Zillow Drops Climate Risk Scores After Agents Complained of Lost Sales

Zillow Drops Climate Risk Scores After Agents Complained of Lost Sales

Zillow Removes Climate Risk Scores from Listings Homebuyers seeking climate safety insights may need to look elsewhere. Zillow has removed climate risk scores from over one million listings, less than a year after introducing the feature. The decision comes after real estate agents raised concerns that visible risk ratings were negatively affecting property sales. Credits:Apu Gomes / Getty Images Why Zillow Added Climate Scores Zillow first launched its climate risk data in September 2024, citing surveys that showed more than 80% of buyers consider climate factors when choosing a home. The feature aimed to provide transparency on flood risks, wildfire probabilities, and other environmental hazards. Early reports suggested that buyers appreciated the clarity, but some real estate professionals argued it hindered sales. Agent Complaints Trigger Change The California Regional Multiple Listing Service (CRMLS) voiced strong objections to the scores last month. According to CRMLS CEO Art Carter, …