Zillow, one of the nation's largest real estate websites, has recently scrubbed climate risk scores from its listings. But a climate policy expert in California is working to put this data back on the map.
A year ago, Zillow was at the forefront of providing climate risk information to homebuyers, but it removed the feature in November after criticism from the California Regional Multiple Listing Service (CRMLS). The CRMLS questioned the accuracy of flood models used by First Street, a company that provides climate data to Zillow and other realty sites.
Now, Neil Matouka, who previously worked on California's Fifth Climate Change Assessment, is developing a proof-of-concept plugin to bring this data back online. When users view a California Zillow listing, the plugin will automatically display information on wildfire and flood risk, sea level rise, and extreme heat exposure.
"We don't need perfect data," Matouka said. "We need publicly available, consistent information that helps people understand risk."
The removal of climate risk data from Zillow's listings has sparked a debate about the importance of providing this information to homebuyers. While some argue that it can be misleading or unfair, others say it's essential for making informed decisions.
Climate experts agree that exposing homeowners to multiple credible estimates adds value and helps them make better choices. "People who are making decisions that involve risk benefit from exposure to as many credible estimates as possible," said Chris Field, director of the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment.
Matouka's plugin is designed to provide this information in a way that's accessible to everyone. While it uses publicly available data from California and federal agencies, he acknowledges that private companies like First Street can present challenges due to their lack of transparency.
As Matouka continues to develop his plugin, he welcomes feedback and encourages users to test its beta version. The goal is to provide a tool that helps people understand the broad environment of risk associated with climate change, rather than specific property-level risks.
With the rise of extreme weather events, it's clear that climate risk is an issue that homebuyers need to be aware of. By providing this data in a way that's easy to understand and accessible to all, Matouka's plugin has the potential to make a real difference in people's lives.
A year ago, Zillow was at the forefront of providing climate risk information to homebuyers, but it removed the feature in November after criticism from the California Regional Multiple Listing Service (CRMLS). The CRMLS questioned the accuracy of flood models used by First Street, a company that provides climate data to Zillow and other realty sites.
Now, Neil Matouka, who previously worked on California's Fifth Climate Change Assessment, is developing a proof-of-concept plugin to bring this data back online. When users view a California Zillow listing, the plugin will automatically display information on wildfire and flood risk, sea level rise, and extreme heat exposure.
"We don't need perfect data," Matouka said. "We need publicly available, consistent information that helps people understand risk."
The removal of climate risk data from Zillow's listings has sparked a debate about the importance of providing this information to homebuyers. While some argue that it can be misleading or unfair, others say it's essential for making informed decisions.
Climate experts agree that exposing homeowners to multiple credible estimates adds value and helps them make better choices. "People who are making decisions that involve risk benefit from exposure to as many credible estimates as possible," said Chris Field, director of the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment.
Matouka's plugin is designed to provide this information in a way that's accessible to everyone. While it uses publicly available data from California and federal agencies, he acknowledges that private companies like First Street can present challenges due to their lack of transparency.
As Matouka continues to develop his plugin, he welcomes feedback and encourages users to test its beta version. The goal is to provide a tool that helps people understand the broad environment of risk associated with climate change, rather than specific property-level risks.
With the rise of extreme weather events, it's clear that climate risk is an issue that homebuyers need to be aware of. By providing this data in a way that's easy to understand and accessible to all, Matouka's plugin has the potential to make a real difference in people's lives.
just heard about Zillow removing climate risk scores from their listings 
and I'm like "no wayyyyy" 
this is so important for homebuyers! I mean, we're talking about wildfires, floods, sea level rise... it's all connected to the climate crisis 
. Someone needs to bring back this data ASAP 
Neil Matouka's plugin is a game-changer 
and I'm low-key excited to see where he takes it 
. The fact that some ppl think it's "misleading" or "unfair" just shows how out of touch they are with reality 
climate experts know the deal, it's all about providing credible info so people can make informed decisions 
I think it's super important for websites like Zillow to provide climate risk scores on their listings. I mean, we're already seeing crazy weather events left and right - wildfires, floods, heatwaves... it's getting harder to predict what the future holds. If people can get an idea of what kind of risks are associated with a property, they might be able to make better decisions about where to live and invest their money.
Like, what are they even thinking? You can't just sweep this info under the rug and expect homebuyers to be uninformed about the risks associated with buying a property 
.
. If you're not willing to share your data and methodology with the public, how can we trust what you're saying? 
. That guy is a total hero in my book 
. And Chris Field's quote about people benefiting from exposure to multiple credible estimates? Totally resonates with me 
. We need more people like Neil who are willing to stand up for what's right, even if it means going against the status quo.
... but seriously, this is a huge deal and we should all be paying attention 
. Climate risk is real, and homebuyers have a right to know about it 
. Let's hope Neil's plugin can make a difference in people's lives soon 
? It's not like they're trying to scam people or anything (although, I mean, who knows what First Street's deal is with their data accuracy 
. If it gets people talking and educated about the risks associated with climate change, then I'm totally here for it 
). Either way, I think Matouka's plugin is a solid step in the right direction towards transparency and accountability in real estate 
.
... first street and other companies providing data to zillow have had issues with transparency in the past 
... still, its better than nothing, and i think people should have access to as much info as possible when making big decisions 
it makes total sense for neil matouka to try and put this data back online so people can make informed decisions when buying homes...like what the heck is the point of buying a house if you dont consider the risks associated with climate change? 
. But for actual homeowners who wanna make informed decisions about their homes, this is super crucial. I mean, we're living in a world where wildfires and floods are becoming the new norm, why shouldn't people have access to data that can help 'em prepare? 
️ Neil Matouka's plugin sounds like a game-changer 
I'm soooo down for Neil Matouka's plugin! Zillow needs to bring back those climate risk scores ASAP 
They're not just useful for homebuyers, they're super necessary too 
It's not about having perfect data, it's about giving people the facts so they can make informed decisions 
. I mean, who wants to buy a house with no idea if it'll be flooded or on fire due to climate change? It's like buying a car without knowing the recall history 
. It's like buying a house without knowing if it'll be underwater in 50 years 
. But kudos to Neil Matouka for trying to bring back this data 
. It's all about giving people options and allowing them to weigh their risks. Can't say I agree with CRMLS' concerns about the data being too accurate, though 
. Let's just get the facts out there and let homebuyers do their research! 
for trying to bring back this important data. we need more ppl like him fighting for transparency in climate info! 
. Maybe it'll make people think twice before buying a house in California or whatever. We need more transparency, IMO! 
and neil matoukas plugin is genius 
lets hope he can get it working soon! 