Vibe Buying

Jul 16, 2025

Dig into the debate about who should access real estate listing data, sparked by a Wired article on college students using Zillow to gauge wealth. One host argues for privacy, suggesting sensitive details should be restricted, while the other defends open data access. The conversation explores VOW rules, consumer legitimacy, and the clash between marketing and research data. Plus, enjoy stories of a memorable golf trip, blending personal anecdotes with serious discussions on modern transparency in the real estate landscape.

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INSIGHT

Privacy Should Trump Public Access

The real estate industry should not facilitate voyeuristic use of listing data just because it's public record.
Privacy for homeowners matters more than public access to transaction data, despite it being public government info.

INSIGHT

MLS Data Serves Homebuyers

The MLS shares data primarily to empower actual home buyers, not random internet users.
Random voyeurs don’t benefit the selling process and can invade privacy without justification.

ADVICE

Require Action To Access Data

Before granting full data access, require consumers to take an action indicating market interest.
Clicking a button to form a broker relationship filters serious buyers from casual browsers.

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In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg tackle the thorny question of who should have access to real estate listing data. Prompted by a Wired article about college students using Zillow to assess classmates’ wealth, Rob argues that the real estate industry should move some listing details—like interior photos and price history—behind a broker-consumer relationship. Greg pushes back, defending the value of open data and the impossibility of cleanly separating legitimate buyers from “random voyeurs.” The conversation dives deep into VOW rules, privacy, and what it means to be a consumer in 2025.

Key Takeaways

Prompt for the Episode – A Wired article reveals that young people are using Zillow to snoop on classmates’ family wealth, raising privacy questions.
Rob’s Proposal – Rob suggests moving data like days on market, interior photos, and price change history to the VOW feed instead of IDX.
VOW vs. IDX – They revisit the 2006 DOJ/NAR settlement that created Virtual Office Websites and debate whether its definitions still work in 2025.
Who Is a “Legitimate” Consumer? – Rob proposes that anyone willing to speak to an agent qualifies, while Greg argues that even dreamers browsing for years could be future buyers.
Advertising vs. Research Data – They attempt to draw a distinction between marketing information meant to attract interest and data meant to inform a buyer’s decision.
Barriers and Incentives – Greg warns that placing obstacles in front of consumers—even just requiring a lead form—might diminish site traffic and engagement.
Portals and Traffic Obsession – Discussion of how Zillow, Realtor.com, and Homes.com measure success by traffic volume, and why reducing public data might not align with their incentives.
Consumer Privacy vs. Industry Benefit – Rob argues that the industry has no obligation to serve voyeurs, while Greg questions whether we can—or should—attempt to limit access.
A Potential VOW Framework – The episode closes with a thought experiment: Should consumers need to name an agent (or form a relationship) before accessing detailed listing info?

Links

Wired Article

SNL Zillow Skit Reference

Inman Connect Proptech Pre-Party

Connect with Rob and Greg

Rob’s Website

Greg’s Website

Watch us on YouTube

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