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> iBuyers are always low-balling Low-balling according to their own estimate (Zestimate) with imperfect knowledge. If this Zestimate overvalues a house, but th
by uncomputation 5y ago
> iBuyers are always low-balling
Low-balling according to their own estimate (Zestimate) with imperfect knowledge. If this Zestimate overvalues a house, but the iBuyers assume “we are low-balling anyways,” they may find themselves in an iBidding war ending in the winner’s curse: whoever pays the most for the overvalued house wins.
Not a problem though right? They overvalue some, undervalue others, it evens out. But, as the article points out, the nature of this algorithmic buying is that the iBuyers will only - or at least predominantly - end up with the houses they overpaid for or got only a slightly good deal on because many sellers will be willing to take longer for a better deal. The end result is very thin margins or, as seen with Zillow, substantial losses as they hold a lot of lemons.
- not2b 5y agoYes, that's exactly it. The "Zestimate" is often way off, and the owner knows a lot more about it than Zillow does. If the Zestimate price is lower than the buyer thinks they can get, they won't take the offer. If the Zestimate price ignores the run-down condition of the house or other issues Zillow missed, they snap that up. So Zillow mostly wound up with the homes that they overvalued.