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
Industry Podcast Mash-Up [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:44
Rob and Greg teamed up with James Dwiggins and Keith Robinson from the Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered podcast during the recent Inman Connect Las Vegas event. From the complexities of forms and commission sharing, to th…
Ethics and Transparency in Communication [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:42
Are you up to date on the recent changes in MLS rules and buyer agency agreements? In this episode, Rob and Greg dive into the controversy surrounding these updates and discuss the ethical implications for agents. From f…
Forgery & HOA Karens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:22
Are you a real estate broker or agent grappling with the NAR settlement's requirement for written buyer agreements before showings? Rob and Greg dive deep into the controversy, debating the pros and cons of charging clie…
Meltdown: Is the End Near? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:52
The August 17th deadline is almost here, and the industry is abuzz with talk of potential changes to MLSs and associations. Rob and Greg discuss the latest developments in the NAR settlement with the DOJ and its potentia…
Industry Soup: Why the Human Touch Still Matters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:15
What happens when industry news is quiet? Industry soup. In this episode, Rob and Greg discuss various topics with an effort to draw parallels to real estate. From their weight loss strategies and detailed plan for a 60-…
Real Estate Forms: Consumer-Friendly or Industry-Driven? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:42
Are real estate forms truly consumer-friendly or are they just industry-driven? In this episode, Doug Miller and Wendy Gilch, Directors of CAARE (Consumer Advocates in American Real Estate), expose what they believe are…
The REcolorado Acquisition: A Red Pill Moment for Brokers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:28
The recent acquisition of REcolorado by private equity firm GI Partners has sent shockwaves through the real estate industry. In this episode, Rob and Greg discuss the history of MLS privatization and the tensions betwee…
Ethical Considerations: MLS's Role in Regulating Concessions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:43
Are you confused about the new MLS policy on commission disclosures and concessions? In this thought-provoking discussion, Rob and Greg dive into the challenges and potential solutions for agents and brokers. Learn about…
The Disconnect in Interpretation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:24
Are you struggling to understand the NAR settlement agreement and its implications for real estate transactions? Joining us in this thought-provoking episode is Ed Zorn, VP & General Counsel for CRMLS. Rob, Greg, and Ed…
The Vagueness of the Language and its Implications [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:30
You may have heard the recent statements made by Michael Ketchmark regarding the NAR settlement, but do you really understand the implications for offers of compensation?In this episode, Rob and Greg discuss the recent s…