Arizona regulators slapped the popular home-valuation site Zillow with a cease and desist order on doing business in the state, saying the service was providing appraisals without a license.

Never mind that the automated listings the Seattle-based company provides are a far cry from a person walking through your house and tapping the bricks.

This is an obvious rear guard action by the real estate community trying to protect their good ol’ boy network and strangle the flow of information to consumers. Let’s hope Zillow can appeal, and Arizona’s action doesn’t inspire other states. — BEN POPKEN

Arizona bars online home price estimator [AP] (Thanks to Jame!)

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.