Google Maps indirect route

Driving down to the coast on the long weekend, Google Maps sent us through a sleepy backwater and soon we were stuck in a procession of cars, all dog-legging their way through an old, sketchy intersection. Judging by the traffic, we weren't the only ones on this Google Maps route.

It got me thinking, aside from all their other super powers, can Google control the surge and fall of land prices? How will Google Maps affect the future?

Over time, as it steers traffic around cities, suburbs and villages, will it inadvertently affect house prices with traffic changes around the streets it suggest for route guidance?