Industry Relations

Jack Miller, President & CEO of T3 Sixty and author of industry reports like the SP200, explains changes to rankings and how they now weigh future impact. He digs into brokerage business models and agent economics. Jack explores MLS pressures as private and delayed listings grow, consolidation drivers, and how portals like Zillow and CoStar are reshaping industry dynamics.

They reflect on a major industry leader’s retirement and what made his approach memorable. They dig into new state laws trying to force public marketing of listings and whether vague wording creates loopholes. The conversation explores tensions between MLS rules, modern marketing practices, and how regulation might push data into private networks.

They unpack the Compass–Anywhere deal closing and what it means for broker strategy. They analyze CoStar slashing Homes.com spending and debate whether it signals retreat or a pivot. They hash over the Top Agent Network settlement and how private-listing rules and MLS power could shift industry dynamics.

Rob and Greg explore a provocative future where exclusive listings become the norm in real estate. They discuss how this shift could empower large brokerages while compromising smaller firms and potentially transforming MLSs into optional tools. The hosts delve into seller motivations, weighing convenience against market exposure, and consider how portals like Zillow might need to adapt. As transparency declines, they envision agents taking on new roles as data interpreters, driving the industry into a fascinating, yet uncertain, future.

Rob and Greg dive into bold predictions for the housing market in 2026, debating the future of mortgage rates and home prices. They discuss potential legal battles over NAR settlements and private listings, along with the reshaping of brokerages through consolidation. Expect significant shifts in portal strategies and predictions about NASDAQ trends and cryptocurrency fluctuations. The duo also highlights the evolving landscape of MLSs and the challenges brokers may face amid emerging litigation.

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.