS Outlook. (Perhaps it's already available in Xobni or some other Outlook add-on? As I understand it, Google Wave addresses this problem, but I don't want to switch all email communications to Wave...)

1. I receive email "A" from a sender, and 5 other people are also on the email.

2. Several "reply alls" ensue, and the email thread continues.

I want Outlook to automatically delete the older emails in the thread, as long as the newer emails contain all the same content and have the same exact recipients. In other words, I want Outlook to automatically do what I have to do manually:

- sort by subject and delete the previous emails in the thread, after checking to make sure that the newest email in the thread is complete.

Are you listening Microsoft?

Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog to receive updates.

Credit Suisse Real Estate Agent Survey

Spencer Rascoff (Zillow) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:16:00 -0600

Industry Realtor Survey 11-06-2009

Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog to receive updates.

New! Zillow Video Training Center - Your FAQ's Answered!

Spencer Rascoff (Zillow) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:43:06 -0600

Via Sara Bonert {Real Estate Internet Marketing} (Zillow):

I am so excited to announce that today the Video Training Centerlaunched on Zillow! There are a core group of questions we frequently get, and now we have a resource that answers them in the form of short videos.

Along with FAQs, there are videos that walk through some of the most used marketing tools and resources on the site.

The training center can be found at www.Zillow.com/Advertising/Videos .

And here is a laundry list of the type of content you'll find online. Let us know if we've missed anything you think Professionals want to know!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Welcome to Zillow Interact with Zillow through your computer, iPhone or e-mail. Watch these videos to learn the best ways to use the site.

Activate Your Account and Get Started

Why Brokers Use Zillow To Promote Listings

Zillow iPhone App

Short Introduction to Zillow

How to Get E-mail Alerts From Zillow

How to Find a Service Professional in the Directory

Understanding Zillow Data Data is the backbone of the Zillow Web site, with property records for 90 million homes. Discover how to interpret the numbers, edit online information, or use the data to view local real estate statistics and trends.

The Zestimate: A Guide For Real Estate Professionals

The Zestimate: A Guide For Homeowners, Buyers and Sellers

Local Pages: Discover Local Real Estate Trends and Statistics

Zilow Content For Your Web site

Give Your Home A 'Make Me Move' Price

My Estimator: Create Your Own Home Value Estimate

Correct Your Home's Location On The Map

Can Your Home Be Removed From Zillow?

How To Get Comps

Claim and Edit Your Home On Zillow

How Zillow Handles Duplicate Listing Data

Real Estate Advertising Make sure your listings and brand are receiving maximum exposure on Zillow by using innovative and ZIP-code targeted real estate advertising that can help your listings receive up to five times more traffic.

Real Estate Advertising

Best Practices for Advertisers

Zillow Marketing Opportunities Promote your listings, yourself, and your expertise on Zillow to the millions of people that visit the site each month. Watch these videos to learn how to effectively do this.

Introduction To Marketing On Zillow

How To Use Zillow Advice

Post Your Listings On Zillow

Create A Free Professional Profile

Promote An Upcoming Open House

How To Become a Local Expert

How To Become a Zillow All Star

Zillow Mortgage Marketplace Zillow Mortgage Marketplace allows borrowers to shop anonymously for customized mortgage quotes. Confirmed lenders interact with mortgage-shoppers in one of the most innovative and vibrant mortgage centers on the Internet. Learn how you can benefit:

Zillow Mortgage Marketplace Overview

Lender Rating System in the Zillow Mortgage Marketplace

Zillow Mortgage Marketplace Moderation Policies

Zillow Mortgage Marketplace Moderation Policies

Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog and be notified when I post something new.

Connect with me on:

Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog to receive updates.

Rich Barton (Zillow CEO) Speech at Startup Day (Sept09)

Spencer Rascoff (Zillow) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:21:08 -0600

Great speech by Rich Barton, Zillow's CEO.

A must-watch for any entrepreneur.

Video here.

Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog to receive updates.

October Traffic Numbers By City On Zillow

Spencer Rascoff (Zillow) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:28:07 -0600

Via Sara Bonert {Real Estate Internet Marketing} (Zillow):

Here are Zillow's local traffic numbers for the month of October. The numbers are down a little this month from our highs in July and August, but this is to be expected as we near the end of the year.

You can also find more traffic information directly on Zillow. If you go to any property on the site, click on Home Info in the left hand column, and scroll to the bottom of the page, you'll see that we publish a running traffic count for the home, zip, county, and state for the month.

Also, if you've created a free account on Zillow, we now send periodic traffic updates via email for your specific listings.

Zillow City Traffic For October 2009
Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog and be notified when I post something new.

Connect with me on:

Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog to receive updates.

On Good Morning America this weekend

Spencer Rascoff (Zillow) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:22:52 -0500

Here's the link to my appearance on GMA from this weekend.

Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog to receive updates.

Great real estate ad

Spencer Rascoff (Zillow) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:24:41 -0500

Hat tip to Joel Burslem.

Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog to receive updates.

Why Are My Listings Not Appearing On Zillow?

Spencer Rascoff (Zillow) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:11:14 -0500

Via Sara Bonert {Real Estate Internet Marketing} (Zillow):

I often get emails asking this question, and usually the answer is one of these three reasons:

1)      When creating an account on Zillow, it is essential that the agent register as a professional, not a standard user. When we get a listing feed, we match the email address on the listing with the email address on the profile. The reason we wouldn't post this listing online is that a standard user can't represent home that has a listing agent. So if listings aren't online, first make sure it is a professional account that has been created, and not a standard one. This is easily changed on the profile, or click the gray "flag" button and our customer service can assist with the switch.

2)      Often when I get this question, the listings actually are online, but they aren't in the My Listings section of the agent's profile. As mentioned in #1, we match the email address of the listing to the email address on the profile. It is important to create the agent profile using the same email address as what the feed provider has on record. For example, say a profile is created using the address sarab@yahoo.com, but then the franchise is giving us listings using sarab@era.com. The listings would be on the site, but the listings and profile would not be tied together. Again, this is easily corrected be updating the email address on the profile.

3)      Agents often assume that we are getting direct feeds from their MLSs, therefore the listings should be online. The truth is, only a handful of MLSs give us direct feeds. However, a large majority use syndication services on their members' behalf, like ListHub or Point2. Often with these services there is some type of opt-in required by either the agent or broker before the syndication can begin, so make sure the appropriate controls have been set up if you MLS is contracting with such syndication services.
Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog and be notified when there is something to read.

Connect with me on:

Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog to receive updates.

Zillow's new photo viewing on map page = important to include many photos

Spencer Rascoff (Zillow) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:53:45 -0500

We changed the user interface on Zillow for looking at photos on the Map & List page the other day, and it's pretty slick. The new site design makes it more important than ever to include all of your listing's photos -- we allow up to 50 photos.

Take a look:

Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog to receive updates.

Analyzing housing cycles abroad

Spencer Rascoff (Zillow) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:01:38 -0500

This study, "Booms and Busts in Housing Markets", from the European Central Bank (July 2009) provides an interesting look at housing cycles abroad. Specifically, it looks at long term trends in 18 countries from 1980-2007. Like most academic papers, it doesn't provide any earth-shattering analysis. But it does provide an interesting framework with which to understanding housing cycles, as well as a whole lot of proof of things that you probably already knew (e.g., interest rate policies affect housing booms).

Here is the most interesting graphic, and here is the full 50 page report.

Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog to receive updates.

List-to-sale price ratios

Spencer Rascoff (Zillow) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:39:41 -0500

One way to gauge the strength of a local real estate market is to look at the variance between the last listing price and the final sale price. Remember the good old days when homes actually sold for MORE than asking price? Ah, memories.

In the graph below, I compare list-to-sale price ratios over the last year for the US (red line), New York metro (yellow), Los Angeles metro (green), Chicago metro (grey) and Boston metro (blue). The metric divides the list price by the sale price so 1.0 would indicate that homes were selling for exactly the asking price and 1.1 would indicate that homes are selling for less than the asking price. (For example, if a home with a list price of $250,000 sells for $200,000, that would be a 1.25 ratio.)

So what does this chart say? It says that things are getting better, especially in Los Angeles. In LA, homes are basically now selling for their list price (1.01) whereas a year ago the ratio was close to 1.1 (meaning that the list price was 10% higher than the sale price). Nationwide, things appear to be getting better also -- the orange line is getting closer to 1.0. In Chicago, the asking price is still about 6% higher than the selling price.

[Want to embed free graphs like this in your blog posts? Learn how here.]

Median List / Sale Price Ratio

More US Home Values

Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog to receive updates.

Dolphins Beat Jets! (But not in home values)

Spencer Rascoff (Zillow) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:19:25 -0500

In honor of my Miami Dolphins' victory over the evil New York Jets tonight....

Here is the Zillow Home Value Index for Miami vs New York. As you can see, home values in New York (the yellow line) are well above the national average (the red line), while the steep decline in Miami home values has caused the median value of all homes there to now be lower than the USA. It also looks like home values in the New York area might have already bottomed, whereas Miami is still falling.

The good news for Dolphans is that it's a heck of a lot cheaper to buy a house in Miami than New York.

Go Dolphins!

[Learn how to embed graphs like these here.]

Zillow Home Value Index

More US Home Values

Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog to receive updates.