Industry Relations

This is Industry Relations, a podcast that is at the intersection of real estate and technology from an insider’s perspective. Hosted weekly by Rob Hahn (The Notorious ROB) and Greg Robertson.

Tori Amos? 06/25/2025

The thing about incentives 06/18/2025

NAR Midyear Recap and then some... 06/11/2025

NAR Midyear Recap and then some... In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg recap the 2025 NAR Midyear Meetings in Washington, D.C., discussing key industry developments, MLS policy changes, and behind-the-scenes dynamics. Topics include the repeal of the commingling ban, updates to NAR’s controversial 10-5 speech policy, and ongoing MLS consolidation. They also cover vendor presence, association politics, and speculation around leadership changes in CMLS. Key Takeaways Compass “Protest” at Midyear – Greg recounts organizing a publicity stunt in front of Compass’s hotel to promote Tuesday.com Repeal of Co-mingling Ban – Discussion on how NAR’s removal of the commingling restriction could impact listing syndication and MLS relevance. 10-5 Policy Changes – Rob and Greg unpack the revision of NAR’s hate speech rule, its political implications, and the proposal for a “conduct unbecoming” clause. MLS Consolidation – A growing theme from the meetings was consolidation, with T3 data showing Bright MLS now leading in subscriber count. CMLS Leadership Transition – With Denee Evans stepping down, the episode explores possible successors and whether CMLS and RESO should consider a merger. Policy Governance Shifts – Signs point to NAR possibly stepping back from MLS policy-making, sparking conversation about which organization might take that role. Vendor and Trade Show Insights – Observations about reduced vendor presence and the challenges for newer tech companies trying to break into the space. Affordability and Market Outlook – Brief discussion on macro issues like tariffs, political shifts, and whether the real estate market is moving toward a buyer’s market. LInks Connect with Rob and Greg Rob’s Website Greg’s Website Watch us on Our Sponsors: Cotality Notorious VIP The Giant Steps Job Board Production and Editing Services by /episode/index/show/industryrelations/id/36946310

Buyer's Market Fever Dream 06/04/2025

Buyer's Market Fever Dream In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg run a thought experiment: What if we’re entering a true buyer’s market? They walk through ten major industry topics—from antitrust litigation to portals, AI, and MLS relevance—and analyze how each might shift if buyers suddenly gained the upper hand. Along the way, they debate policy, technology, and market psychology, drawing connections between historical trends and current market signals. Watch us on Links Key Takeaways Antitrust & Legal Landscape – Discussion of how a buyer’s market might (or might not) affect current and future antitrust lawsuits in real estate. Government Regulation – Exploration of potential political reactions, including pressure on corporate landlords, affordability policy, or even renewed interest in rent control. Tech-Enabled Brokerages – Examination of whether brokerages like Redfin, Compass, and eXp gain or lose advantage when the market shifts toward buyers. iBuyers & Institutional Activity – Rob and Greg assess whether a buyer’s market helps or hurts companies like Opendoor and investor-focused strategies. Portals & Exclusive Inventory – Deep dive into how platforms like Zillow and Homes.com may adapt, and whether exclusive listings could gain ground. AI & Automation – Consideration of how AI could enable cheaper, more scalable buyer representation services—and who might benefit. Consumer Trust – Debate over whether a buyer’s market could rebuild trust in the industry or simply reduce agent count, leaving higher-quality professionals. DIY Real Estate – Why self-service homebuying remains unlikely to surge, even with market power shifting toward buyers. Industry Consolidation – Prediction that competitive pressure could drive further brokerage and vendor consolidation. MLS & Association Relevance – Analysis of whether MLSs become more or less important in a buyer’s market, especially in the context of exclusives and policy enforcement. Connect with Rob and Greg Rob’s Website Greg’s Website Our Sponsors: Cotality Notorious VIP The Giant Steps Job Board Production and Editing Services by /episode/index/show/industryrelations/id/36843380

Cui bono? 05/28/2025

Cui bono? In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg analyze Zillow’s recently released ZLAS policy language and debate whether it reflects a shift in Zillow’s priorities. They discuss the implications of allowing broker direct feeds, the enforcement challenges around delayed marketing, and whether Zillow’s current stance can still be considered “consumer first.” The conversation also explores how MLSs and major brokerages are interpreting ZLAS and how this policy intersects with Clear Cooperation rules and VOW/IDX frameworks. Watch us on Links Howard Hanna in open rebellion against Clear Cooperation Policy - https://www.inman.com/2025/05/23/howard-hanna-in-open-rebellion-against-clear-cooperation-policy/ Zillow's ZLAS: Make Zillow Great Again - Hoby Hanna don't like the rules - https://www.vendoralley.com/2025/05/27/hoby-hanna-dont-like-the-rules/ Key Takeaways Zillow’s ZLAS Policy Language – The official policy now allows listings to be submitted via MLS or broker syndication feeds, raising questions about enforcement and intent. Broker Compliance and Enforcement – Rob and Greg explore whether Zillow has the capacity or systems in place to enforce ZLAS, and how it compares to MLS-style rule enforcement. Direct Broker Feeds as a Loophole – The inclusion of broker syndication feeds in the policy language could enable firms like Compass to bypass ZLAS restrictions. VOW vs. IDX Access – Discussion on how Zillow’s VOW-powered listing visibility may conflict with its public consumer-first messaging. Local MLS Rule Conflicts – ZLAS policy explicitly overrides local MLS or state-level rules that allow extended delayed marketing, creating potential legal and operational conflicts. Marketplace Power Shift – Zillow’s self-enforced policy is viewed as a signal of its growing authority in the real estate ecosystem, independent of MLS governance. Connect with Rob and Greg Rob’s Website Greg’s Website Our Sponsors: Cotality Notorious VIP The Giant Steps Job Board Production and Editing Services by /episode/index/show/industryrelations/id/36741040