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Ambassador
2,684,109
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

       I want to make an offer to buy it.   Make my offer contingent on me previewing the house within the next 21 days.  And that real estate lady on HGTV says never offer full price, so I only want to pay $765,000 with a payment of $2800 per month.   Thank you.  Oh, and I want you to give me half of your commission at closing.

Feb 11, 2018 07:13 PM
Rainmaker
1,751,129
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Funny you should ask, Kathleen. I had two clients send me dozens of listings this weeks that were either under contract, off the market, sold or were never on the market. One lady argued with me. I had to go by the house to prove it was not available. 

Feb 11, 2018 06:48 PM
Rainmaker
1,052,221
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

How long ya got?

Truly, it is like freakin' CRACK. 
No matter HOW MANY TIMES we tell them THEY ARE GUESSING, it is based on an algorithm and has no basis in reality, the home is not for sale, see it SAYS OFF MARKET, IT'S FAKE NEWS   . . . they just can't resist being sucked in. 
One of my clients sent me 6 listings - ALL either pending or not for sale - he is on auto-emails but he can't put the pipe down.

Feb 11, 2018 06:55 PM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

The answer for me is that when I tell my clients that the data is not accurate some will just go there anyway. Despite the fact they are set up on an MLS search which is a direct feed from my MLS I still from time to time get messages about their interest in a home that is not for sale.  They just don't see the property is pending or off the market. 

Feb 11, 2018 06:39 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

That houses don't change value day by day the way a pound of potatoes do. They also don't understand how these numbers are derived. And they don't understand that there is a difference in a forensic value such as derived by an appraiser versus market value as seen by buyers. As for asking about houses that are not on market... that's something I've been dealing with for years. 

Feb 12, 2018 03:59 AM
Rainmaker
851,242
Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

What don't they understand? ALL KINDS of things!  At least a million times per week, I hear myself saying "they just don't get it".   I guess it's time we taught them more effectively. 

Feb 12, 2018 05:02 AM
Ambassador
5,230,136
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

We have that same issue with buyers here, Kathleen. They'll text me with a link to a very similar thing that you shared ' OFF MARKET ' - What don't they understand about those two words!

They'll say, "I know you don't like me searching on Zillow but, ..." Inevitably, the home is NOT available. It's SUCH a time-suck and the day we FINALLY get them off of these sites will be a day to REJOICE!

Feb 11, 2018 09:27 PM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

This is the Gospel truth, I read it online...

Feb 11, 2018 07:11 PM
Ambassador
6,393,609
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

There is a lot that the public does not understand.

Feb 11, 2018 06:56 PM
Rainer
54,940
Jordan Ayan
The Lifestyle Collection - Scottsdale, AZ
Luxury Market Expert, CLHMS,Million Dollar Guild

It is not about what the public understands about Zillow - you don't have to understand a product to use it (and like it).  However, IMHO it is less what Zillow says today, and more about what Zillow will say in the future.  

We will never convince the public that Zillow is wrong.  Zillow spends way too much in marketing what they do, and they have captured the mindshare of the public.  Most people that I encounter today have lots of awareness on topics they are interested in(not necessarily knowledge) because of the internet.  Doesn't matter the field - ask a doctor how many people have figured out what is wrong with them before their appointment.

Why I think Zillow is going to become more of a powerhouse in the future is the power of Big Data.  They have built and are continuing to grow an incredible database and have data scientists who work daily to improve what they do with that data.  The real estate industry has been the aggregator of data but has always left the analysis of that data up to others. Zillow and newcomers we do not even know yet are harnessing the power of data, and will ultimately deliver a product that will be much more accurate in the future.  

Feb 12, 2018 04:55 AM
Ambassador
2,436,470
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

The general public loves using online search portals such as the one you've shown, and most don't care what we have to say about the inaccuracies of estimates, unavailability of homes that show as available, etc. 

Feb 12, 2018 03:29 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

I have one I'm listing.  Owners have had it for about a month and a half, still shows as pre-foreclosure.  Only recently got listed by them.

 

I tell people the truth, out here Zillow has no direct access to listing data and relies solely on agents allowing their listings onto their site.  Also that the zestimate, by Zillow's own admission, is flawed and can be off between 8%-20%!

Feb 11, 2018 08:11 PM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

That Z is not the true distibutor of homes for sale. They don't know where they come from (us is the answer). 

Feb 12, 2018 07:39 AM
Rainmaker
1,374,473
Joyce Marsh
Joyce Marsh Real Estate LLC - Daytona Beach, FL
Joyce Marsh Homes

There will always be a great deal of confusion about on line listings, valuations and availability.  Very difficult to monitor accuracy when there are so many portals and variances.  Educating the public is key.

Feb 12, 2018 07:20 AM
Rainmaker
901,881
Carla Freund
Keller Williams Preferred Realty - Raleigh, NC
NC Real Estate Transition & Relocation 919-602-848

1. They send homes that are under contract and in some cases closed years ago. 

2. They don't understand values are "estimates"

3. People call and think they're calling the listing agent and they're not

4. They think you can show them the house if their agent is busy

5. They think their home value may have changed a week after their closing 

The list goes on. Of course, this is part of what gives agents job security.

Feb 12, 2018 05:37 AM
Ambassador
3,164,294
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

we've had a ton of "this foreclosure, that foreclosure" when the tax records indicate they aren't foreclosed at all.

Feb 11, 2018 08:43 PM
Rainmaker
2,220,654
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

That's a great question Kathleen Daniels 

Feb 12, 2018 11:02 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Kathleen Daniels They don't understand that this is Fake News.

Feb 12, 2018 06:46 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

They don't take the time to read the small print, and sometimes even the not so small print.

Feb 12, 2018 06:40 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

They take them for gospel, they believe everything as it is on the internet after all. 

Feb 12, 2018 05:24 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,431
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Many assume that properties are available when they see them online.

Feb 12, 2018 05:09 AM
Rainmaker
911,338
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

Some people are just stupid.

Feb 12, 2018 04:15 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Luckily we have not encountered this issue...yet.

Feb 12, 2018 03:35 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,273
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Like anything of value it has to be verified by a credible source (s)

Feb 11, 2018 07:19 PM
Rainer
2,250
Charles Sipes
Aubrey & Associates - West Valley City, UT
Expert Agent serving along the Wasatch Front

That they really are just a way for agents to advertise and generate leads from.

Feb 12, 2018 10:45 AM
Rainer
2,450
Amy Yates
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Franklin Group - Kaysville, UT
residential and commercial

they all stem from the same MLS 

Feb 12, 2018 10:21 AM
Ambassador
3,383,334
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

I think people believe what they want to believe.  Buyers want to believe there are more homes for sale than there actually are in low inventory markets.  Sellers want to believe their home is worth as much as possible.  Like moths to a flame, they are drawn into these sites that feed their desired reality.

Feb 12, 2018 09:59 AM
Rainmaker
5,217,268
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

They are not all the same regarding accuracy!

Feb 12, 2018 06:13 AM
Rainmaker
2,182,552
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

That they capture your email

Feb 12, 2018 04:37 AM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Kathleen Daniels - I discuss this with my buyers at our first meeting - and request them to stay away from Zillow - or at least do not trust Zillow!

Feb 11, 2018 09:40 PM
Rainmaker
1,311,397
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

What’s not to understand? They are timely, accurate and true. Right?

…and I have some ocean front land for sale to you at a bargain.

Feb 19, 2018 03:45 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Sadly people are listening to peoplewith old habits of 5-7 years ago

Feb 12, 2018 03:17 PM
Rainmaker
644,135
Greg Large
ERA Real Solutions - Grove City, OH
A Tradition of Trust

that agents are "buying" their business?

Feb 12, 2018 03:14 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Lots of things

Feb 12, 2018 12:14 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Kathleen,

Perhaps it has to do with the generalized public perception of real estate agents, and Zillow et al appear as white knights with more info than an agent could give them.  A

Feb 12, 2018 08:56 AM