How do I Remove My House Information and Pictures from the Internet?

by Rachell Lara

How do I Remove My House Information and Pictures from the Internet?

Your House Information and Images Are Everywhere Online

What You Need to Know and How You Can Remove Them

When homeowners discover their property details and images on real estate websites, they can sometimes be surprised. Let's explore why this information is available online, what it means, and your options.

Understanding Property Information and Images Online

Why Is My Property Information Online?

Real estate websites, including mine, display property information and images for several reasons:

Public Records: Much of the property data comes from publicly available county records
Multiple Listing Service (MLS): When a home is listed for sale, its information is typically entered into the MLS, which then syndicates to various real estate websites
Historical Listings: Even after a sale, previous listing information often remains in databases and continues to be displayed.

Public Information and Off-Market Properties

It's important to note that even properties not currently listed on the MLS may have information available online:

County Records: Tax assessor data, including square footage and property characteristics, is public and often accessible online.
Previous Listings: If your home was ever listed on the MLS, that historical data may still be visible on various websites

Steps to Remove Your Property Information

Fortunately, you can take steps to remove your home’s photos and details from these sites. Here's a quick guide to help you through the process:

1. Remove the Listing from the MLS

Contact your real estate agent: The first step is to ask your agent or the agent who represented the seller to remove your property’s information from the MLS. Only licensed agents and brokers have the ability to make changes to listings in the MLS. This step is essential to stop further data sharing with real estate websites.

2. Remove Photos from Individual Real Estate Websites

Once the listing is removed from the MLS, you’ll want to ensure it’s also taken down from major websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin. While some sites may update automatically, you can take additional steps to manually remove photos:

1. ZillowLog into your account on Zillow.
2. Search for your property and select your home’s page.
3. Under the “More” tab, verify your ownership by answering a few questions.
4. Once verified, go to the “Owner View” and click on the "Edit Facts" button.
5. Click on individual photos and select “Remove Photo.” Save changes.
6. Realtor.comGo to Realtor.com and enter your address to claim ownership of your home.
7. After verification, log into your owner dashboard and click on “Remove Photos.”
8. If you have trouble, submit a support request for help here.
9. RedfinLog into Redfin and go to your Owner Dashboard.
10. Claim your home by verifying your ownership.
11. Once verified, go to the “Edit Photos” section and select “Hide listing photos.”

Why Your Property’s Photos and Information Are on Real Estate Websites—And How to Remove Them

If you’ve recently sold or purchased a home, you may have noticed that your property’s photos and details still appear on real estate websites like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com. If you're wondering why this information is out there and how to remove it, you’re not alone.

Why Are My Property’s Photos Online?

When a home is listed for sale, real estate agents upload the property’s information, including photos and details, to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). This is an online database that brokers and agents use to share listings with one another and potential buyers. The MLS then distributes this data to popular real estate websites. These platforms are designed to make the home-buying process easier by providing potential buyers with as much information as possible, but after a sale, the information doesn’t always disappear automatically.

While the listing helps buyers when your property is for sale, you may prefer to remove these details after a deal is done. Leaving floor plans, photos, and property descriptions online can sometimes feel like an invasion of privacy, especially when you're no longer looking to sell.

Steps to Remove Your Property Information

Fortunately, you can take steps to remove your home’s photos and details from these sites. Here's a quick guide to help you through the process:

1. Remove the Listing from the MLS

Contact your real estate agent: The first step is to ask your agent or the agent who represented the seller to remove your property’s information from the MLS. Only licensed agents and brokers have the ability to make changes to listings in the MLS. This step is essential to stop further data sharing with real estate websites.

2. Remove Photos from Individual Real Estate Websites

1. ZillowLog into your account on Zillow.
2. Search for your property and select your home’s page.
3. Under the “More” tab, verify your ownership by answering a few questions.
4. Once verified, go to the “Owner View” and click on the "Edit Facts" button.
5. Click on individual photos and select “Remove Photo.” Save changes.
6. Realtor.comGo to Realtor.com and enter your address to claim ownership of your home.
7. After verification, log into your owner dashboard and click on “Remove Photos.”
8. If you have trouble, submit a support request for help here.
9. RedfinLog into Redfin and go to your Owner Dashboard.
10. Claim your home by verifying your ownership.
11. Once verified, go to the “Edit Photos” section and select “Hide listing photos.”

Keep in Mind

Once the information is removed from these major sites, it might still be available on smaller or niche real estate platforms that pull data from the MLS. You can ask your real estate agent to help you track down any remaining listings, or you can manually search these sites and contact them directly to request removal.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your property’s details and images are no longer available for public viewing.

If you have any questions about the process or need further assistance, feel free to reach out!

Pros and Cons of Online Property Information

Pros:

Increased visibility for sellers
Easy access to market information for buyers
Transparency in the real estate market

Cons:

Potential privacy concerns
Outdated information may be misleading
Unwanted attention to your property

Q&A Section

Q: Can I completely remove all information about my property from the internet?

A: While you can reduce your property's online presence, completely removing all information is challenging due to public records and historical data.

Q: Will removing my listing from the MLS affect my ability to sell?

A: Yes, it may reduce your property's exposure to potential buyers. Consider discussing off-market or pocket listing options with your agent

Q: How often is online property information updated?

A: It varies by website and data source. Some update regularly, while others may have outdated information.

Q: Are there legal implications to having my property information online?

A: Generally, no. Most of this information is considered public record. However, if you have specific privacy concerns, consult with a legal professional. Remember, while it's natural to have concerns about your property's online presence, this information often serves a valuable purpose in the real estate market. If you have specific concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to discuss your options further.