Industry Relations

The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview In this episode, Rob and Greg dive into the implications of a future where exclusive listings become the industry norm. They explore how this shift could reshape brokerages, MLS operations, agent recruitment, consumer transparency, and portal business models. With a slow news week in real estate, the discussion becomes a deep speculative analysis of what happens if the market fully embraces private listing networks, how big brokers consolidate power, and whether the MLS becomes a "nice to have" rather than a necessity. They also touch on political factors, Zillow vs. Homes.com strategy, and how agents might adapt in a less transparent ecosystem. Key Takeaways Exclusive listings could dramatically shift power to large brokerages, enabling stronger recruitment flywheels and disadvantaging boutique firms. Big brokers may form alliances to consolidate private listing access, leaving smaller shops struggling to compete. MLSs risk becoming secondary tools—useful but no longer essential—if private networks supply the bulk of market inventory. Consumer transparency may decline if days-on-market and price-change history disappear, increasing agent value as data interpreters. Portal strategies (Zillow, Homes.com) may need to adapt, especially if sellers aren't willing to pay for exposure under an exclusive model. The industry still misunderstands exclusive listings, which are less about double-ending and more about recruiting, retention, and leverage. Market cycles and seller psychology remain central, as many sellers still prefer full exposure while others choose convenience and certainty. Political housing policy may shift unexpectedly, though current geopolitical chaos makes predictions uncertain. 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! Overview Rob Hahn and Greg Robertson close out the year with their annual predictions episode. They debate where housing transactions, interest rates, and home prices are headed, then turn to broader market forecasts. The conversation shifts to industry-specific predictions around lawsuits, private listings, MLS policy, portal strategy, and where consolidation may reshape brokerages and real estate technology next. Key Takeaways Existing home sales, interest rates, and median home price predictions — with very different rationales. Why mortgage rates may be driven more by the bond market than the Fed. Bold calls on NASDAQ, gold, and Bitcoin. Compass vs. Zillow and the future of private listings. A potential overturning of the NAR settlement and what that would mean for the industry. Why forms litigation could be the next major legal battleground. What portals like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Homes.com may need to change. Predictions around major brokerage, franchise, and proptech consolidation. MLSs redefining participants, IDX access, and control of listing data. 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 take a reflective look at 2024, grading their predictions on transaction volumes, mortgage rates, and median home prices. They debate the growing autonomy of MLSs and the declining influence of NAR, alongside unexpected trends like Realtor.com’s acquisition of Zenlist. Zillow's increasing power and its implications for the market are central topics, along with discussions on rising realtor commissions and the controversial 50-year mortgage proposal. The year is framed as a pivotal moment, setting the stage for future industry shifts.

A fierce clash brews between Zillow and MRED over private listing networks and who gets to control listing data. The hosts delve into MRED's alarming emails, warning brokers of looming disruptions and Zillow's outreach. With Zillow potentially seeking direct broker feeds, the stakes rise as they debate the power dynamics at play. Using a Mad Max analogy, they frame the struggle like a battle in Bartertown. Outcomes could reshape relationships between MLSs and portals, leaving brokers and sellers hanging in the balance.

Rob and Greg tackle the pressing issue of embezzlement in small Realtor associations, discussing how financial fragility can lead to instability. They debate the appropriate level of transparency, with one advocating member access to financial records while the other expresses concerns about potential disruptions. The conversation covers the importance of audits, the role of internal controls, and whether state associations should fund audits for smaller groups. Can transparency rebuild trust, or does it risk more chaos?

The discussion dives into NAR's failed ethics changes and governance issues, revealing deep conflicts within its structure. eXp and CAR are pushing for greater transparency, challenging NAR's approach. The hosts debate whether MLSs should 'raise the bar' and the risks of hindering their market value. Zillow's removal of climate-risk scores highlights changing consumer sentiments. They express concern over rising housing affordability issues and the need for real estate professionals to engage with younger buyers and foster trust.

Rob and Greg dissect revealing court documents from the Zillow-Compass case and a leaked Zillow strategy plan that may redefine industry norms. They debate the implications of the preliminary injunction hearing and its potential to spur rapid shifts in real estate practices. Tensions over housing affordability and the outdated poverty line also emerge, linking generational issues to the housing market. The hosts propose intriguing compromise ideas that could reshape how Zillow and Compass operate, while questioning the future of MLS dynamics.

The hosts dive into the sparse attendance at NAR NXT and the shift towards centralized vendor kiosks. They discuss how MLS policy changes signal a shift in authority from NAR to local levels, essentially granting MLS freedom. The repeal of disciplinary guidelines is highlighted, indicating a significant transformation in the MLS landscape. Winners like large brokers and MLSs emerge, while local associations may struggle to adapt. The hosts foresee a need for associations to reinvent themselves without mandatory membership and critique NAR's strategic plan.

Rob and Greg dive into the buzz surrounding the NAR Annual Conference, discussing attendance patterns and committee speculations. They explore the implications of a potential 50-year mortgage and debate whether lower interest rates could actually stimulate home sales. The conversation shifts to a new Zillow-related lawsuit and how Rocket/Redfin might navigate potential RESPA risks. Finally, they highlight the polished experience at Zillow Unlock, attended by top agents, where business connected with brand strategy.

Zillow's recent privacy policy changes spark a heated debate on data access and agent trust. The term 'mutual customer' triggered significant backlash, revealing communication failures at Zillow. Discussions highlight concerns over CRM data use and potential industry ripple effects as agents fear for their client lists. Both hosts emphasize the erosion of trust as a significant risk, while also placing Zillow's decisions within a broader trend in tech. The conversation wraps up with advice for agents to adapt to these evolving privacy expectations.