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
Industry Podcast Mash-Up [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:44
Rob and Greg teamed up with James Dwiggins and Keith Robinson from the Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered podcast during the recent Inman Connect Las Vegas event. From the complexities of forms and commission sharing, to th…
Ethics and Transparency in Communication [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:42
Are you up to date on the recent changes in MLS rules and buyer agency agreements? In this episode, Rob and Greg dive into the controversy surrounding these updates and discuss the ethical implications for agents. From f…
Forgery & HOA Karens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:22
Are you a real estate broker or agent grappling with the NAR settlement's requirement for written buyer agreements before showings? Rob and Greg dive deep into the controversy, debating the pros and cons of charging clie…
Meltdown: Is the End Near? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:52
The August 17th deadline is almost here, and the industry is abuzz with talk of potential changes to MLSs and associations. Rob and Greg discuss the latest developments in the NAR settlement with the DOJ and its potentia…
Industry Soup: Why the Human Touch Still Matters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:15
What happens when industry news is quiet? Industry soup. In this episode, Rob and Greg discuss various topics with an effort to draw parallels to real estate. From their weight loss strategies and detailed plan for a 60-…
Real Estate Forms: Consumer-Friendly or Industry-Driven? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:42
Are real estate forms truly consumer-friendly or are they just industry-driven? In this episode, Doug Miller and Wendy Gilch, Directors of CAARE (Consumer Advocates in American Real Estate), expose what they believe are…
The REcolorado Acquisition: A Red Pill Moment for Brokers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:28
The recent acquisition of REcolorado by private equity firm GI Partners has sent shockwaves through the real estate industry. In this episode, Rob and Greg discuss the history of MLS privatization and the tensions betwee…
Ethical Considerations: MLS's Role in Regulating Concessions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:43
Are you confused about the new MLS policy on commission disclosures and concessions? In this thought-provoking discussion, Rob and Greg dive into the challenges and potential solutions for agents and brokers. Learn about…
The Disconnect in Interpretation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:24
Are you struggling to understand the NAR settlement agreement and its implications for real estate transactions? Joining us in this thought-provoking episode is Ed Zorn, VP & General Counsel for CRMLS. Rob, Greg, and Ed…
The Vagueness of the Language and its Implications [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:30
You may have heard the recent statements made by Michael Ketchmark regarding the NAR settlement, but do you really understand the implications for offers of compensation?In this episode, Rob and Greg discuss the recent s…