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 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…
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…