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Industry Relations

Rob Hahn and Greg Robertson

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.

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  • 31 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 1 hr 2 min
  • English

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  • Yesterday · 1 hr 3 min

    Thirty Shades of Active

    The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg are back from the NAR annual convention in New Orleans. They talk about lower attendance, whether NAR committee meetings should be open to members and the press, and Compass's new policy barring its W-2 employees from NAR volunteer leadership roles. Greg shares what he heard in 14 meetings with MLS executives about OpenRE, and the hosts disagree over whether OpenRE is a national data repository, a listing input tool, or mostly a lobbying effort. They close with their favorite conversations from the convention. Key Takeaways NAR attendance fell from over 30,000 in past years to about 10,000 this year. Greg blames a perfect storm: the lingering effects of COVID, a down market, and infighting within the industry. Rob suggests NAR could focus only on business (votes and committee meetings) and open those meetings to members and the press. Greg points out that companies commonly keep the press out of strategy meetings. Compass now bars its W-2 employees from NAR volunteer leadership positions. Rob sees the policy as a way to reduce antitrust risk, not as retaliation against NAR. Greg thinks announcing it during the NAR convention was gamesmanship. The policy could affect NAR First Vice President Jennifer Branchini's path to the presidency. MLS execs placed OpenRE somewhere between "nothing burger" and "distraction." MLS execs say they understand brokers' frustrations and are open to working with them. Greg believes the real broker pain point is double entry across multiple MLSs, which is a problem BLX could solve. Greg wonders when Cotality might acquire Ocusell. A broker consortium might reach about 30% of a market's data, while the MLS has all of it. Portals want complete, checked, ad-quality listings, and they doubt OpenRE can deliver that. Rob argues OpenRE either adds little value or would end up replacing the MLS. Greg gives OpenRE about a 10% chance of success and warns against reading too much into so few details. Q1 will show whether OpenRE is a real company or just a press release. One MLS has over 30 active status types, an example of how complex listing data is. 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

  • November 4 · 1 hr 3 min

    Trade-offs

    The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview In this Election Day special, Rob and Greg step outside their usual real estate coverage to talk about the midterms and what they mean for housing. Greg voted; Rob didn't, and won't. They debate whether any election outcome can fix housing affordability, how to frame the trade-offs of adding supply, and whether AI changes the equation entirely. They also preview their trip to NAR NXT in New Orleans. Key Takeaways Both expect Democrats to take the House and Senate, with Texas, South Carolina, and Michigan as races to watch. Rob argues no matter who you vote for, you get John McCain. Greg says housing policy is mostly local, so federal races change little. Rob argues the midterm housing agenda (NAR, Inman coverage, "Let America Build") is tinkering on the edges. Democratic housing proposals center on low-income housing credits and Section 8 vouchers. California's ADU rules are one example of deregulation from the left. Greg's pitch to NIMBY neighbors: more housing means your kids can live next to you. Rob counters that adding real supply means existing home values drop, and no candidate campaigns on that. Rob says affordability requires a 50% price drop, doubled real incomes, or sub-2% rates. Greg argues it can be a combination of smaller moves rather than one big fix. Greg suggests AI-driven abundance could make today's affordability formulas obsolete. Rob says housing predates industry and will always have an economy around it. Both agree "a rising tide lifts all boats" has broken down, and housing shows it most clearly. Charles Murray's "super zips" illustrate how rich and poor no longer share towns or schools. 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

  • October 28 · 1 hr 3 min

    ListHub 2.0?

    The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg break down Open Real Estate (ORE), a new initiative from eXp, Real, RE/MAX, Keller Williams, and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices to build a broker-run listing cooperative. They debate whether ORE is a national MLS or a syndication platform, whether a Q1 2027 launch is realistic, and what ORE could mean for MLSs, Compass, and government regulation of the industry. Key Takeaways ORE aims to prevent inventory fragmentation driven by Compass's private listing strategy. Greg gives ORE a one-out-of-ten chance of success but thinks MLSs and portals should help anyway. Rob says mandatory submission plus cooperation makes ORE a national MLS, whatever it's called. Greg sees ORE as closer to ListHub 2.0, a data feed that works alongside MLSs. Rob asks why ORE doesn't just buy ListHub from Realtor.com instead of building from scratch. Neither host believes ORE can launch by Q1 2027 with RFPs only now going out. ORE's early principles include submission within one business day and public or participant-only listing options. ORE could become the industry's new rulemaker, giving MLSs cover against Compass. Pricing like a dollar per listing could push smaller MLSs toward consolidation. Greg credits ORE for bringing a solution to the table instead of filing lawsuits. Greg wonders if ORE gives Robert Reffkin a face-saving way out of his fight with MLSs. Rob argues ORE's real goal is removing inventory as a way for brokerages to compete for agents. Rob warns that ORE's consumer-protection rhetoric could invite government regulation of the MLS. In 2004 congressional testimony, industry leaders defended the MLS as a private broker-to-broker cooperative. Links Vendor Alley: Upstream 2.0? Not Quite. Inman: KW, AGNT, HomeServices of America, Real REMAX fight private listing with new collaboration BAM (Video) : REAL, eXp, Keller Williams & Berkshire Hathaway Announce Historic Team Up Notorious POD (Video): Reaction Video - Open Real Estate Are you an MLS Exec going to NAR NXT? Book a meeting with Greg/Giant Steps 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

  • October 21 · 1 hr 1 min

    Spinning Compass

    The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg break down Compass's newly filed lawsuit against CRMLS in the Central District of California. They cover the eyebrow-raising $175 million figure tied to commission settlement costs and why Rob thinks Compass has a strong case that's badly packaged. They also debate MLS "transparency" claims and OneHome, revisit precedent from Cantor v. Multiple Listing Service of Dutchess County and RealComp, and look at what MLSs facing Compass threats, like Unlock MLS and OneKey MLS, should do next. Key Takeaways Compass's suit against CRMLS shifts the main legal action to California. Compass appears to seek recovery of commission settlement costs (Sitzer/Burnett, Gibson) from MLSs. Rob sees strong arguments in the complaint but a weak, overly combative narrative. The complaint doesn't explain why CRMLS's board would adopt rules that bind its own members. Rob argues MLS transparency claims fail because consumers can't join MLSs directly. Greg counters that OneHome gave roughly 12 million consumers CRMLS data access in a year. Rob says an MLS's customer is the agent who pays, not buyers or sellers. Cantor v. MLS of Dutchess County struck down a rule that had little to do with the cooperative: mandatory MLS yard signs. The core question is whether MLSs should regulate how properties are marketed. NAR's 2004 change, dropping the advertising restriction from the 14 points, was followed by DOJ action. Greg questions whether MLSs can negotiate in good faith with Compass, given its shifting demands. Rob urges MLSs to try to avoid costly litigation before going to "war." Greg notes MLSs feel squeezed between Compass suits and potential seller lawsuits. The 1983 FTC Butters Report shows the MLS is anti-competitive by design but delivers major consumer benefits. Rob predicts private and office-exclusive listings will grow, driven by buyer demand in a K-shaped economy. 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

  • October 14 · 1 hr 1 min

    Blame the Dentists

    The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg look at the latest NAR existing home sales report. Sales rose 1.5% to a 3.99 million SAAR, inventory stands at 4.8 months, and the median price is $417,500. Investor purchases jumped from 15% to 20% month over month. Rob argues that housing affordability is becoming a political flashpoint ahead of the midterms. He warns that candidates may find it easy to blame real estate investors, and the realtors who work with them, for the housing crisis. Greg pushes back on how much political power anyone could gain by taking on NAR, the country's second-largest lobby. The two then debate whether the industry has any real message for young, working-class Americans who believe they'll never own a home. Key Takeaways Existing home sales hit 3.99M SAAR in September, the fourth straight year near 4 million. Investor share of purchases rose from 15% to 20% in one month; first-time buyers edged up to 31%. Mortgage rates are set by the bond market, not the Fed, and 10-year yields are near 5.3%. Rising bond market concerns are pushing wealthier individuals toward real assets like housing. Most real estate investors are individuals, such as dentists and retirees, not institutions like BlackRock. Investors and first-time buyers often compete for the same starter homes. Rob sees housing as an open lane for a "housing candidate" willing to blame investors and realtors. NAR ranks second in national lobbying, behind only the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and ahead of pharma. Policy ideas discussed include limiting Fannie and Freddie financing for investment properties and restricting the mortgage interest deduction to owner-occupied homes. Down payment assistance risks raising prices by the same amount. Greg is optimistic that the AI infrastructure build-out will drive long-term prosperity. Rob argues Gen Z has lost the reasonable expectation that hard work leads to homeownership. Open question to listeners: what message should the industry have for the younger generation? 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

  • October 7 · 1 hr 3 min

    Treble Damages and Cupcakes

    The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg recap CMLS, from Errol Samuelson's understated appearance to Robert Reffkin's scripted, heavily criticized onstage interview with Jessica Edgerton. Rob notes that his engagement with Compass ended in September, though confidentiality restrictions still apply. The conversation then turns to the escalating Compass–CRMLS conflict and a heated debate over what the MLS should be in 2026 and beyond. Rob says MLSs need to define their identity and stop simply reacting to events. Greg says the answer will vary by market. They also clash over whether data-licensing revenue shared with brokers has any real connection to cooperation. Key Takeaways CMLS drew close to 1,000 attendees, but the lack of Wi-Fi in the main hall was a major unforced error. Errol Samuelson argued that listing exposure is a form of MLS contribution and urged attendees not to listen to the loudest voice. The recent ruling against Zillow went largely unmentioned during Samuelson's session. Robert Reffkin read from prepared notes, repeatedly warned of lawsuits and treble damages, and opened with a 1971 MLS book as a prop. The crowd's reaction to Reffkin seemed to unite MLS leaders rather than divide them. CRMLS has published the Compass demand letter and its response, and has filed a declaratory judgment lawsuit. Greg sees the fines issue as a red herring, with only eight fines totaling about $3,000. Greg expects MLSs to split regionally, with some leaning platform, some staying cooperative, and some landing on hybrids. Rob argues every MLS needs to answer two questions: who are we today, and who do we want to be tomorrow? Rob says removing compensation should have triggered a fundamental rethink of what cooperation means. 1% of brokerages contribute 64% of MLS listings, a fact Rob says the industry has avoided confronting. Greg points out that CLAW's more broker-friendly rules haven't caused a mass exodus from CRMLS. MLSs are experimenting with rewards programs and new data-licensing models that pay brokers for their contributions. Rob says data-sales revenue doesn't require cooperation and that tying the two together is arbitrary. Greg says tying payouts to cooperation rules is a legitimate incentive, the "cupcake" for following the rules. Rob calls cooperation a structural reality of a two-sided industry that doesn't need incentives. Both agree this kind of debate needs to happen inside MLS boardrooms. 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

  • September 30 · 53 min

    Whose MLS Is It, Anyway?

    The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Greg calls in from CMLS in Fort Lauderdale, while Rob stays home enjoying some "joy of missing out." Greg recaps the Click-Through Conference for MLS marketing professionals, where his keynote turned into a vendor's candid pitch for how MLSs could structure and monetize vendor marketing. That leads Rob to ask why local monopolies need marketing departments at all, and the conversation widens into MLS competition, Sam DeBord's Real Estate News piece on data monetization, and the question Rob says sits under all of it: who actually owns the MLS, and what does that ownership mean? Key Takeaways The Click-Through Conference brings MLS marketing and communications teams together, with sessions on plain-English messaging and AI in marketing. Vendors are often barred from contacting MLS members, then blamed when adoption is low. Greg proposes bronze, silver, and gold vendor marketing packages so vendors know exactly what they're paying for. Structured vendor programs could turn MLS marketing into a real revenue line. Rob questions why MLSs, as local monopolies, need marketing rather than member communications. Rob and Greg debate whether MLSs truly compete, citing Metrolist's expansion as an example. Sam DeBord argues that MLSs should use financial incentives to encourage complete data and should license data to AI companies. Rob asks what happens to the money if data monetization succeeds, given nonprofit association ownership. MLS shares held by associations rarely pay dividends or transfer, which limits their economic value. Ownership debates tend to center on board seats instead of enterprise value. Greg suggests alternatives like negotiated member benefits with Zillow or Homes.com. Cooperative models, such as REI, are one path, but members would then own the MLS, not associations. Rob warns MLS leaders not to assume they have unlimited time to address ownership. Choosing a tech platform isn't bold strategy; tackling ownership is. 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

  • September 23 · 1 hr 3 min

    Walking Dead

    The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview The court has denied Zillow's motion for a preliminary injunction against MRED, and the case now moves to arbitration. Rob stands by calling the ruling a "fatality" for Zillow's Listing Access Standards. Greg argues the fight is far from over and points to PLS v. NAR, which came back after a string of losses. The hosts also debate whether other MLSs will follow MRED's lead, whether a national MLS can handle compliance, and what Zillow does next. Key Takeaways The court denied Zillow's preliminary injunction against MRED and sent the dispute to arbitration. Rob calls the ruling a "fatality" for Zillow's Listing Access Standards; Greg says nothing Zillow argued was proven wrong. Greg cites PLS v. NAR (2020–2025) as proof that "dead" cases can come back. Rob credits the DOJ's intervention for PLS's appellate win and notes that the DOJ also shaped this judge's opinion. The judge treated MRED's policy update as a clarification, not a new rule. Rob expects MLSs that paused similar rules during the lawsuit to move forward now. The court called MRED going national pro-competitive, which Rob says introduces real MLS competition. Greg questions how Compass listings were rushed onto MRED and whether that data is kept accurate. The hosts debate whether a national MLS can do compliance when most enforcement relies on local member reports. Greg points to Metrolist as evidence that MLSs already compete; Rob says every MLS is still a local monopoly. Rob's thought experiment: if Zillow required direct listing entry, would 96% of listings still show up there? Greg estimates only about 50% would, and says Zillow will work within the system rather than blow it up. Zillow is already testing a new angle, with previews shared with Realtor.com and RealScout. Rob points out that Zillow itself called private listings an existential threat, citing Howard Hanna and Real as brokerages following Compass. The Hagens Berman buyer-side inquiry gets a brief debate, including whether sellers are the more likely plaintiffs. Greg will debate the MLS's pro-consumer case on stage at CMLS. 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

  • September 16 · 49 min

    Roubini Redux

    The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg riff on Greg's stalled car search, then dig into real estate and macro conditions — new industry efforts to boost housing supply, mounting federal debt and mortgage rate pressure, AI's threat to service jobs, and whether multi-generational living could ease the affordability crisis. Key Takeaways Realtor.com and 13 housing advocacy groups launched LetAmericaBuild.org to educate on zoning, permitting, and housing supply. Realtor.com data puts the housing supply gap at roughly 4 million homes. Rob argues the federal government's interest payments now exceed defense spending, constraining any real rate hikes. Mortgage rates are tied to the 10-year Treasury yield, which is rising as foreign buyers (China, Gulf states) pull back from US bonds. Saudi Arabia's oil export disruptions mean less Gulf money flowing into US mortgage-backed securities. Rob's view: neither political party will touch Social Security or Medicare cuts, so structural fiscal problems go unresolved regardless of who's in power. AI poses a bigger threat to US service-based jobs (coding, law, banking, podcasting) than to manufacturing-heavy economies like China's. Rob's affordability math: either home prices need to fall ~40% or real incomes need to roughly double. Landlords currently own about 40% of US housing stock, which both hosts flag as a long-term political issue. Discussion of multi-generational living models (Korean, Japanese generational mortgages) as a possible adaptation, though both agree the US housing stock isn't built for it. Rob traces the "traditional" American homeownership path: condo → starter home → forever home → passed down or sold in retirement — calling it increasingly out of reach. Both hosts close by noting real estate and podcasting are themselves AI-exposed industries and stress the need for resilience. 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

  • September 9 · 1 hr 4 min

    Who's Marketplace?

    The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg dig into the Northwest MLS settlement with Compass, unpacking what it signals for the industry beyond the specific deal terms. The core debate: has Northwest MLS quietly redefined "open marketplace" to mean the MLS itself (its paying subscribers) rather than the open internet — and if so, is that a genuine philosophical shift or just a pragmatic compromise to get lawyers off the clock? They dive into the "First Look" compromise, real numbers on how many listings actually go private, why Zillow treats this as an existential threat, and whether a bigger "grand compromise" between brokers and MLSs is still coming. Key Takeaways - Northwest MLS and Compass reached a settlement/compromise rather than continuing costly litigation. - Rob's central argument: NWMLS is effectively redefining "open marketplace" as its member agents/brokers, not the general public internet. - The compromise centers on "First Look" — a window where members can see listings before they hit the public MLS/internet. - Greg pushes back that this is more pragmatic business compromise than a deep philosophical shift. - Cited numbers: roughly 96% of listings still go straight to the MLS; of the remaining ~4% held privately, only about 10% actually sell. - Rob argues Zillow's aggressive opposition to private listings stems from fear the practice could scale dramatically due to competitive incentives for brokers. - Windermere reportedly has the most exclusive listings in Northwest MLS despite historically opposing this practice publicly. - New Northwest MLS rule requires listing agents get equal visibility to buyer agents on portals and websites. - Consumer advocates (Nick Aufenkamp, Wendy Gilch) argue this shift hurts buyers by fragmenting where listings are visible. - Rob floats a "grand compromise" concept: everything goes into the MLS, but brokers get full marketing freedom outside that requirement. - The conversation touches on Glenn Kelman/Redfin's more consumer-mission-driven leadership as a philosophical counterpoint to the "customer = agents" framing. - Both agree litigation risk (state inquiries, potential class actions) remains a live wildcard going forward. Links OpenAI Astra Direction of Travel In the listing wars, consumers are a proxy for the real customer 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

  • September 2 · 54 min

    What is an MLS based on "First Principles"?

    The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg are joined by Michael Wurzer, President and CEO of FBS, for a live continuation of the IDX/data-distribution debate that started at the Columbus Realtors event and continued in a series of dueling LinkedIn posts. Rob argues the MLS should get out of data distribution and marketing entirely; Wurzer defends a reformed, usage-based IDX system; Greg plays referee. The conversation ranges from first-principles arguments about what the MLS is actually for, to pricing and licensing models, to whether a national MLS is closer than anyone thinks. Key Takeaways Wurzer proposes keeping IDX but shifting to volume/usage-based licensing instead of blowing up the current system Rob argues the MLS's only legitimate first-principle purpose is brokerage cooperation, not data distribution or marketing Wurzer: licenses should follow use — display rights are separable from participation rights Rob compares reforming IDX incrementally to "improving slavery" rather than abolishing it — Greg pushes back hard Wurzer references Craig Cheatham's writing on shifting licensing focus to how data is used, not who's using it Discussion of whether non-broker companies (House Canary, Zillow, OpenAI) should get separate syndication licenses distinct from broker/participant data licenses Rob argues MLS "creates no data" — all data originates from brokers and agents (the "ultimate UGC") Wurzer counters that aggregation itself has independent value, distinct from the underlying listings Debate over whether a national MLS is realistic — Rob claims only ~25 MLSs are needed to reach 85% listing share Both agree clear cooperation as a nationwide mandate was likely a policy mistake Wurzer references Daniel Jones (Hive) as working on a formal "MLS constitution" concept Links Riposte with Rob 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

  • August 26 · 1 hr 2 min

    Aggregation Aggravation?

    The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg open with Greg's car breaking down in 112-degree heat outside Barstow, then dig into the FTC's settlement with Zillow and Redfin over their leasing business deal, which regulators viewed as an attempt to dodge merger review. From there, the two spend most of the episode debating a bigger question raised by Rob's recent exchange with Mike Wurzer: did the MLS create genuinely new value by aggregating listings, or was that value always meant for real estate professionals rather than consumers? The conversation ranges across aggregation theory, the history of IDX and portal dominance (Zillow, Redfin, realtor.com), whether companies like House Canary and paper brokerages even qualify as "brokerages," and the 2008 DOJ settlement's actual scope. It closes with a debate over how to legally define a broker at all. Key Takeaways The FTC pushed back on Zillow's attempt to acquire Redfin's leasing business without triggering merger review; the settlement requires Redfin to restart its own rental business, though it can still display Zillow rental listings. Rob calls the $100M settlement a "slap on the wrist" rather than a real penalty for either company. Rob's central argument: the MLS's aggregation of listings created value primarily for practitioners, comparable to Lexis Nexis and Westlaw's value to lawyers, not inherent value for consumers. Greg counters that aggregation itself creates new value regardless of who captures it, and that consumers clearly benefit from having listings in one place. The two trace the history of real estate going online — IDX, the rise of Zillow, Redfin, and realtor.com — and agree the portals won because they outspent brokerages on user experience. Rob argues the industry should unwind IDX in favor of straight data syndication to portals, separating "cooperation" (MLS's original purpose) from "data distribution" (a later add-on). Greg pushes back that most agents don't actually get leads from portals directly, but Rob argues that undercuts the case for IDX mattering to them at all. A long tangent debates whether entities like House Canary or paper brokerages qualify as "brokerages," and whether the 2008 DOJ settlement (about brokerage business-model discrimination) supports keeping IDX — Rob says no, Greg disagrees. The episode ends unresolved, with both agreeing to continue the debate and possibly bring Mike Wurzer on to discuss further. Links Debating Rob Hahn In Ohio: Are MLSs Killing Themselves? Continuing the Debate with Mike Wurzer Riposte with Rob 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

  • August 20 · 1 hr 10 min

    What's a Broker, Anyway?

    The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg open by unpacking the news that a federal judge has finally approved the Sitzer/Burnett settlement, tossing out remaining objections — officially closing that chapter for NAR and the industry. They debate whether this outcome was a "win" for NAR, discuss the power vacuum left in organized real estate's wake, and praise NAR's recent social media/PR efforts (specifically an Instagram explainer video). The bulk of the episode digs into Unlock MLS's new tiered participant framework (base service, direct service brokerage, platform brokerage) — sparked by an op-ed from Emily Gerrard — and what it means to legally and philosophically define "what is a broker" in a post-compensation, post-NAR-settlement world. Rob and Greg spar over whether MLSs should double down on being cooperatives of brokerages or pivot to being data-licensing utilities, using Zillow, Homes.com, and hypotheticals (including an adult-content site and a NJ lead-gen "broker") as test cases. Key Takeaways The Sitzer/Burnett settlement has been fully approved after the 8th Circuit rejected remaining objections NAR reportedly told lawyers to negotiate the maximum settlement amount it could actually afford, effectively avoiding insolvency Rob argues NAR is no longer the center of gravity in real estate, leaving a "power vacuum" in the industry Both hosts praised a recent NAR Instagram explainer (legal/stats update) as a strong new-media format worth other associations copying Rob floats the idea of NAR/MLS leadership doing authentic, unscripted weekly podcasts or livestreams to rebuild member trust Unlock MLS introduced a new three-tier participant structure: base service, direct service brokerage, and platform brokerage Emily Gerrard's op-ed on Real Estate News argues participant definitions should be reframed around data usage rather than identity Rob strongly supports Unlock's move, calling it the biggest MLS innovation in decades; Greg is more skeptical of redefining "participant" and prefers a pure data-licensing approach They debate whether Zillow, Homes.com, and similar platforms should be treated as "brokers" vs. licensed data users Rob predicts Unlock will likely face a lawsuit over the new rules but believes they'd win The 2008 DOJ/VOW settlement is revisited as historical context for why MLS participant rules can't discriminate by business model Discussion touches on AI/data governance, referencing a framework around who controls AI's access to listing data Episode closes with a running bet: Rob wagers Greg a steak dinner that fewer than 1% of brokers would define a broker as "a website that generates leads" Links Cooperation Article NAR Social Media Post Sitzer Settlement 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

  • August 12 · 58 min

    Big Deep Topics

    The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg dig into Brian Boero's "enshittification" post about online home search getting worse, and spar over whether that's really the story — or a distraction from the bigger issues of affordability, potential fair-housing lawsuits, and how AI is about to upend the agent's role entirely. They debate what an "ideal" buyer experience even looks like, whether the industry should be fighting for lower home prices instead of easier loans, and close out with a wider conversation about AI, housing supply, and whether today's young people are actually worse off than past generations. Key Takeaways Brian Boero's Friday Flash on the "enshittification" of home search sparks the episode's central debate Rob argues no consumer uprising is coming — people absorb degraded experiences the same way they absorb worse airlines and shrinking candy bars NAACP president Derek Johnson's op-ed frames online listing access as a fair-housing issue, raising the specter of another Sitzer-Burnett-style lawsuit Rob and Greg disagree sharply on whether disparate-impact claims around online listings hold merit Rob pushes back that the real "enshittification" story is home prices outpacing wage growth — not search UX The two debate what an "ideal" buyer experience looks like, from full information disclosure to self-scheduled tours without agent involvement Rob argues the industry's political energy goes toward easier loans and lower rates instead of actually lobbying for lower home prices Discussion of Sitzer-Burnett's legacy: post-ruling, buyer commission behavior largely hasn't changed, suggesting culture — not rules — drives outcomes Rob predicts AI, MLS-only companies, and real estate lawyers could eliminate the need for listing agents; buyer agents may be more insulated for now Zelman & Associates' "Cradle to the Grave" research raises the question of whether the US has a housing supply problem or specifically an affordable-supply problem Rob draws a parallel to AI investment vs. the dot-com bubble, questioning whether current AI spending will pay off Both agree using AI directly — not just reading about it — is the only way to actually understand its impact on the business 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

  • August 5 · 55 min

    Panels, Parties, and Purpose

    The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg recap their time at Inman San Diego — the first Inman keynote without Brad Inman on stage, new CEO Tom Bohn's mixed reception, and Greg's fan encounter with his own book. From there they dig into a bigger debate: what's the actual purpose of real estate conferences, whether panels count as "education," and how MLS Reset and other events are trying to carve out a clearer mission. Key Takeaways Greg's second edition of "The Art of the CMA" is out; he's doing speaking engagements and bulk book buys tied to gigs This was the first Inman keynote Brad Inman didn't give himself, following the company sale New CEO Tom Bond's keynote got mixed reviews from attendees Inman has shifted toward more agent/broker-centric content and away from organized real estate coverage Complaint of the episode: Inman San Diego had no real central lobby bar Rob argues most real estate conferences (outside NAR events) lack a clear purpose or mission NAR Midyear and Annual are "working conferences" with real votes and lobbying, unlike most others Brand conferences (like Keller Williams' family reunion) succeed because their purpose is obvious T3 Summit, Gathering of Eagles, and RISMedia events each target a specific tier of attendee for marketing/networking purposes MLS Reset traces its roots back to the Clarity Conference and the MLS executive workshop model Rob and Greg disagree on whether panel discussions are ever educational Greg pushes back, arguing conferences can also be valuable as a source of inspiration and storytelling Rob's pitch for an ideal conference: two content sessions total, everything else built around networking and an open bar 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

  • July 29 · 59 min

    When Claude Met Sally

    The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Greg launches the second edition of The Art of the CMA, along with new survey data showing agents believe CMAs are more relevant than ever, even as AI adoption grows. That leads into the episode's main debate: could AI tools like ChatGPT or Claude get direct MLS access and replace agents' role in producing CMAs and running transactions? Rob and Greg dig into MLS "participant" rules, a LinkedIn post from Craig Cheatham (Realty Alliance) pushing to redefine who qualifies as a real broker vs. a paper/AI brokerage, and a broader disagreement over whether AI is fundamentally different from past disruptors like Zillow, iBuyers, and discount brokerages. Key Takeaways Greg's second edition of The Art of the CMA launched today, with a new chapter on AI and CMAs New survey (~2,200 agents, Feb 2026) shows 89.6% believe CMAs will be more relevant in the future — a 22-point increase from the prior survey Agents report CMAs now take longer to produce and use fewer comps than before Over 90% of agents cite the MLS as their most trusted data source for comps Current AI tools lack direct MLS access, relying instead on public sources like Zillow and Redfin Rob raises the scenario of OpenAI or Anthropic obtaining a broker's license to join the MLS directly as participants Craig Cheatham's LinkedIn post to CMLS argues for a more stringent definition of "participant" to separate real brokerages from paper/AI brokerages Discussion touches on the now-expired DOJ/NAR settlement and the "endeavor to cooperate" clause as precedent Rob argues AI replaces human labor and is fundamentally different from past disruptors; Greg argues real estate remains an emotional, trust-based decision AI can't fully replicate Rob contends a transaction handled by AI connected to MLS data may carry lower risk than one handled by an average, inexperienced agent Both agree AI brokerages are already emerging and expect the MLS participation debate to escalate soon Links LinkedIn Post The Art of the CMA 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

  • July 22 · 55 min

    Better Than a Kick in the Nuts

    The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg dig into the recent wave of MLS/association rev-share and rebate programs (NTREIS, MetroTex, Louisiana REALTORS, Bright MLS, CRMLS) as a new play in the old "sell real estate data to Wall Street" story — and debate whether cash incentives can actually replace cooperation now that compensation is no longer guaranteed. Key Takeaways Rev-share/rebate programs mark a shift from data-monetization business models (RPR, REdistribute, Cotality/CoreLogic's InfoNet) toward paying brokers directly to stay engaged with the MLS NTREIS, MetroTex, and Louisiana REALTORS have all announced versions of this; Bright MLS reportedly returned $4M to brokers last year Rob argues real estate data's value depends on geography/scale, use-case restrictions, and the broker-vs-participant pricing gap — and that MLSs need to consolidate to matter as data utilities Rob's old "Decentre" concept: charge everyone the same flat per-data-unit price regardless of broker/participant/hedge-fund status Both raise the Blackstone/Google "arbitrage" problem — nothing stops a big buyer from just getting a broker license to access cheaper participant pricing (Zillow already does this) Rob's take: these incentive programs implicitly admit that cooperation, once free, now needs to be paid for Greg pushes back that it's more behavioral nudging (like data showing 10 CMA reports predicts retention) than a sign cooperation is dying Middlemen erode payouts fast — Rob's math: eight cuts at 5% each wipes out ~40% of the value Rob compares the "usage-based" data pricing idea to Claude's flat token pricing vs. a hypothetical usage-dependent AI pricing model — most people would pick the flat rate Both agree the checks brokers get today are more symbolic than behavior-changing 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

  • July 15 · 1 hr 19 min

    Bright Idea?

    The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg are joined by Nick Aufenkamp (Realtor Gone Rogue), a Vancouver, WA-based broker and Substack writer, for a debate on the Zillow v. MRED lawsuit, private/exclusive listings, and whether the MLS should function as a public utility. Nick attended the preliminary injunction hearing in person and shares firsthand takeaways on Compass, MRED, and Zillow's roles in the case, followed by a wide-ranging debate on data access, buyer vs. public rights, Bright MLS's new listing rules, and NAR's recent guidance on exclusive listings. Key Takeaways Nick introduces himself: a broker of ~5 years in Vancouver, WA, founder of the DIY Home Buyer Academy, and writer of the Realtor Gone Rogue Substack, launched in February 2026. Nick recaps the Zillow v. MRED preliminary injunction hearing, which determines whether MRED must keep Zillow's data feed live for 40,000+ Chicagoland listings. Discussion of whether Compass's move to feed out-of-state listings into MRED forced MRED's hand, and whether MRED "got played" in its partnership with Compass. Debate over whether an MLS has an implicit geographic boundary, and who gets to define "objective criteria" for listing access under the 2008 DOJ/NAR settlement. Analysis of Bright MLS's new rule letting agents skip syndication and price/days-on-market tracking without penalty, and how it could reshape Compass's "3-phase marketing" strategy. Core philosophical debate: does the general public have any rights to MLS data, or only buyers — and does treating the MLS as a "public utility" mean it should be regulated as one? Rob and Greg spar over whether hiding listing data (price, days on market) erodes public trust or simply reflects a legitimate marketing strategy. Discussion of fiduciary duty and lawsuits as a check on bad-actor brokerages, versus more mandatory disclosure rules. Closing debate on whether NAR is still genuinely invested in the MLS, and whether its recent guidance on exclusive listings is too little, too late. Links Realtor Gone Rogue 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

  • July 8 · 1 hr

    Fresh Listings, Fresh Trouble

    The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg kick off with some World Cup talk before diving into the Zillow vs. Compass preliminary injunction hearing, covering media coverage (Real Estate News, Inman, Nick Alfenkamp's Substack), key testimony from Errol Samuelson on listing freshness, and cross-examination details involving Robert Reffkin and MRED. They debate whether Zillow "rules the industry" or whether the MLS cooperative model still holds, unpack what legitimate competition looks like in real estate, and explore what Compass's strategy should be going forward — doubling down on agents vs. positioning against AI and big tech. The episode closes with a wide-ranging, contentious debate on whether private/exclusive listings carry fair housing implications tied to America's history of housing discrimination. Key Takeaways Coverage of the Zillow vs. Compass hearing came primarily from Real Estate News, Inman (AJ Trace), and Nick Alfenkamp's Substack; Zillow reportedly covered Alfenkamp's travel expenses to the trial. Errol Samuelson testified that a new listing gets significantly more views on its first day than by day five, framing the core dispute as who gets to benefit from "fresh" listings — the listing broker/MLS cooperative or the largest portal (Zillow). Reporting suggested Robert Reffkin encouraged Bright MLS to follow MRED's example and reacted negatively when Bright chose to stay neutral; MRED had reportedly run private listing networks for a decade before Compass became a major player there. Rob argues MLS rules were broken and Zillow is seeking a legal exemption; Greg counters that broker cooperatives generally avoid side deals with MLSs to preserve a level playing field. A ruling from the judge is expected around the end of the month. Rob and Greg discuss Compass strategy options: positioning as a tech company (rejected by Wall Street), inventory/listing differentiation (private listings), and scaling via agent count (the Anywhere deal). Greg suggests Compass should double down on agent quality/reputation and buyer-demand data rather than "cheat codes" like exclusive inventory. They debate potential enemies for a Compass marketing strategy — NAR, Zillow, or AI/big tech broadly — with Rob arguing consumer trust in tech companies has shifted negatively in recent years. Extended debate on whether competing on exclusive inventory is illegitimate specifically in real estate (vs. law, banking, etc.), including whether fair housing history and housing discrimination sensitivities explain the industry's resistance to private listings. 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

  • July 1 · 1 hr 7 min

    Changing, Clarifying and Consequences

    The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Greg shares a new AI-built Chrome extension that solves a surprisingly common MLS workflow problem before Rob and Greg revisit last week's conversation with Professor Hayunga. They dig deeper into the debate over private listings, buyer behavior, and whether exclusivity can actually increase sale prices. The conversation expands into real estate auctions, the purpose of industry policy, NAR governance, and the upcoming legal battle between Zillow and MRED over listing access and the Zillow Listing Access Standards. Key Takeaways Greg explains his new Chrome extension that copies MLS numbers from major listing portals. More analysis of Professor Hayunga's research on private listings and buyer behavior. Why some buyers may willingly pay a premium for exclusive access. Should residential real estate move toward open auction models? A debate over competition, regulation, and the role of NAR and MLS policy. Breaking down the upcoming Zillow vs. MRED legal hearing and what it could mean for the industry Links Greg's MLS Number Copier Chrome Extension Spoken Plainly: What the Zillow-MRED Hearing Is and Isn't 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

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