Listings are the backbone of the HomeGuideIS marketplace — professional service listings and real estate listings alike. This policy sets the standards every listing must meet. It works alongside our Business Verification Policy (for professional listings) and applies to everyone who submits, claims, or maintains a listing.
Accuracy Is Required
Listings must be truthful and current. Business names, contact details, service areas, licensing information, hours, and pricing representations must be accurate. Real estate listings must reflect the property’s true condition, status, and terms. Knowingly posting false or misleading information — including inflating credentials, inventing awards, or misrepresenting availability — is grounds for removal.
Professional Listings
- Claim your listing through our verification flow or email [email protected].
- Maintain current licensing and insurance; notify us when status changes.
- Descriptions must describe services you actually provide in the areas you actually serve.
- Photos must depict your own work or be licensed for use.
- Claims like “licensed,” “insured,” or “certified” must be substantiated on request.
Real Estate Listings
Real estate listings on our real estate hub are provided by licensed brokers, agents, their MLSs, or their authorized data partners, and must comply with applicable fair housing law and advertising rules. HomeGuideIS is not a licensed real estate brokerage. Listing content must not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, or any other protected class under federal, state, or local fair housing law. Report inaccurate or non-compliant listings to [email protected] with the subject line “Real Estate Listing.”
Prohibited Listing Content
- False, deceptive, or unsubstantiated claims.
- Content that violates fair housing law or anti-discrimination rules.
- Copyrighted images or text used without authorization.
- Spam, keyword stuffing, or links to malware or scams.
- Services that are illegal in the listed jurisdiction.
- Contact information belonging to another business or person.
Keeping listings current is a shared responsibility. Listing owners should update service areas, hours, and status promptly – an inaccurate listing wastes every reader’s time and undermines trust for every honest business nearby. When information changes materially, update the listing or tell us at [email protected] so we can keep the record straight.
Corrections, Suspension, and Removal
We may edit, suspend, or remove listings that violate this policy, mislead consumers, or fail verification re-checks. When practical, we notify the lister and give an opportunity to correct minor issues. Material fraud, unsafe practices, or legal violations result in immediate removal. Listing owners may appeal by emailing [email protected] with the subject line “Listing Appeal.”
No Payment for Status
Listing status, verification badges, and review outcomes are never for sale. Paid placement products, if offered, are clearly labeled and never alter verification or reviews — see our Advertising Disclosure.