Industry Relations

The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player!  Overview Rob and Greg return to break down CMLS 2025 in Toronto, offering their candid takes on the good, the bad, and the ugly of the event. From bold leadership discussions and MLS operational shifts to vendor frustrations and AI speculation, they cover the hot topics shaping the industry. The episode also dives into the Compass/Anywhere merger, vendor challenges, and how AI may (or may not) reshape real estate. Key Takeaways CMLS 2025 Recap: Despite venue issues, the conference featured strong panels on MLS operations and leadership . Bold Leadership: Key discussions included separating associations and MLSs, technology shifts like AWS migration, and communication strategies for major decisions  Compass/Anywhere Merger: MLS execs showed a pragmatic stance, with little immediate panic over the deal . Vendor Struggles: Vendors continue to face slow MLS sales cycles, entrenched incumbents, and a “glacial pace” of change . AI’s Role: Debate on whether AI will increase the number of realtors (2 million by 2030?) or simply change workflows in MLS operations and compliance . Opendoor’s AI Push: Skepticism over Opendoor’s “AI-first” pivot, with questions about what it really means for flipping houses   Links Friday Flash: The coming Realtor boom Letter from The Realty Alliance to CMLS Kaz Nejatian X post on "AI Native" with Greg's reply   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

Rob and Greg explore the monumental acquisition of Anywhere by Compass, unpacking its $1.6 billion all-stock deal and the debt implications. They discuss the potential for industry consolidation, antitrust concerns, and how this move could redefine private listings. With predictions of competitors like Zillow and Keller Williams adopting private listing strategies, they dive into the shifting dynamics of brokerage operations. The conversation also touches on how this acquisition could impact traditional MLS practices and consumer preferences in the real estate landscape.

Rob and Greg unpack the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, exploring its profound impact on society and the real estate industry. They dive into the troubling responses from industry leaders and the celebration of violence witnessed online. The duo questions the consistency of corporate and organizational statements compared to past incidents, urging for accountability and clearer messaging. The conversation emphasizes the need for civil discourse amidst rising polarization and hopes for reduced harmful rhetoric across divides.

The hosts dive into the urgent challenge of housing affordability, pondering a potential national emergency declaration. They discuss various federal strategies like deregulation and incentives to stimulate zoning reforms. A lively debate unfolds around mortgage financing, weighing homeownership benefits against price inflation issues. The conversation shifts to Zillow's new policies, exploring their impact on exclusive listings and Compass's inventory trends. The episode also reflects on the tension between local regulations and the need for more multifamily developments.

Rob and Greg explore the delicate balance between technology and human connection in real estate. They discuss the trend towards tech minimalism and the allure of 'dumb phones' as a response to screen fatigue. The duo questions whether AI is genuinely transformative or simply overhyped, emphasizing the need for thoughtful tech application. They highlight Opendoor's new strategy to integrate agents earlier and debate the value of in-person interactions versus digital conveniences. Ultimately, they advocate for a strategic approach to blending tech and personal touch in the industry.

Rob and Greg explore Andrea's new role at Real Estate News, aiming for enhanced investigative journalism. They dive into Anne Marie’s push for MLS independence amid rising realtor commissions, sparking debates on ownership structures. A lawsuit against NAR challenges the enforcement of buyer representation agreements, highlighting weak compliance. Rob argues for a return to sub-agency to tackle steering issues and simplify compensation, while questioning the historical reasons for its abandonment. Overall, the discussion paves the way for potential regulatory changes in the real estate landscape.

The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Rob and Greg dive into the shakeup at Opendoor after CEO Carrie Wheeler’s resignation. They break down the role activist investors and meme stock energy played, and debate whether iBuying still has a future. The conversation turns into advice for Opendoor’s new leadership, touching on strategy, agent relations, and branding. Key Takeaways Carrie Wheeler resigns as Opendoor CEO amid activist investor pressure and retail investor hype. Debate over whether iBuying is viable long-term, given seller expectations and buyer demands for turnkey homes. Criticism that Opendoor and Zillow acted like house flippers instead of true market makers. Suggested strategies for Opendoor: Sell homes “as is” rather than renovating. Continue offering full buyer agent compensation. Build out an exclusive “coming soon” marketplace for discounted listings. Rebrand messaging closer to “we buy ugly houses” but focused on hassle-free transactions. Explore seller financing to simplify closings and create new revenue streams.   Links Cloud CMA iBuyer Connect Revisiting Opendoor: So many words The Quik Fix   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

Coleton Boyer, an innovator at OnTuesday.com, dives into the fascinating intersection of AI and real estate. He discusses how AI can revolutionize lead generation and client interactions but raises ethical questions about authenticity. The conversation tackles whether these tools empower new agents or simply benefit the established ones. They also explore the potential shift in business models from traditional practices to more dynamic pricing structures. Throughout, the importance of maintaining the human touch in client relationships remains a central theme.

Key topics include the surprising resilience of the real estate market despite challenges and the debate over AI's role in client interactions. Insights from Inman Connect San Diego reveal industry gossip, shifting executive roles, and a significant lawsuit between CoStar and Zillow. The hosts discuss the importance of personal engagement over awards, emphasizing that authenticity matters more than accolades. While some see promise in AI for marketing, skepticism remains about its effectiveness in enhancing the client experience.

A dive into Zillow's surprising legal claim suggests it only handles a tiny fraction of real estate transactions, raising questions about its industry dominance. The discussion unfolds around the implications for competitors like Compass and Homes.com, and how this shift could impact agent sales strategies. Anticipation builds for the upcoming Inman Connect in San Diego, as the hosts reflect on economic challenges and industry sentiment. They explore the interplay of media perceptions and real estate market dynamics, offering insights on navigating competitive landscapes.