Industry Relations

Who is winning the portal wars? In this episode Rob and Greg talk about the future of the MLS and debate which company they would bet their life savings on – Zillow, REALTOR.com, or Homes.com. Providing insights into these key players of the industry. They also tackle updates on the NAR settlement and how new technologies are shaping the industry. 

Plus, don't miss their discussion on the influx of new a...

What is the difference between the threat of steering in an illegitimate way and being transparent and informing your client? In this episode, Rob and Greg discuss the difference between steering and fiduciary duty in real estate and other various topics including Greg's recent trip to Boston, Redfin's settlement with NAR, the enforcement of buyer showing agreements, and the potential actions of the DOJ. They also touc...

With buyer agreements having to take place before a showing and Zillow’s new touring agreement what will the end consumer experience be? In this episode, Rob and Greg discuss updates on the NAR settlement and Zillow's new touring agreement. They explore the implications of the settlement for big brokers and the role of the MLS policy committee. They break down Zillow's touring agreement and the industry's reaction to...

HomeServices of America has reached a settlement in the slew of commission lawsuits. Now that a huge domino has fallen, what will happen next in the industry? Rob and Greg discuss  the next steps in the commission lawsuits and the potential challenges faced by copycat lawsuits. They also discuss the role of lawyers and the potential opt-out strategy for larger builders. And how fair are these settlements and will it po...

How will CoStar’s recent buyout of Matterport affect the industry? In this episode Rob and Greg dive into the recent acquisition of Matterport by CoStar and how Rob and Greg predicted this years ago. How will Zillow respond? And how will other industry giants such as Redfin be affected by this huge announcement?

They also talk about Realtor.com's CEO, Damian Eales, and his plans to expand the portal's of...

Join Rob and Greg in this episode as they talk about the recent objection filed by Pulte Homes to the NAR settlements. Are they valid and will they make an impact? Also, what is Real Estate 3.0? Greg expands on what it means and how it will shift the roles of agents. Rob shares his insights from a recent panel he attended and what the potential for state regulators intervening in commission decoupling could mean for th...

Not one week goes by without some huge industry news surrounding NAR. In this episode, Rob ang Greg discuss the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals' reversal in the NAR vs. US lawsuit, paving way for a new probe in the wake of the pending commission lawsuit settlement. Rob and Greg explore the antitrust lawsuit's history, implications of the reversal, and how it aligns with their predictions for the industry and future of NA...

Did you catch the sparks fly on the last episode of Industry Relations? In case you missed it, last week Rob and Greg got into a verbal fistfight. Made up. Became friends again. And are now ready for round 2. 

Rob and Greg continue their NAR settlement talk, post verbal tussle. Exploring NAR's $418 million settlement, they talk about the association's PR challenges, trust issues, and interna...

What will the recent NAR settlement mean for the future of real estate, technology, and industry navigation? In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg discuss the outcomes of the recent NAR settlement. They provide insights on the agreement, exploring their reactions and perspectives on the settlement's details. From provisions to backlash, they discuss public perception, legal frameworks, and implications fo...

Tune in to this must-listen episode of *Industry Relations* for an incisive breakdown of the NAR's landmark settlement, its ramifications, and the many lingering questions that promise to shape the discourse in real estate circles for years to come. Whether you're a real estate professional, an industry watcher, or just keen on understanding the forces shaping one of the economy's key sectors, this episode is for you.

What does the future hold for real estate commissions? On this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg discuss the Clarity event and the legal updates regarding real estate commissions. They explore the concept of concessions and the issue of steering in the industry, the need for improved buyer agency agreements and buyer presentations and the defiance of industry professionals and the potential impact of governme...

Who bears the brunt of legal defense costs? What financial toll does this uncertainty cast on associations? On this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg dive into the pressing issues faced by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and its profound impact on local associations, MLSs and brokers. The insurance dilemma that has recently come to light, along with the unclear communication and lack of transparenc...

What impact will the Department of Justice's stance on the MLS settlement have on the future of buying and selling houses? In this important episode of "Industry Relations," Rob and Greg talk about a big message from the Department of Justice (DOJ) about the MLS settlement. The DOJ seems to want the court to say no to the settlement. Selling agents might not make as much money as before, and buyers agents might need to...

ultimate cost warrant the spotlight?

On this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg discuss Homes.com's momentous marketing push running an ad during the most watched event in America – the Super Bowl. And its potential ripple effects on industry giants like Zillow.

Rob and Greg also revisit the real estate industry's current legal battles.  The buzz around the Keller Williams settlement ...

How will the FCC’s new rules on lead aggregators affect real estate professionals? On this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg talk to Matthew Marx of Evocalize about how to stay compliant while still effectively marketing themselves. One of the biggest changes is that lead aggregators will now be required to obtain consent from consumers before obtaining their personal information. So what do real estate profe...

Is the real estate industry ready for an alternative to NAR? On this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg talk about the American Real Estate Association, also known as AREA, being positioned as a potential replacement for NAR. As it appears no crisis goes to waste, real estate agents across the country are bracing themselves for what could be the ultimate showdown. It’s the potential battle of the acronyms: NAR...

How are the FCC rules on lead generation reshaping the insurance and real estate industries? In this episode, Rob and Greg break down the new FCC rules on lead generation and how they are impacting the insurance and real estate industries. Learn how these rules aim to prevent automated robo calls or texts without clear consumer disclosure. Rob and Greg explore the implications for industries like insurance and real est...

Is this industry saturated with REALTORS? Will the part-time real estate agent fall by the wayside? Join Rob and Greg as they discuss industry evolution, challenges in obtaining accurate statistics, and the impact of part-time agents. They reflect on historical decisions, and propose solutions such as restricting REALTOR membership and implementing apprenticeship programs. Listen now to gain insights and thought-provok...

What happens when a real estate giant like Zillow takes legal action against their own clients?  Things get a little complicated as Rob and Greg explore the issues of the delicate balance of being a participant, vendor and MLS organization (sometimes all at the same time!)

***Disclaimer - Due to MLS Aligned being a consulting client of Greg, the views expressed on this podcast are Greg’s opinions and DO NO...