From 'Raise the Bar' to 'Lower the Stakes': Real Estate's Consistency Problem

The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player!

Rob and Greg break down the newest developments in NAR governance, the fallout from the failed referral-fee disclosure vote, and the rapid moves by industry players like eXp and CAR to implement their own transparency standards. They also examine broader structural questions: Should MLSs raise the bar? Is the NAR brand salvageable? The conversation then turns to Zillow's decision to remove climate-risk scores, shifting public sentiment, and the growing political and economic pressures facing housing, affordability, and real estate professionals.

• NAR's proposed change to the Code of Ethics regarding referral-fee disclosure failed—not at the board level, but at the delegate body, highlighting severe governance issues.

• eXp and the California Association of REALTORS® are moving ahead with their own transparency and disclosure updates, signaling a break from NAR's direction.

• The discussion raises whether MLSs should (or realistically can) "raise the bar," with Rob arguing it could undermine the MLS value proposition.

• Greg and Rob note that weakened enforcement and membership incentives make it difficult for NAR to rebuild the Realtor brand without major structural reform.

• Zillow has removed on-site climate risk scores after industry pushback, which Rob frames as Zillow aligning with shifting consumer and cultural sentiment.

• The hosts raise concerns about affordability, generational frustration, and political volatility—warning that real estate professionals must better understand and respond to consumer mood.

Connect with Rob and Greg

Rob's Website

Greg's Website

Watch us on YouTube

Our Sponsors:

Cotality

Notorious VIP

The Giant Steps Job Board

Production and Editing Services by Sunbound Studios