Zillow using that 'F' word! They're falsely reporting owners in Foreclosure
I often tell people to not search for homes on Zillow and other large search engines. This article is exactly why they should not. There are many reasons but most are full of Phantom and Stale Listings. The longer you stay at their web site looking at really cheap and great homes (and cannot figure out why I have not shown them to you) the more money they make on advertising.
The MLS is the best source (but still not perfect) of available homes. When you call me for help this is where I search and send you listings from.
To get an honest list of homes for Sale Click Here to Search Homes Now (Contra Costa and Alameda Counties) or e-mail me and tell me what you want in a home. Or better yet just call 925-260-4321 and get shopping now!
Fair warning, some agents, brokers, and large real estate firms do the same thing as these National Search Engines.
Zillow using the 'F' word - Falsely reporting owners in foreclosure
NBC News Chicago has taken up the story where Zillow has incorrectly reported homeowners in theirsystem as being in foreclosure. On top of making this just maddening, the homeowners really have no recourse with the company because Zillow will not say where the incorrect data comes from. So like a 'reporter standing before the court', Zillow gets to keep it's incorrect resources quiet.
But that's really the whole problem with the Zillow system. You should not report data that can't easily be corrected. There is an example in the video of a homeowner that has tried to do just that but since Zillow doesn't know 'where' the information came from it makes it difficult to correct. I don't know about you but I would think it mandatory that they correct the info immediately!
Even though the investigative report makes mention that the homeowners credit report is not harmed, I personally know that homeowners are getting harassed. Once your name is in the system as a foreclosure you are inundated with calls, mail, visits at all times of the day by people just 'looking' at your home. Some are even bold enough to approach and ask you if they can buy your house!
Here's a great example of these vultures in action. My neighbor has been foreclosed on and has moved from her home months ago leaving it vacant. I can't tell you how many people come to peek into MY windows and then ask about her house. Now being a Realtor®, I know what is going on and some of their questions range from the ridiculous to the brutally honest.The point being, people are watching you
and your children which to me is the really scary part. If your address would not have been published in Zillow you would just be another anonymous homeowner that no one would pay attention to.
The homeowner in the report tried to get the information corrected but didn't seem to get anywhere until the news team got involved (gee, really?) despite Zillow saying they swiftly correct all mistakes.
Lyn Sims ● Schaumburg IL Area ● Northwest Chicago Suburbs ● (847)230-7324
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