REDFIN Cherry-Picked the Data for their Scouting Reports

REDFIN Cherry-Picked the Data for Their Scouting Reports

I was one of the privileged to be included in REDFIN’s recent scouting report. First, my production stats they posted were incomplete and inaccurate. Then after an email, it was updated to include sold homes, but only for the last two years. The data for expired and cancelled listings was left out.

REDFIN maintained whatever the stats are for an agent is what comes from the MLS. Why then didn’t they post the stats on all my cancelled, withdrawn and expired listings? Why leave that data out? It’s in the MLS. Any agent who has access to the MLS can pull that information.

Even after the fix, my reported stats were incomplete. They included at the bottom in tiny print that according to local MLS rules stats for only last two years are allowed to be posted. Really? My MLS rules say that? As far as I know, any data that is put in the MLS stays there for as long as there is the MLS.

If REDFIN is intent in maintaining the data in their scouting report is what it is from the MLS, then why isn’t all the data included? Perhaps they cherry-picked the data so they could keep their website nice and tidy. Imagine if they included all the cancelled, withdrawn and expired listings of all the agents? It’d probably crash their system.

REDFIN used the scouting report to promote their business model, their method of selling real estate in a crude business tactic: ridicule the competitor to make their business look better. My question is how low does a company have to go?

I am a member of NAR and my local board. The Code of Ethics prevents me (provided I want to follow the Code of Ethics, which I do) from slandering other agents and posting, publishing, or otherwise making known their sales numbers to the public/consumers, advertising another brokerage’s listings as if they are my own, with the intent to mislead the public. REDFIN is guilty of all of that, and probably more.

I’m glad REDFIN shelved their scouting report. It was a poor idea at best. MLS stats don’t tell the whole story of an agent’s business and competency. Although I use the MLS, as most local agents do, it is not the only method of selling real estate. As there are agents who can attest, real estate can be sold without using the MLS, just like a purchase contract can be written on a napkin.

I hope REALTORS® everywhere stick together on this one and not back down. There’s no reason we should take bullying by a corporation. I suggest we open communication with our local boards, MLS, and real estate attorneys.

Pamela Seley, REALTOR®
Short Sale Resource | CA DRE lic # 01824145
www.temeculavalleyhome.com | Dir 951.491.4063 | Email pamelaseley@gmail.com

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