Be Careful What You Wish For

Be Careful What You Wish For

Author: Rob Hahn and Greg Robertson May 14, 2025 Duration: 52:58

In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg examine CoStar's recent announcement that Homes.com will boost listings banned on Zillow. They discuss whether this strategy is aimed at consumers or brokers, and whether it signals a broader battle for power in the real estate portal space. They also explore the potential implications of a proposed Illinois bill that would require public listing access by law, and debate what government involvement could mean for MLSs, agents, and listing distribution.

 

Watch us on YouTube!

 

Links:

Homes.com will 'boost' listings that are banned on Zillow: Florance

Don't Bring a Knife to a Gun Fight

 

Key Takeaways

 

  • Homes.com vs. Zillow – Discussion of CoStar's strategy to position Homes.com as a portal that accepts listings excluded by Zillow and what it means for brokers.

  • Do Consumers Use Multiple Portals? – Rob explores whether buyers actually use more than one or two listing sites, and what that means for listing visibility.

  • Government Involvement in Listing Policy – Analysis of an Illinois bill proposing mandatory public access for listings and the role of Zillow and NAHREP in backing it.

  • Public Utility Debate for MLSs – Exploration of whether MLSs could be redefined as public utilities under new regulations.

  • Housing Affordability and Political Risks – Rob and Greg discuss how affordability pressures and political narratives could shift public perception of agents, landlords, and listing control.

  • Shifting to a Buyer's Market – Discussion of early signs that certain areas are flipping to buyer-favorable conditions and how that could affect pocket listings and strategy.

 


Connect with Rob and Greg

Rob's Website https://notoriousrob.substack.com/

Greg's Website https://www.vendoralley.com/about-2/

Our Sponsors:

Cotality https://www.cotality.com/

Notorious VIP https://notoriousrob.substack.com

The Giant Steps Job Board https://vendoralley.jobboard.io/

 

Production and Editing Services by Sunbound Studios 


Industry Relations is a weekly conversation hosted by Rob Hahn, also known as The Notorious ROB, and Greg Robertson. It operates at a unique crossroads, examining where the business of real estate collides with and is reshaped by new technology. This isn't a surface-level tech review; the discussion comes from an insider's perspective, built on years of direct experience within the field. Each episode delves into the practical implications of software platforms, shifting market data, and emerging business models that are actively changing how properties are bought, sold, and managed. The hosts analyze trends, debate strategies, and often challenge conventional wisdom, providing a nuanced look at the forces driving change. Listening to this podcast offers a deeper understanding of the operational and entrepreneurial challenges faced by professionals navigating this evolving landscape. You'll hear specific case studies, evaluations of new tools, and forward-looking predictions about what's next for the industry. The tone is direct and informed, reflecting the hosts' deep background, making it essential for anyone invested in the future of real estate as a business. Tune in for thoughtful, weekly analysis that goes beyond the headlines.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Industry Relations
Podcast Episodes
Compass and Zillow Play Chicken [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:04
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview In this episode, Rob and Greg dive into the newly surfaced Zillow–Compass court documents, a leaked Zillow strategy plan, and Mike…
MLS Emancipation? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:27
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg break down what happened at NAR NXT in Houston — from the empty expo floor to major MLS–Association policy changes. G…
NAR NXT Grab Bag [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:57
The Listing Bits Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg dig into expectations for the NAR Annual Conference, MLS attendance patterns, and broader industry sentiment heading into 2…
Mutual customer? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:27
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg discuss Zillow's recent privacy policy changes to Follow Up Boss and the growing debate around data use and agent tru…
Organized Real Estate's GTM problem [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:57
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg dive into Sean Frank's Inman article, "NAR and the Real Estate Industry's Relevance Problem." They discuss how outdat…
When Fine Print Hits the Fan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:23
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview In this episode, Rob and Greg dive into the controversy surrounding CRMLS's End User License Agreement (EULA) and the debate over…
ZGPT [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:23
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg dive into the recent OpenAI Developers Conference announcement showcasing Zillow's integration into ChatGPT. They bre…
How will the portals respond to the Compass-Anywhere deal? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:14
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! This special crossover episode brings together James and Keith from Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered with Rob and Greg from Industry Relatio…
Toronto tales and more [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:11
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg return to break down CMLS 2025 in Toronto, offering their candid takes on the good, the bad, and the ugly of the even…
Compass Everyware [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:28
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Rob and Greg dive into the major industry shake-up: Compass acquiring Anywhere. They discuss the financial implications, consolidation tren…