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    Rob discusses a Substack piece on the U.S. poverty line and how outdated metrics distort today's economic reality.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
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…
Lawsuits, Listings & Listings Fees [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:21
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! In this episode, Rob and Greg cover recent legal decisions, MLS policy shifts, and major moves by real estate portals. They discuss the dis…
Vibe Buying [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:48
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg tackle the thorny question of who should have access to real estate listing data. Promp…
Monopoly Schmonopoly [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:28
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg unpack the lawsuit Compass filed against Zillow over its ZLAS (Zillow Listing…
Tori Amos? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:16
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview In this special episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg take a break from real estate to talk about one of their shared passio…
The thing about incentives [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:31
In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg reflect on a recent panel discussion hosted by the Orange County Association of REALTORS®. They discuss the incentives that drive agent and broker behavior, the value a…
NAR Midyear Recap and then some... [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:25
In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg recap the 2025 NAR Midyear Meetings in Washington, D.C., discussing key industry developments, MLS policy changes, and behind-the-scenes dynamics. Topics include the re…
Buyer's Market Fever Dream [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:36
In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg run a thought experiment: What if we're entering a true buyer's market? They walk through ten major industry topics—from antitrust litigation to portals, AI, and MLS re…