Honestly, this information should be a legally mandated disclosure in any MLS listing or advert for the home. “Inside a FEMA flood zone”, “Located within a known storm surge zone”, “Dwelling located below local water levels”, etc, are all critically important pieces of info for evaluating property valuation that don’t ever have to be disclosed to buyers in most places. Zillow and Redfin integrating these risk profiles and maps into listing data helped homebuyers make better decisions regarding property valuations, and I’m disappointed they removed them.
It is very disappointing that Zillow has chosen to remove or obscure important information that could benefit potential buyers. Under the new CEO, this shift represents a 180-degree departure from the company’s original values and stated mission of promoting trust and transparency. Limiting access to key data places buyers at a disadvantage, especially when making significant financial decisions about assets that could lose value due to information not disclosed before purchase. Moreover, given the current and forecasted economic conditions—which are unfavorable for both the real-estate market and Zillow’s own valuation—this is not the time for the company to make decisions that further erode user confidence. This lack of transparency is regrettable.
Honestly, this information should be a legally mandated disclosure in any MLS listing or advert for the home. “Inside a FEMA flood zone”, “Located within a known storm surge zone”, “Dwelling located below local water levels”, etc, are all critically important pieces of info for evaluating property valuation that don’t ever have to be disclosed to buyers in most places. Zillow and Redfin integrating these risk profiles and maps into listing data helped homebuyers make better decisions regarding property valuations, and I’m disappointed they removed them.
It is very disappointing that Zillow has chosen to remove or obscure important information that could benefit potential buyers. Under the new CEO, this shift represents a 180-degree departure from the company’s original values and stated mission of promoting trust and transparency. Limiting access to key data places buyers at a disadvantage, especially when making significant financial decisions about assets that could lose value due to information not disclosed before purchase. Moreover, given the current and forecasted economic conditions—which are unfavorable for both the real-estate market and Zillow’s own valuation—this is not the time for the company to make decisions that further erode user confidence. This lack of transparency is regrettable.
Agreed, tldr
"Zillow updates products, increasing likelihood of severe financial risk to its end users."