Cooperation: It's Hard To Tell the Poison From the Cure

Cooperation: It's Hard To Tell the Poison From the Cure

Author: Rob Hahn and Greg Robertson April 8, 2026 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 rules. The conversation centers on whether MLSs should enforce listing transparency, how "coming soon" and private exclusives are being used, and whether current policies are conflating professional cooperation with public marketing. They also explore potential futures for IDX, syndication, and the role of MLSs in regulating broker behavior.

 

Key Takeaways

  • Lawsuit Focus – Northwest MLS is challenging Compass over private listing practices. 

  • Core Tension – Cooperation (agent access) vs. public marketing are being conflated. 

  • Private Listings – Debate over seller choice vs. market transparency. 

  • MLS Role – Split on whether MLS should enforce behavior or just enable cooperation. 

  • IDX Debate – Idea to remove IDX vs. risk of fragmenting listings. 

  • Fiduciary Risk – Future lawsuits may hinge on agent advice to sellers. 

  • Inconsistent Rules – "Coming soon" policies vary widely across MLSs. 

  • Fairness Concern – Private networks could limit access to listings.

Links

Nick Alfencamp's Article - The Pre-Market Arms Race
"Only the right ones..." - Compass agent's Instagram post
NWMLS Isn't Just Playing Defense Anymore -Vendor Alley Post

 

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
Bravery and Impact of the MLS Stance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:44
Have you been keeping up with the latest updates in MLS policies? Rob and Greg break down the key details of Bright MLS's clear cooperation policy and NWMLS's decision not to remove compensation data from their system. B…
The Potential Implications of Dropping CCP [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:19
Are the rumors true? Is Bright MLS really going to drop the Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP)? Rob and Greg explore the potential implications of this decision, and speculate on the motivations behind it and its potential i…
Portal Wars and Raising the Bar at NAR [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:20
Who is winning the portal wars? In this episode Rob and Greg talk about the future of the MLS and debate which company they would bet their life savings on – Zillow, REALTOR.com, or Homes.com. Providing insights into the…
Walking the Line - Words Matter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:07
What is the difference between the threat of steering in an illegitimate way and being transparent and informing your client? In this episode, Rob and Greg discuss the difference between steering and fiduciary duty in re…
Zillow's Touring Agreement and Consumer Experience Simping [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:19
With buyer agreements having to take place before a showing and Zillow's new touring agreement what will the end consumer experience be? In this episode, Rob and Greg discuss updates on the NAR settlement and Zillow's ne…
The $250M Settlement That will Impact the Industry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:30
HomeServices of America has reached a settlement in the slew of commission lawsuits. Now that a huge domino has fallen, what will happen next in the industry? Rob and Greg discuss the next steps in the commission lawsuit…
CoStar Acquires Matterport: The Photography Wars [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:29
How will CoStar's recent buyout of Matterport affect the industry? In this episode Rob and Greg dive into the recent acquisition of Matterport by CoStar and how Rob and Greg predicted this years ago. How will Zillow resp…
Unpacking Pulte Group's Objection to the NAR Settlement [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:24
Join Rob and Greg in this episode as they talk about the recent objection filed by Pulte Homes to the NAR settlements. Are they valid and will they make an impact? Also, what is Real Estate 3.0? Greg expands on what it m…
NAR's Continuing Legal Battles [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:30
Not one week goes by without some huge industry news surrounding NAR. In this episode, Rob ang Greg discuss the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals' reversal in the NAR vs. US lawsuit, paving way for a new probe in the wake of…

«1...678910