Walking Dead

Walking Dead

Author: Rob Hahn and Greg Robertson September 23, 2026 Duration: 1:03:35

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

Overview

The court has denied Zillow's motion for a preliminary injunction against MRED, and the case now moves to arbitration. Rob stands by calling the ruling a "fatality" for Zillow's Listing Access Standards. Greg argues the fight is far from over and points to PLS v. NAR, which came back after a string of losses. The hosts also debate whether other MLSs will follow MRED's lead, whether a national MLS can handle compliance, and what Zillow does next.

Key Takeaways

  • The court denied Zillow's preliminary injunction against MRED and sent the dispute to arbitration.
  • Rob calls the ruling a "fatality" for Zillow's Listing Access Standards; Greg says nothing Zillow argued was proven wrong.
  • Greg cites PLS v. NAR (2020–2025) as proof that "dead" cases can come back.
  • Rob credits the DOJ's intervention for PLS's appellate win and notes that the DOJ also shaped this judge's opinion.
  • The judge treated MRED's policy update as a clarification, not a new rule.
  • Rob expects MLSs that paused similar rules during the lawsuit to move forward now.
  • The court called MRED going national pro-competitive, which Rob says introduces real MLS competition.
  • Greg questions how Compass listings were rushed onto MRED and whether that data is kept accurate.
  • The hosts debate whether a national MLS can do compliance when most enforcement relies on local member reports.
  • Greg points to Metrolist as evidence that MLSs already compete; Rob says every MLS is still a local monopoly.
  • Rob's thought experiment: if Zillow required direct listing entry, would 96% of listings still show up there?
  • Greg estimates only about 50% would, and says Zillow will work within the system rather than blow it up.
  • Zillow is already testing a new angle, with previews shared with Realtor.com and RealScout.
  • Rob points out that Zillow itself called private listings an existential threat, citing Howard Hanna and Real as brokerages following Compass.
  • The Hagens Berman buyer-side inquiry gets a brief debate, including whether sellers are the more likely plaintiffs.
  • Greg will debate the MLS's pro-consumer case on stage at CMLS.

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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: 50

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