Zillow drops climate risk scores after agents complained of lost sales

Zillow has removed climate risk scores from over one million property listings just over a year after introducing them, following complaints from real estate agents that the information was negatively impacting sales. The scores, initially added in September 2024, were pulled last month after objections from the California Regional Multiple Listing Service (CRMLS). Instead of displaying the scores directly, Zillow now provides a subtle link to First Street, the climate risk analytics startup that supplies the data. First Street’s scores remain available on other platforms such as Realtor.com, Redfin, and Homes.com. First Street defends the accuracy and scientific basis of its climate risk models, citing strong validation during events like the Los Angeles wildfires, where their maps successfully identified over 90% of homes that burned as high risk. The company’s data reportedly outperforms official hazard maps, which have been criticized for being outdated or underestimating risks. Despite the growing importance of climate risk data for investors, insurers, and cities, the removal of these