From 'Raise the Bar' to 'Lower the Stakes': Real Estate's Consistency Problem

From 'Raise the Bar' to 'Lower the Stakes': Real Estate's Consistency Problem

Author: Rob Hahn and Greg Robertson December 3, 2025 Duration: 58:13

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

Overview

Rob and Greg break down the newest developments in NAR governance, the fallout from the failed referral-fee disclosure vote, and the rapid moves by industry players like eXp and CAR to implement their own transparency standards. They also examine broader structural questions: Should MLSs raise the bar? Is the NAR brand salvageable? The conversation then turns to Zillow's decision to remove climate-risk scores, shifting public sentiment, and the growing political and economic pressures facing housing, affordability, and real estate professionals. 

Key Takeaways

  • NAR's proposed change to the Code of Ethics regarding referral-fee disclosure failed—not at the board level, but at the delegate body, highlighting severe governance issues. 

  • eXp and the California Association of REALTORS® are moving ahead with their own transparency and disclosure updates, signaling a break from NAR's direction. 

  • The discussion raises whether MLSs should (or realistically can) "raise the bar," with Rob arguing it could undermine the MLS value proposition. 

  • Greg and Rob note that weakened enforcement and membership incentives make it difficult for NAR to rebuild the Realtor brand without major structural reform. 

  • Zillow has removed on-site climate risk scores after industry pushback, which Rob frames as Zillow aligning with shifting consumer and cultural sentiment. 

  • The hosts raise concerns about affordability, generational frustration, and political volatility—warning that real estate professionals must better understand and respond to consumer mood.

 

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
And they all fall down... [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:11
Greg just landed back home from NAR Boston and Rob is curious to what insights he learned. Greg's main insight is that he isn't as young as he once was. 1. Election Impact on Real Estate: • Rob and Greg delve into the re…
Industry Relations Podcast: The Worst of All Possible Worlds? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:56
Episode Overview Rob and Greg explore how the upcoming election could reshape the real estate industry, focusing on regulatory impacts, DOJ actions, and antitrust issues. They also discuss potential changes to industry p…
Endless Opportunities with Jack Miller of T360 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:27
Overview: Rob and Greg talk with Jack Miller, CEO of T360, about the recently released "Opportunity Report" and its significance for the real estate industry. The discussion focuses on how real estate leaders can navigat…
Canned Spam [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:37
In the latest episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg venture into a thought-provoking discussion about disaster preparedness and self-reliance. While they typically focus on real estate, this episode broadens the sc…
The Industry Needs To Stop Fronting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:39
It seems everyone in the industry is still obsessed with CCP. Rob and Greg are no different. The show starts off with Rob giving Greg some advice on his upcoming client meetings, but quickly shifts to the recent back and…
Whadup with dat PDAP? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:30
Many people don't know or understand NAR's PDAP. PDAP stands for Participant Data Access Policy. And PDAP is at the heart of today's episode. Rob and Greg dive deep into the topic of who actually owns MLS data. The answe…
Tales from the Road [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:06
After missing a recording last week (due to travel schedules) the boys are back with another jammed pack episode of Industry Relations. In this week's episode Rob and Greg discuss recent Blueprint conference in Las Vegas…
CCP Musings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:04
On this episode of Industry Relations Rob and Greg discuss, for what seems to be the 17th time, the current rumors about the Clear Cooperation Policy. Rob recently posted a few thoughts on the subject and a few solutions…
Reading the tea leaves too early and what may be coming next [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:35
Rob and Greg are back to their regularly scheduled broadcast! The episode includes discussion on Landian, the new "a la carte" brokerage launched by Josh Sitzer, yes, that Sitzer. Rob discusses his recent Sub Stack post…