Rob and Greg dive into CoStar's bold move to have Homes.com boost listings banned on Zillow, sparking conversations about consumer vs. broker motivations. They question the true usage of multiple real estate portals by buyers. A proposed Illinois bill requiring public access for listings stirs debate about government intervention and the potential redefinition of MLSs. The hosts also tackle the political dynamics affecting housing affordability, especially for young men, emphasizing the need for market-driven solutions to today’s challenges.
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Homes.com Targets Brokers, Not Consumers
Homes.com aims to attract brokers unhappy with Zillow rather than directly woo consumers.
In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg examine CoStar’s recent announcement that Homes.com will boost listings banned on Zillow. They discuss whether this strategy is aimed at consumers or brokers, and whether it signals a broader battle for power in the real estate portal space. They also explore the potential implications of a proposed Illinois bill that would require public listing access by law, and debate what government involvement could mean for MLSs, agents, and listing distribution.
Homes.com vs. Zillow – Discussion of CoStar’s strategy to position Homes.com as a portal that accepts listings excluded by Zillow and what it means for brokers.
Do Consumers Use Multiple Portals? – Rob explores whether buyers actually use more than one or two listing sites, and what that means for listing visibility.
Government Involvement in Listing Policy – Analysis of an Illinois bill proposing mandatory public access for listings and the role of Zillow and NAHREP in backing it.
Public Utility Debate for MLSs – Exploration of whether MLSs could be redefined as public utilities under new regulations.
Housing Affordability and Political Risks – Rob and Greg discuss how affordability pressures and political narratives could shift public perception of agents, landlords, and listing control.
Shifting to a Buyer’s Market – Discussion of early signs that certain areas are flipping to buyer-favorable conditions and how that could affect pocket listings and strategy.
Industry Relations