Cui bono?

Cui bono?

Author: Rob Hahn and Greg Robertson May 28, 2025 Duration: 57:08

In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg analyze Zillow's recently released ZLAS policy language and debate whether it reflects a shift in Zillow's priorities. They discuss the implications of allowing broker direct feeds, the enforcement challenges around delayed marketing, and whether Zillow's current stance can still be considered "consumer first." The conversation also explores how MLSs and major brokerages are interpreting ZLAS and how this policy intersects with Clear Cooperation rules and VOW/IDX frameworks.

Watch us on YouTube!

 

Links

Howard Hanna in open rebellion against Clear Cooperation Policy - https://www.inman.com/2025/05/23/howard-hanna-in-open-rebellion-against-clear-cooperation-policy/

Zillow's ZLAS: Make Zillow Great Again - https://substack.com/home/post/p-164029933

Hoby Hanna don't like the rules - https://www.vendoralley.com/2025/05/27/hoby-hanna-dont-like-the-rules/

Key Takeaways

  • Zillow's ZLAS Policy Language – The official policy now allows listings to be submitted via MLS or broker syndication feeds, raising questions about enforcement and intent.

  • Broker Compliance and Enforcement – Rob and Greg explore whether Zillow has the capacity or systems in place to enforce ZLAS, and how it compares to MLS-style rule enforcement.

  • Direct Broker Feeds as a Loophole – The inclusion of broker syndication feeds in the policy language could enable firms like Compass to bypass ZLAS restrictions.

  • VOW vs. IDX Access – Discussion on how Zillow's VOW-powered listing visibility may conflict with its public consumer-first messaging.

  • Local MLS Rule Conflicts – ZLAS policy explicitly overrides local MLS or state-level rules that allow extended delayed marketing, creating potential legal and operational conflicts.

  • Marketplace Power Shift – Zillow's self-enforced policy is viewed as a signal of its growing authority in the real estate ecosystem, independent of MLS governance.

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
Compass and Zillow Play Chicken [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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…
MLS Emancipation? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:27
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg break down what happened at NAR NXT in Houston — from the empty expo floor to major MLS–Association policy changes. G…
NAR NXT Grab Bag [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:57
The Listing Bits Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg dig into expectations for the NAR Annual Conference, MLS attendance patterns, and broader industry sentiment heading into 2…
Mutual customer? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:27
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg discuss Zillow's recent privacy policy changes to Follow Up Boss and the growing debate around data use and agent tru…
Organized Real Estate's GTM problem [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:57
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg dive into Sean Frank's Inman article, "NAR and the Real Estate Industry's Relevance Problem." They discuss how outdat…
When Fine Print Hits the Fan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:23
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview In this episode, Rob and Greg dive into the controversy surrounding CRMLS's End User License Agreement (EULA) and the debate over…
ZGPT [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:23
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg dive into the recent OpenAI Developers Conference announcement showcasing Zillow's integration into ChatGPT. They bre…
How will the portals respond to the Compass-Anywhere deal? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:14
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! This special crossover episode brings together James and Keith from Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered with Rob and Greg from Industry Relatio…
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…