BLX, Zillow, MRED, and Fight for Control

BLX, Zillow, MRED, and Fight for Control

Author: Rob Hahn and Greg Robertson May 13, 2026 Duration: 1:01:39

The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player!

Overview

Rob and Greg react to Cotality's launch of BLX, a new broker-focused listing input platform that immediately sparks debate over whether it's a defensive move against portals or "Project Upstream" all over again. They dig into broker control, MLS compliance, native Matrix integration, and whether MLSs were blindsided by the launch.

They also discuss Zillow filing suit against MRED and Compass over private listings, leading into a larger conversation about industry framing, consumer transparency, and whether Zillow has become an unofficial regulator of real estate.

Key Takeaways

  • Cotality launched BLX, a broker listing input and distribution platform aimed at streamlining listing management across MLSs and portals.
  • Rob questions whether BLX effectively bypasses MLS authority and compares it directly to Project Upstream.
  • Greg argues the product is more about preserving MLS relevance as brokers increasingly use portal-based listing input systems.
  • Debate over whether MLSs were informed ahead of the BLX launch and how major Matrix customers may react.
  • Discussion around broker control vs. MLS compliance rules, especially regarding listing distribution and branding.
  • Zillow sued MRED and Compass over private listings and alleged restriction of competition.
  • Rob and Greg debate Zillow's influence over consumer perception and whether portals should be shaping

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

 


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
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…
The Mirror [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:11
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! In this episode, Rob and Greg discuss the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk and its impact on the nation and the real estate industry. T…
Housing remedies and Compass musings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:04
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Rob and Greg tackle the pressing issue of housing affordability, reacting to reports that the Trump administration may declare a national h…
Give Me Some Knobs! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:14
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! In this episode, Rob and Greg dive into the balance between technology and human connection in real estate. From car tech frustrations to t…
Back to the future with Sub Agency? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:41
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Rob and Greg dive into the latest developments in the real estate industry, including Andrea's move to Real Estate News, Anne Marie's push…
An Open Letter to Opendoor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:42
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Rob and Greg dive into the shakeup at Opendoor after CEO Carrie Wheeler's resignation. They break down the role activist investors and meme…
AI Octagon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:44
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Rob and Greg welcome Coleton Boyer from OnTuesday.com for a spirited debate on whether AI will truly disrupt the real estate industry. They…
OK Boomer. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:09
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! In this episode, Rob and Greg recap Inman Connect San Diego, discuss the current state of the real estate industry, and explore the hype an…
Plans, within plans, within plans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:51
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! In this episode, Rob and Greg dive into Zillow's legal strategy in its defense against Compass's lawsuit, focusing on Zillow's surprising c…