Really, Zillow?

A good question.  Do you think you will get an answer?  Where they can't get figures from public records etc it might be better if they simply said so and advised the consumer to contact a sales associate in that area.

Sue of Robin and Sue

Hi Lorrie - Brad from Zillow here.  I know you've heard and seen that we obviously and transparently disclose the information and data you mention is this post, we're the only AVM that does this to my understanding.  And yes, we are just a starting point for people in areas across the country like yours to get information and data regarding their homes, listings, demographics, community photos and much more.  Not every area in the US is non-disclosure so there are some places like yours that make it more difficult to perfect accuracy for anyone. 

You can imagine the challenges we face in trying to help the consumer and that's why we rely and hope you are willing and able to jump in at the point they need you to help them get as close to market value as possible.  Real estate Zestimates are not the only thing that Zillow provides to customers in your area, just like they're not the only tools we provide to help connect you with those potential clients. 

I'd love to share with you how others in your area are using Zillow successfully to connect, capture, and convert clients from using the information including the zestimates found on Zillow.  Real estate is always local and we always recommend a local appraiser or agent to help with the buying and selling process, but too often, folks are looking for the thorns in every rose... they're missing the point and the beauty of what's blossoms right in front of them.

Call me anytime, I'd love to show you how some Texas agents and Brokers are doing this, and even introduce you to a Top Producing agent/broker in your area who has 64 contacts so far this month from Zillow, and she's out today converting many of those to customers.  While you were writing this post, and I was commenting, she's out closing transactions in Texas.  Here's my number, 707 646-1876.  I'd love to help you if you're interested.  Thanks. :-)

GREAT Blog.  I've been trying to find a way to put this in writing.  Great job!

We spend more time fighting the mis-information that Zillow and Truila put out.  Their disclosures are not prominent and should be in large bold print. 

Thanks for responding Lorrie. 

There are many tools on Zillow that don't cost a penny (see my most recent AR Blog post) and agents use many of the other tools we provide to connect with buyers and sellers in their areas.  I will also say that many followed Jim Jones and drank the kool-aid and look what happened to them?   :-O   Ralph's results may have be "spectacularly unimpressive", but before you self-diagnose, I'd get a second opinion. (sounding like a doctor here...  lol) 

Can I suggest you pick up the phone or contact one of these folks instead of reading how someone else's experience didn't work?  Of course I would never want to force you into letting me help and show you how to use the Zillow site and tools to your benefit, I'd only want to help if you were open to it and willing to do your own testing. I did put my phone number in the last comment, and my door's always open to you.

I'm willing to help if you want or need it?  (and I'm not asking for ANY money either)

BTW - we don't feed leads. we created a platform to connect buyers, sellers, investors and borrowers with willing and able agents who want to help them with their Real Estate transactions.  707 646-1876  :-)