When Fine Print Hits the Fan

When Fine Print Hits the Fan

Author: Rob Hahn and Greg Robertson October 22, 2025 Duration: 1:00:23

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

Overview

In this episode, Rob and Greg dive into the controversy surrounding CRMLS's End User License Agreement (EULA) and the debate over MLS data ownership. The discussion begins with updates in the MLS world that brought attention to how CRMLS's EULA—originally updated for two-factor authentication—resurfaced older language asserting MLS ownership of listing data. Rob argues that this fundamental change to broker data rights was poorly communicated, while Greg defends CRMLS, emphasizing the operational benefits and the long-standing nature of the clause. The two debate whether brokers were properly informed, what this means for data copyright, and if MLSs should have done more outreach when the change occurred.

Key Takeaways

  • Origin of the Issue: CRMLS's update around two-factor authentication drew attention to older language asserting MLS ownership of listing data.

  • Miscommunication Fallout: Many brokers—and even industry insiders—were unaware of this language, leading to confusion and criticism.

  • Refkin's Role: Compass CEO Robert Reffkin's public posts sparked renewed scrutiny, prompting industrywide debate about transparency and data rights.

  • Ownership vs. Protection: Rob questions whether MLSs need to claim ownership to protect data; Greg argues it benefits brokers by organizing and monetizing data more effectively.

  • Governance Concerns: Rob challenges whether MLS boards can alter members' property rights without broader consent; Greg notes such changes are vetted by directors and attorneys.

  • Communication Failure: Both agree MLSs must improve how they notify and educate brokers about major policy shifts.

  • Potential Next Steps: Rob suggests bringing CRMLS's Ed Zorn and an affected broker on a future episode to clarify the rationale and implications.

Links

Inman Article

The Education of Mr. Reffkin

The MLS Is Taking a Fateful Step: Who Owns the Listing?

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
MLS Mega Merger and Boomers vs. First Time Home Buyers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:46
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg discuss a major MLS merger in South Florida, creating one of the largest MLSs in the country and what it signals for…
IDX: The Original Sin? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:50
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg break down NAR's latest settlement move, Zillow's shift toward pre-marketing, and what it all means for the industry.…
Cooperation: It's Hard To Tell the Poison From the Cure [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:27
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg discuss Northwest MLS countersuing Compass and the broader implications for private listings, cooperation, and MLS ru…
Previews, Portals, and the Shift in Listing Control [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:20
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg revisit the fallout from their conversation with Andy, focusing on the rapid shift toward "coming soon" and preview l…
Begun the pre-marketing wars have [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:20
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview This episode features Andy Woolley (Homes.com) joining Rob and Greg to break down a wave of rapid industry changes driven by new a…
Hanna List, Compass, and the Consolidation Question [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:58
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg discuss the implications of Howard Hanna's "Hanna List" and whether private listing strategies represent a broader sh…
Inside the NAR Influencer Summit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:12
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob Hahn and Greg Robertson discuss their experience attending the NAR Influencer Summit in Chicago, where they met with NAR leade…
Compass, Redfin and an Uncertain Future [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:44
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg discuss the implications of a new deal between Compass and Redfin that allows Compass listings to appear on Redfin wi…
MLS Independence, AI and talking to portals. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:30
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg discuss MLS autonomy and whether smaller organizations are truly positioned to handle independence from NAR. They exa…
Can the MLS Keep Up with AI? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:30
The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg recap MLS Reset, discussing key themes that emerged from the event — including the growing urgency around AI, governa…