Online privacy: How to blur your home on Google Maps

help keep your transaction details private 

Today, we're looking at Google Maps and their Street View feature.

A little background: Street View is the image that shows houses and buildings from the street. To keep it up to date, Google periodically dispatches camera cars to capture images from the street. The idea is to show users the physical aspects of a destination. Some of the images are surprising (and funny).

However, this means your house, your car, or even a family member might be in a Street View without your knowledge or permission. What's more, some say an exterior image can provide a visual plan for interlopers to get inside the house.

So, here are the steps to check your home's Street View and blur it. But beware, once you blur something, it is permanent.

1. Go to a computer The blur option works best on a desktop browser vs a mobile device.
   
2. Go to maps.google.com  Enter your home address in the search bar.
   
3. Click on the photo of your home  Its should be on the top-left of the page (above your address), click it to see the Street View.
   
4. Request a blur by clicking on the three vertical dots next to your address and select 'Report a Problem' OR click on the tiny type that says "Report a Problem" in the lower right corner of the page. Both will open up a new page called "Report Inappropriate Street View."
5. Choose what you want to blur. The current options are: 
   

- A face 

- Your home

-Your car/license plate

- A different object

Each option allows you to provide additional information on the items you want blurred. You will be reminded that blurring something on Street View is permanent.

6. Enter your email address (required), verify the Captcha, then click Submit.

7. You will receive an email from Google saying that it will review your request and get back to you with a denial, approval or request for more information.

Our firm is committed to helping clients feel confident about their real estate sale and/or purchase, even after the closing.

Schedule a call with me (John) or Mike to learn more about Chicago-area real estate closings.