In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg examine CoStar’s recent announcement that Homes.com will boost listings banned on Zillow. They discuss whether this strategy is aimed at consumers or brokers, and whether it signals a broader battle for power in the real estate portal space. They also explore the potential implications of a proposed Illinois bill that would require public listing access by law, and debate what government involvement could mean for MLSs, agents, and listing distribution. Watch us on YouTube! Links: Homes.com will 'boost' listings that are banned on Zillow: Florance Don't Bring a Knife to a Gun Fight Key Takeaways Homes.com vs. Zillow – Discussion of CoStar’s strategy to position Homes.com as a portal that accepts listings excluded by Zillow and what it means for brokers. Do Consumers Use Multiple Portals? – Rob explores whether buyers actually use more than one or two listing sites, and what that means for listing visibility. Government Involvement in Listing Policy – Analysis of an Illinois bill proposing mandatory public access for listings and the role of Zillow and NAHREP in backing it. Public Utility Debate for MLSs – Exploration of whether MLSs could be redefined as public utilities under new regulations. Housing Affordability and Political Risks – Rob and Greg discuss how affordability pressures and political narratives could shift public perception of agents, landlords, and listing control. Shifting to a Buyer’s Market – Discussion of early signs that certain areas are flipping to buyer-favorable conditions and how that could affect pocket listings and strategy. Connect with Rob and Greg Rob’s Website https://notoriousrob.substack.com/ Greg’s Website https://www.vendoralley.com/about-2/ Our Sponsors: Cotality https://www.cotality.com/ Notorious VIP https://notoriousrob.substack.com The Giant Steps Job Board https://vendoralley.jobboard.io/ Production and Editing Services by Sunbound Studios
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52:58
Back to books
In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg discuss the broader cultural trend of returning to physical, human-centered experiences amid rapid advances in technology and AI. They explore topics ranging from Compass’s decision to print physical listing books to the rise of tabletop gaming, and examine whether real estate’s resistance to full automation is part of a wider pushback against digital efficiency. Key Takeaways Printed Listing Books – Compass’s return to printed materials prompts a discussion about whether real estate is experiencing a retro shift. AI in Real Estate – Speculation on how AI could replace or supplement agents, and whether efficiency should be the ultimate goal in real estate transactions. Cultural Nostalgia and Physical Experiences – The potential link between societal burnout from digital life and renewed interest in human interaction and analog tools. Efficiency vs. Connection – Ongoing tension in the industry between embracing high-efficiency tech and preserving the emotional, human elements of real estate. Links Chris Saaca on Tim Ferris talking about AI https://x.com/tferriss/status/1918030245359165944 https://stratechery.com/2025/an-interview-with-meta-ceo-mark-zuckerberg-about-ai-and-the-evolution-of-social-media/ An interview with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg About AI and the Evolution of Social media https://stratechery.com/2025/an-interview-with-meta-ceo-mark-zuckerberg-about-ai-and-the-evolution-of-social-media/ Compass "reimagine" MLS books. https://www.vendoralley.com/2025/05/01/compass-reimagines-mls-books/ Companion (Movie) https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/companion-2025 Toby Robertson's CIBACS business (Senior Project) https://www.cyclesentrystickers.com Critical Role https://critrole.com/ Connect with Rob and Greg Rob’s Website https://notoriousrob.substack.com/ Greg’s Website https://www.vendoralley.com/about-2/ Our Sponsors: Cotality https://www.cotality.com/ Notorious VIP https://notoriousrob.substack.com The Giant Steps Job Board https://vendoralley.jobboard.io/ Production and Editing Services by Sunbound Studios
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51:25
I don't think that word means what you think it means...
In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg explore the evolving definition of an “open market” in real estate. They discuss how consumer expectations, technology shifts, and the dominance of platforms like Zillow are reshaping what it means for a listing to be considered publicly available. The conversation also covers the historical role of the MLS, comparisons to other industries, and whether the industry should rethink its terminology to focus on “fair marketplaces” instead of “open marketplaces.” Key Takeaways Definition of Open Market – Rob and Greg discuss the historical and modern interpretations of what constitutes an open market for real estate listings. MLS vs. Portals – Analysis of how MLS participation historically defined an open market and how that has shifted with the rise of Zillow and other portals. Consumer Behavior and Technology – Exploration of how changes in consumer behavior and technology have influenced the industry’s definition of market openness. Fair Market vs. Open Market – Debate over whether “fair marketplace” would be a more accurate and useful term moving forward. Risks of Portal Dominance – Discussion on the risks associated with defining the open market based on a single platform’s dominance. Connect with Rob and Greg Rob’s Website https://notoriousrob.substack.com/ Greg’s Website https://www.vendoralley.com/about-2/ Our Sponsors: Cotality https://www.cotality.com/ Notorious VIP https://notoriousrob.substack.com The Giant Steps Job Board https://vendoralley.jobboard.io/ Production and Editing Services by Sunbound Studios
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1:00:32
You down with CCP?
In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg examine how changes to MLS rules, especially around delayed marketing and the Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP), are impacting portals, broker strategies, vendors, and the broader real estate ecosystem. They also explore the implications of the Rocket-Redfin merger, challenges for MLS public-facing websites, and what the new data policy landscape means for technology providers. Key Takeaways • Portal Impact of CCP Changes – Rob and Greg analyze how platforms like Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, and Homes.com are adapting to rule changes. • Delayed Marketing and Public Portals – Discussion of how CCP affects MLS public-facing websites, particularly HAR and UtahRealEstate.com. • Vendor Challenges with VOW Feeds – Vendors may need to shift from IDX to VOW feeds, which are more costly and complex to implement. • Rocket-Redfin Merger – Examination of how Rocket’s acquisition of Redfin could reshape brokerage models and mortgage integration. • Enforcement Variability – Insights into how different MLSs may interpret and enforce delayed marketing and cooperation rules. • Broker Website Tech – Consideration of how IDX and VOW data will influence broker sites and lead generation strategies moving forward. Connect with Rob and Greg Rob’s Website https://notoriousrob.substack.com/ Greg’s Website https://www.vendoralley.com/about-2/ Our Sponsors: Cotality https://www.cotality.com/ Notorious VIP https://notoriousrob.substack.com The Giant Steps Job Board https://vendoralley.jobboard.io/ Production and Editing Services by Sunbound Studios sunboundstudios.com
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46:49
Who's Your Daddy?
In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg react to Zillow’s announcement that listings violating the Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP) will no longer be allowed on its platform. They discuss how this move could impact private exclusives, delayed marketing strategies, and the role of major brokerages like Compass and eXp. They also explore how this policy could affect MLS governance and whether Zillow’s position signals a shift in industry power. Key Takeaways Zillow’s CCP Policy Enforcement – Listings that violate CCP by being publicly marketed before entering the MLS will be banned from Zillow. Impact on Compass’s Strategy – The change could limit Compass’s three-phase marketing model and influence future iterations. eXp’s Public Support – Zillow’s announcement included backing from eXp, raising questions about why other brokerages didn’t join. MLS Power and Governance – Discussion on how Zillow’s move challenges the authority of MLSs that have their own coming soon policies. Consumer Impact and Transparency – Debate over how the policy affects sellers, buyers, and the perceived openness of the listing marketplace. Watch Us on YouTube Connect with Rob and Greg: Rob’s Website Greg’s Website Our Sponsors: Cotality Notorious VIP The Giant Steps Job Board Production and Editing Services by Sunbound Studios
This is Industry Relations, a podcast that is at the intersection of real estate and technology from an insider’s perspective. Hosted weekly by Rob Hahn (The Notorious ROB) and Greg Robertson.
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