The thing about incentives

The thing about incentives

Author: Rob Hahn and Greg Robertson June 18, 2025 Duration: 58:31

In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg reflect on a recent panel discussion hosted by the Orange County Association of REALTORS®. They discuss the incentives that drive agent and broker behavior, the value and vulnerabilities of the MLS in a post-settlement world, and the broader structural changes facing the real estate industry. The first half of the conversation also includes a candid exchange on trades as a career path and the shifting economic landscape for young adults.

Key Takeaways

 

  • MLS Incentive Structures – A deep dive into how policy changes have affected the incentive for brokers to remain in the MLS, especially with the decline of enforceable compensation.

  • Broker Power and Consolidation – Why the largest brokerages may now have more incentive to operate independently of the MLS and what that means for smaller firms.

  • Agent-Level Impact – Rob and Greg question whether large-scale policy debates truly affect everyday agents and argue that most industry drama doesn't change the work agents do.

  • Panel Highlights – Reflections on a live panel with James Dwiggins and Ed Zorn, including audience reactions and a question: "What would you do if you ran NAR?"

  • Compensation and Enforcement Post-Settlement – Analysis of how buyer-agent compensation continues through informal agreements and social norms, despite changes to MLS rules.

  • Trades and Career Advice – A wide-ranging discussion on whether young people should consider skilled trades as an alternative to traditional college paths.

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…
Plans, within plans, within plans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 c…
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…