Compass and Zillow Play Chicken

Compass and Zillow Play Chicken

Author: Rob Hahn and Greg Robertson November 26, 2025 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 DelPrete's analysis of the preliminary injunction hearing. They also discuss the broader market context—from the real cost of living in 2025 to generational tension—and debate whether the lawsuit will meaningfully change industry behavior. The conversation closes with predictions, stakes, and possible compromise paths between Compass and Zillow.

Key Takeaways

  • A "must-read" macro article kicks off the show.

    Rob discusses a Substack piece on the U.S. poverty line and how outdated metrics distort today's economic reality. Zillow and housing affordability tie back into the industry.

  • The leaked Zillow strat plan is unusually strong.

    Both hosts agree the internal document is one of the most robust strategic plans seen in real estate, showing detailed situational analysis and clear tactical pathways. MLSs should study its structure.

  • Compass vs. Zillow: The PI hearing matters.

    Rob argues the preliminary injunction ruling may reshape industry norms more than the eventual trial. If Compass wins, Zillow may need to pivot fast. If Zillow wins, Compass may face recruiting and retention issues.

  • DelPrete's takeaway: "Nothing will change."

    Greg leans toward this view, citing industry inertia. Rob disagrees, pointing to long-term structural shifts like MLS loss of compensation and NAR's diminishing relevance.

  • Broker exclusives and 3PM are the core battle.

    The debate centers on whether private/preview listings harm consumers or empower brokers. Greg doubts the model's long-term viability; Rob sees competitive incentives that could drive proliferation.

  • Potential compromise ideas emerge.

    The hosts float options such as removing Days on Zillow, hiding public price-change history, or creating a paid Zillow product for private listings. No clear middle ground exists yet.

  • Predictions and a steak-dinner bet.

    Both tentatively lean toward Compass having a better storytelling advantage in court, though the outcome is far from certain.

Links

 
 
 

 

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
What Happens When Zillow Stops Playing Nice? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:10
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Greg revisits his "Poking the Bear" article and argues that the industry may be underestimating what happens if Zillow is pushed i…
There and back again, the IDX debate continues. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:04
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg dive into a major discussion about IDX, MLS rules, private listings, and whether MLSs should still control listing di…
The Struggle is Real [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:57
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview This episode starts with Greg discussing Giant Steps' new MLS channel guidebook and the growing difficulty vendors face navigating…
BLX, Zillow, MRED, and Fight for Control [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 wh…
The Game of Chicken: MLS Style [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:09
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Greg previews his ICE keynote, "What If We're Wrong?", challenging core MLS assumptions around data ownership, cooperation, and co…
Acquisitions, Alliances & the Aftershocks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:10
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg break down the major industry-shaking news of the week: Real Brokerage acquiring RE/MAX, and what that means for brok…
MLS Mega Merger and Boomers vs. First Time Home Buyers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:46
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg discuss a major MLS merger in South Florida, creating one of the largest MLSs in the country and what it signals for…
IDX: The Original Sin? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:50
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg break down NAR's latest settlement move, Zillow's shift toward pre-marketing, and what it all means for the industry.…
Cooperation: It's Hard To Tell the Poison From the Cure [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:27
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg discuss Northwest MLS countersuing Compass and the broader implications for private listings, cooperation, and MLS ru…
Previews, Portals, and the Shift in Listing Control [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:20
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg revisit the fallout from their conversation with Andy, focusing on the rapid shift toward "coming soon" and preview l…