Full Breakdown
Zillow Removes Climate Risk Scores from Listings, Sparking Controversy
12/11/2025, 8:11:20 AM
Overview of the Decision
Zillow, the largest real estate listing platform in the United States, has removed climate risk scores from over one million property listings. This decision, made in late November 2024, has raised concerns among homebuyers regarding their ability to identify potential flood zones and other extreme weather risks. The climate risk scores had been introduced just over a year prior, in September 2023, and were initially well-received by consumers, with over 80% of buyers considering climate risks when making purchasing decisions.
Background and Context
The removal of climate risk information followed complaints from real estate agents in various states, including Florida, South Carolina, and California, who argued that the scores negatively impacted property sales. The California Regional Multiple Listing Service (CRMLS), a significant player in the real estate market, voiced objections to the accuracy of the data, claiming it could misrepresent properties' desirability. In response to these pressures, Zillow replaced the climate risk scores with a link to data from First Street, a climate risk analytics startup.
Key Figures and Groups
- Zillow: The real estate search giant that removed the climate risk scores.
- First Street: The climate risk analytics startup whose data is now linked in Zillow listings.
- Art Carter: CEO of CRMLS, who supported the removal of climate risk scores, citing concerns over their accuracy and impact on property desirability.
- Matthew Eby: Founder and CEO of First Street, who criticized the removal, emphasizing the importance of climate risk information for informed decision-making.
Official Statements & Responses
Zillow stated that it is "committed to providing consumers with information that helps them make informed real estate decisions," and that the changes were made to adhere to varying MLS requirements. Skylar Olsen, Zillow's chief economist, acknowledged the importance of climate risks in home-buying decisions but did not clarify the rationale behind the removal of the scores. In contrast, First Street defended its data as being based on "transparent, peer-reviewed science."
Criticism & Opposition
Consumer advocates initially praised Zillow for including climate risk scores, viewing them as essential for informed home-buying. However, real estate agents have criticized these scores for allegedly hindering sales. Art Carter of CRMLS argued that displaying the likelihood of flooding could significantly affect a property's perceived value. Homebuyers have expressed frustration over the removal, noting that accessing climate risk information has become more challenging.
What's Next
As the real estate and insurance industries continue to grapple with the implications of climate change, the debate over the inclusion of climate risk data in property listings is likely to persist. Other platforms, such as Redfin, Homes.com, and Trulia, continue to feature climate risk information, potentially influencing consumer preferences and market dynamics.
Verbatim Quotes
- “'When buyers lack access to clear climate-risk information, they make the biggest financial decision of their lives while flying blind,' First Street founder and CEO Matthew Eby told the Daily Mail.” — Matthew Eby, Founder and CEO of First Street
- “He told the New York Times that 'displaying the probability of a specific home flooding this year or within the next five years can have a significant impact on the perceived desirability of that property.” — Art Carter, CEO of CRMLS
- “'Climate risks are now a critical factor in home-buying decisions.” — Skylar Olsen, Chief Economist at Zillow
