What if we're entering a true buyer's market? The hosts delve into potential shifts in real estate dynamics, from antitrust litigation to tech-enabled brokerages. Discussions include how platforms like Zillow might adapt and the evolving role of AI in transactions. They explore historical trends, government regulation pressures, and the impact of affordable housing concepts. Expect lively debates on debt morality and trust erosion in the industry as they analyze what a buyer’s market could mean for both consumers and agents.
01:03:36
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Current Buyer's Market Is Affordability-Driven
We're likely entering a true buyer's market driven mainly by affordability issues, not by homeowner desperation.
Unlike the last buyer's market post-GFC, current homeowners aren't overextended but buyers struggle to afford homes.
insights INSIGHT
Government Focus Shifts in Buyer Market
Government regulation in a buyer's market may focus on corporate landlords and rent control rather than broad national reform.
Politicians might push policies seen as easy wins, like restrictions on mega landlords or commission caps.
insights INSIGHT
Tech Brokerages Neutral; AI Opportunity
Tech-enabled brokerages are essentially ubiquitous, so the market status doesn't shift their advantage significantly.
However, AI might enable cheaper, scalable buyer representation services in a buyer's market.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg run a thought experiment: What if we’re entering a true buyer’s market? They walk through ten major industry topics—from antitrust litigation to portals, AI, and MLS relevance—and analyze how each might shift if buyers suddenly gained the upper hand. Along the way, they debate policy, technology, and market psychology, drawing connections between historical trends and current market signals.
Antitrust & Legal Landscape – Discussion of how a buyer’s market might (or might not) affect current and future antitrust lawsuits in real estate.
Government Regulation – Exploration of potential political reactions, including pressure on corporate landlords, affordability policy, or even renewed interest in rent control.
Tech-Enabled Brokerages – Examination of whether brokerages like Redfin, Compass, and eXp gain or lose advantage when the market shifts toward buyers.
iBuyers & Institutional Activity – Rob and Greg assess whether a buyer’s market helps or hurts companies like Opendoor and investor-focused strategies.
Portals & Exclusive Inventory – Deep dive into how platforms like Zillow and Homes.com may adapt, and whether exclusive listings could gain ground.
AI & Automation – Consideration of how AI could enable cheaper, more scalable buyer representation services—and who might benefit.
Consumer Trust – Debate over whether a buyer’s market could rebuild trust in the industry or simply reduce agent count, leaving higher-quality professionals.
DIY Real Estate – Why self-service homebuying remains unlikely to surge, even with market power shifting toward buyers.
Industry Consolidation – Prediction that competitive pressure could drive further brokerage and vendor consolidation.
MLS & Association Relevance – Analysis of whether MLSs become more or less important in a buyer’s market, especially in the context of exclusives and policy enforcement.
Industry Relations