Plans, within plans, within plans

Plans, within plans, within plans

Author: Rob Hahn and Greg Robertson July 31, 2025 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 claim that it only facilitates a "single-digit" percentage of real estate transactions. They debate the strategic implications of this position—especially how it could undermine Zillow's perception of power in the industry—and analyze the broader impact on listing presentations, MLS relationships, and competitors like Compass and Homes.com. They also preview the upcoming Inman Connect in San Diego and discuss potential industry sentiment and attendance given the market's current challenges.

 

Key Takeaways

  • Zillow's Legal Strategy: Zillow argues it is not a monopoly, claiming it only facilitates a single-digit percentage of home transactions.

  • Strategic Risk: Rob questions why Zillow would make this claim, suggesting it weakens their perceived power and brand strength in the industry.

  • Agent Sales Impact: The claim could hurt Zillow's Premier Agent business by giving competitors a compelling narrative ("why pay for single-digit exposure?").

  • Compass Lawsuit Context: The lawsuit stems from Compass's perception that Zillow's policies harmed their three-phase marketing strategy and listing exposure.

  • MLS Relationships: Rob and Greg wonder how MLSs might reevaluate their relationships with Zillow after this shift in positioning.

  • eXp-Zillow Data Feed Deal: Rob questions why eXp is sending direct data feeds to Zillow when MLS feeds already exist.

  • Inman Connect Preview: Greg expects a smaller, more introspective crowd due to market conditions. He plans to gather MLS sentiment on the ground.

  • Industry Power Perception: Rob contends Zillow is still the most powerful entity in organized real estate—more than NAR post-clear cooperation—making its current legal stance all the more surprising.

 

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
The Mirror [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:11
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! In this episode, Rob and Greg discuss the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk and its impact on the nation and the real estate industry. T…
Housing remedies and Compass musings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:04
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Rob and Greg tackle the pressing issue of housing affordability, reacting to reports that the Trump administration may declare a national h…
Give Me Some Knobs! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:14
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! In this episode, Rob and Greg dive into the balance between technology and human connection in real estate. From car tech frustrations to t…
Back to the future with Sub Agency? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:41
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Rob and Greg dive into the latest developments in the real estate industry, including Andrea's move to Real Estate News, Anne Marie's push…
An Open Letter to Opendoor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:42
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Rob and Greg dive into the shakeup at Opendoor after CEO Carrie Wheeler's resignation. They break down the role activist investors and meme…
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…
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…