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Paying for Zillow Reviews...Why am I shocked?

By
Managing Real Estate Broker with NextHome Experience 17050

After 26 years in the real estate business, I don't know why I continue to be surprised by the steps some people will take to get "a leg up" on their competition.

Last week I attended the RE/MAX convention in Las Vegas. Meeting new people and hearing what's going on in their markets is one of the things I most enjoy about these get-aways.

On the last night there, I was told about a Team who pays $5.00 to anyone who will write a zillow review for them. 

 

Not only do they ask, but they publish this "offer" on their Facebook page. 

Am I the only one who has a problem with this? 

Not only are they undermining the value of a legitimate review but they are reinforcing (in my opinion) the "slimy" under-handed reputation I thought our industry was finally beginning to rise above. 

Seriously, am I just old-fashioned in my thinking or am I being naive? 

 

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Thanks for reading!

 

 

 


 

 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Colleen Fischesser REMAX

 Serving the beautiful Pacific Northwest Since 1990!

 

Colleen M. Fischesser, Managing Broker

RE/MAX Advantage, L.C.

Serving Seattle and the Chelan Valley

206-491-3819  (Cell/Text Seattle)

509-699-1611 (Cell/Text Chelan)

 

 www.ColleenFish.com

www.ChelanPropertyShop.com

www.NWPropertyShop.com 

 ___________________________________________________________________________________________

This is a personal blog based on my opinion and experience in the real estate industry. All content is provided for informational purposes and should not be construed as legal, financial or tax advice. Laws, industry practice standards and procedures vary by state. Readers are advised to contact appropriate third parties for professional advice when needed. Any questions please let me know!

 

Comments (6)

Dan Hopper
Dan Hopper - Gold Way RE - Westminster, CO
Colorado Broker / Referral Services

I guess it ends up being NO different than paying for referrals... other than that is NOW frowned upon!!  Dealt with that back in the 90's!!

Mar 08, 2016 12:01 AM
Colleen Fischesser Northwest Property Shop

Hi Dan, 


I think it's very different because in the case of the review, the person should have had an actual experience with the Realtors being reviewed. This team is basically paying for false reviews. Again, maybe things have changed that much? 

Mar 08, 2016 12:39 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hmm, haven't heard about anyone doing that, Colleen, but it feels wrong. But guess I am not surprised.

Jeff

Mar 08, 2016 04:22 AM
Robert Vegas Bob Swetz
Las Vegas, NV

Hello Colleen ... I have written several post about Zillow and most people stay away from leaving comments or replies to subjects about Zillow, Trulia, etc.

I think it's a crying shame that the Real Estate Divisions, MLS connections of Brokers & Agents, etc even allow Zillow, Trulia, Zurple and other networks anything to do with Real Estate, Leads or anything.

I seriously think in the near future that Attorneys connected to Real Estate Divisions & MLS are going to stop these types of networks.

I sure hope your not with Zillow and if you are I will be sure and delete my comment 

Mar 08, 2016 04:56 AM
Colleen Fischesser Northwest Property Shop

Ha! Nope, not with Zillow and I don't think it's anywhere near a "slam" on them at all. More of a head scratcher about the team publicly discrediting their online reviews. Odd for sure. 

Mar 08, 2016 09:43 AM
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

Can't help but believe that those pursuing this path for referrals overall lower their credibility, Colleen.  All that see them asking (advertising) for referrals in this manner certainly are going to question their decision.  You certainly did ... and I know I would too.  

Gene

 

Mar 10, 2016 02:13 AM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

I am not sure about the ethics of this, but anyone seeing that these reviews are paid for should think twice about taking them seriously.

Mar 28, 2016 05:49 AM
Teresa K. Nelson
Compass - Woodinville, WA
Your Trusted Real Estate Advisor

Zillow...isn't that the "Z" word???

Paying for a testimony feels unethical to me. I would hope that my clients would be so happy about the service I provided that they would become my raving fans without bribery.

May 26, 2016 04:49 AM