In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg navigate the fallout from key legal decisions and the broader implications for the real estate industry. They analyze the Supreme Court’s denial of NAR’s cert petition, its potential effects on DOJ actions, and how shifting dynamics—such as commission lawsuits and housing market pressures—might reshape the landscape. The conversation also previews upcoming events and industry challenges that will define the next chapter of real estate.   Key Takeaways • Supreme Court Denies NAR’s Petition: What this decision means for DOJ’s antitrust investigations and future legal battles. • Commission Lawsuits Continue: Why the litigation isn’t over and what could come next, including potential first-time homebuyer class actions. • DOJ’s Goals: Rob and Greg speculate on what the Department of Justice ultimately wants for the real estate industry, including reducing transaction fees. • Housing Market Pressures: Rising costs, insurance challenges, and inventory shifts, including their impact on rentals and sales. • Upcoming Events: The MLS Reset Conference and the first-ever Industry Relations live stream scheduled for February 7th.   Watch Us on YouTube    Connect with Rob and Greg:  Rob’s Website Greg’s Website   Our Sponsors: CoreLogic Notorious VIP The Giant Steps Job Board   Production and Editing Services by Sunbound Studios

Explore the bold moves by Phoenix Realtors as they challenge traditional agreements in real estate. The discussion delves into member-driven value propositions and the necessity for NAR to reinvent itself to attract and retain agents. Leadership challenges take center stage, with speculation on whether celebrity figures could reshape the narrative. The future of Realtor memberships is scrutinized, raising essential questions about what agents truly value in a dynamic landscape.

Rob and Greg dive into predictions for 2025, analyzing transaction volumes and mortgage rates while considering the future of MLSs. They debate the possibility of the three-way agreement unraveling and what that could mean for real estate associations. The discussion highlights the importance of community engagement, referencing cultural shifts and the decline of social organizations. Speculation on mergers and acquisitions in the industry adds a thrilling twist, making for an insightful glimpse into the evolving landscape of real estate.

2024 has been labeled 'The Year of the Settlement,' showcasing monumental shifts in real estate. High-interest rates and dwindling inventory continue to challenge market morale. The decline of the NAR is causing a reevaluation of its role, while Compass's acquisition strategies raise eyebrows. Amid controversies, the Clear Cooperation Policy's evolving debate highlights future implications for MLSs. The hosts speculate on the upcoming changes that could lead to Real Estate 4.0, indicating a profound transformation in the industry ahead.

In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg tackle the latest controversies surrounding NAR  and the recent investigative article from The New York Times. They debate the role of lobbying, explore accusations of corruption and financial mismanagement, and reflect on the broader challenges facing NAR’s leadership and reputation. Key Takeaways • NAR and Lobbying Controversy: Discussion on how NAR funnels money to political groups through entities like the American Property Owners Alliance (APOA). • The “Woke vs. Conservative” Debate: Examining NAR’s conflicting image as both progressive and a supporter of conservative causes. • Transparency Issues: Why NAR’s approach to handling controversies feels “astroturfy” and the need for more open dialogue with members. • Organizing Homeowners: The untapped potential of grassroots homeowner advocacy and how it could reshape lobbying strategies. • PR Missteps: Criticism of NAR’s traditional PR playbook and a call for leadership to adopt more authentic communication strategies.   Watch Us on YouTube    Connect with Rob and Greg:  Rob’s Website Greg’s Website   Our Sponsors: CoreLogic Notorious VIP The Giant Steps Job Board   Production and Editing Services by Sunbound Studios

Overview In this special episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg welcome economist and author Professor Bryan Caplan to discuss his latest book, Build Baby Build: The Science and Ethics of Housing Regulation. The trio dives into the housing crisis, exploring how deregulation could address affordability, inequality, and other societal issues. Bryan’s insights challenge conventional thinking, offering bold solutions for the future of housing.   Key Takeaways • Core Argument: Bryan argues that excessive housing regulations have driven up costs, stifled innovation, and exacerbated inequality, advocating for widespread deregulation. • The 50% Reduction Claim: Deregulation could halve housing prices nationwide by enabling construction and reducing bureaucratic hurdles. • NIMBYism and Local Politics: Local resistance to development, often driven by fear and misinformation, remains a significant barrier to solving the housing crisis. • Economic and Social Benefits: Lower housing costs could address issues like inequality, mobility, and declining birth rates, while also improving quality of life. • Role of Realtors: Real estate professionals and associations could play a pivotal role in advocating for deregulation to increase housing supply and affordability.   Watch Us on YouTube   Check out Bryan's amazing graphic novel: Build Baby Build: The Science and Ethics of Housing Regulation   Connect with Rob and Greg:  Rob’s Website Greg’s Website   Our Sponsors: CoreLogic Notorious VIP The Giant Steps Job Board   Production and Editing Services by Sunbound Studios

Recent developments in the housing market are front and center, with sharp insights on the DOJ's influence and its push for transparency in buyer agreements. The hosts challenge traditional views, debating whether market health hinges more on transaction volumes than home prices. Pressing issues like declining affordability shape the landscape, while brokers navigate increasing regulatory scrutiny. Future predictions speculate on potential changes that could transform real estate practices, emphasizing the necessity for consumer awareness in this evolving industry.

This engaging discussion delves into the DOJ's recent statement of interest, raising significant antitrust concerns in real estate practices. The potential effects of buyer agreements on competition are debated, alongside the implications for real estate brokers and agents. The speakers emphasize the importance of transparency in navigating complex and conflicting regulations. Additionally, they explore how the current administration may influence future real estate policies and commission structures, urging professionals to stay alert to evolving legal challenges.

The hosts explore the complexities of leadership decisions in real estate, focusing on NAR's CEO and membership challenges for 2024. They dive into membership retention strategies amidst controversies and discuss the fallout from a $2 billion broker club. A lively debate unfolds about effective leadership, emphasizing the importance of visible action versus behind-the-scenes work. Additionally, the role of member surveys in fostering communication and rebuilding trust in leadership is highlighted, making for a thoughtful conversation filled with insights.

Greg shares reflections from the NAR Boston conference, highlighting the election's potential impact on HUD and real estate policies. The duo discusses complexities within MLS structures and the possible domino effect of changes to the Clear Cooperation Policy. With Zillow's influence on MLS under scrutiny, they critique NAR's transparency in communications surrounding these sensitive issues. The conversation also touches on MLS independence and the future of in-person events in a shifting landscape.