Listings, leads and Zillow’s climate data reversal: The Download

Real estate portals are designed to ensure that consumers have access to a slew of information about the listings they’re searching for, from comps to walkability to sales history and more. This week, Zillow scrubbed climate data from its listings, reversing course a year after announcing the implementation based on climate data from First Street.

According to reporting from The New York Times, the California Regional Multiple Listing Service (CRMLS) “raised concerns about the accuracy of First Street’s flood risk models.” The Times also reported that agents had complained that the climate information was hurting the sales of some of their listings.

Rather than provide the information to consumers directly through the portal, Zillow said in a statement, “Consumers can now access climate risk assessments for properties through First Street’s website, linked directly from listings on Zillow.”

“This update ensures consumers continue to have access to important information to help them consider factors such as insurance, repair costs and long-term homeownership planning, and reflects our long-standing commitment to empowering consumers with transparent information.”

From private listings to optimal pricing and lead generation, it seems that listings are on everyone’s radar this week. Here’s a round up of some of Inman’s best listing-related stories, so you can get geared-up for seller success in 2026.

Brown Harris Stevens CEO Bess Freedman talks about the real-world impacts of private listing networks on agents, clients and the price discovery process.

No algorithm can replace the discipline, expertise and trust that real estate agents bring to home pricing estimates, Lindsey Harn writes.

Don’t ignore the potential of paid leads, Josh Ries writes, especially if you’re spending your time and energy generating leads on your own.