Industry Relations

The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! In this episode, Rob and Greg dive into the balance between technology and human connection in real estate. From car tech frustrations to the rise of “dumb phones,” they discuss how AI and digital tools are reshaping the industry—and whether that’s always a good thing. The conversation explores where technology truly adds value versus where it risks eroding the personal relationships that define real estate. They also touch on Opendoor’s evolving agent strategy and the broader AI hype cycle in business. Key Takeaways Tech minimalism is gaining traction as people push back against screens and automation in everyday life . Real estate may benefit more from authentic human connections than from full automation. AI is both transformative and overhyped—efficiency gains often come with trade-offs. Tools like DocuSign provide convenience but may reduce valuable informal interactions. Opendoor’s new “Key Connections” program shows a shift in how it integrates agents from the start. The industry should focus less on “AI supremacy” and more on thoughtful application of technology.     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

  The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Rob and Greg dive into the latest developments in the real estate industry, including Andrea’s move to Real Estate News, Anne Marie’s push for MLS independence, and ongoing debates around realtor commissions and compliance. They also examine a new lawsuit challenging enforcement of buyer representation agreements and revisit the idea of sub-agency as a potential solution to persistent steering problems. Key Takeaways Andrea at Real Estate News: Andrea joins Real Estate News, raising hopes for stronger investigative journalism in the industry. MLS Independence: Anne Marie’s upcoming retirement sparks discussion on MLS separation from associations and questions of ownership structure. Realtor Commissions Rising: Despite reforms, commissions are reportedly up, prompting concerns over steering and transparency. ZEA v. NAR Lawsuit: A self-represented broker challenges MLSs and NAR over lack of enforcement of buyer agreements, potentially opening the door for class action. Compliance Issues: Evidence suggests weak enforcement of mandatory buyer agreements and ongoing loopholes in rules. Return to Sub-Agency? Rob argues a shift back to sub-agency could simplify compensation and cooperation while reducing steering conflicts. Future Uncertainty: Regulatory or legislative changes may be required to address systemic problems that lawsuits alone cannot solve.   Links Real Estate News Article   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  

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.

Legal battles heat up as the lawsuit from Homie against NAR and big brokerages gets dismissed. A new referral fee disclosure policy by NWMLS sparks debate on consumer transparency. Realtor.com’s acquisition of Zenlist raises questions about the startup landscape in real estate. Homes.com launches a marketing campaign aimed at sellers, drawing mixed industry reactions. Throughout the discussion, the hosts ponder portal strategies and the shifting tides in the real estate landscape, hinting at future trends that could reshape the market.

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.

The hosts explore the lawsuit filed by Compass against Zillow, questioning the legality and impact of Zillow's practices. They delve into the implications of behind-the-scenes meetings, dissecting the alleged statements from Zillow executives about controlling listings. The conversation also touches on Redfin's potential involvement and examines the competitive dynamics in real estate, where pressures and rivalries shape market behavior. Finally, the hosts debate the definition of monopoly power in this evolving industry landscape.

Dive into a lively discussion about the transformative power of music across decades! The hosts explore iconic artists like Nirvana and Depeche Mode, debating their cultural impact. They reflect on the evolution of hip-hop from Run DMC to modern giants like Kendrick Lamar. Nostalgia reigns as they reminisce about 80s and 90s bands and their influence on youth identity. The conversation also celebrates powerful female voices in music and the ongoing evolution of genres like jazz and reggae, all wrapped in humor and personal stories.