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

In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg analyze Zillow’s recently released ZLAS policy language and debate whether it reflects a shift in Zillow’s priorities. They discuss the implications of allowing broker direct feeds, the enforcement challenges around delayed marketing, and whether Zillow’s current stance can still be considered “consumer first.” The conversation also explores how MLSs and major brokerages are interpreting ZLAS and how this policy intersects with Clear Cooperation rules and VOW/IDX frameworks.

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Links

Howard Hanna in open rebellion against Clear Cooperation Policy – https://www.inman.com/2025/05/23/howard-hanna-in-open-rebellion-against-clear-cooperation-policy/

Zillow’s ZLAS: Make Zillow Great Again – https://substack.com/home/post/p-164029933

Hoby Hanna don’t like the rules – https://www.vendoralley.com/2025/05/27/hoby-hanna-dont-like-the-rules/

Key Takeaways

• Zillow’s ZLAS Policy Language – The official policy now allows listings to be submitted via MLS or broker syndication feeds, raising questions about enforcement and intent.
• Broker Compliance and Enforcement – Rob and Greg explore whether Zillow has the capacity or systems in place to enforce ZLAS, and how it compares to MLS-style rule enforcement.
• Direct Broker Feeds as a Loophole – The inclusion of broker syndication feeds in the policy language could enable firms like Compass to bypass ZLAS restrictions.
• VOW vs. IDX Access – Discussion on how Zillow’s VOW-powered listing visibility may conflict with its public consumer-first messaging.
• Local MLS Rule Conflicts – ZLAS policy explicitly overrides local MLS or state-level rules that allow extended delayed marketing, creating potential legal and operational conflicts.
• Marketplace Power Shift – Zillow’s self-enforced policy is viewed as a signal of its growing authority in the real estate ecosystem, independent of MLS governance.
  

Connect with Rob and Greg

Rob’s Website https://notoriousrob.substack.com/

Greg’s Website https://www.vendoralley.com/about-2/

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Notorious VIP https://notoriousrob.substack.com

The Giant Steps Job Board https://vendoralley.jobboard.io/

Production and Editing Services by Sunbound Studios

In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg explore the idea of the elusive “end-to-end platform” in real estate. Prompted by Lower’s acquisition of Movoto, they revisit decades of efforts by portals and brokerages to deliver a seamless transaction experience—from search to closing. They examine why this model has struggled to take hold in residential real estate, compare it to consumer experiences like Amazon and Tesla, and consider whether the real estate agent has always been the true end-to-end solution.

Key Takeaways

• Lower Acquires Movoto – Discussion of the strategic rationale behind a mortgage company acquiring a real estate portal.
• Why End-to-End Platforms Struggle – Analysis of why Zillow, Redfin, and others have failed to deliver a fully integrated homebuying experience.
• The Agent as Platform – Debate over whether real estate agents already fulfill the role of a true end-to-end solution for consumers.
• Lessons from Other Industries – Examples from Amazon, Tesla, and travel that highlight the differences in consumer expectations and loyalty.
• Professional End-to-End Platforms – Exploration of whether a consolidated platform for agents—covering lead gen through payment—could be built, and what it would require.
• Tech Stack Attempts – Review of efforts by companies like Lone Wolf, Inside Real Estate, and MoxiWorks to build comprehensive agent-facing platforms.

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

In the latest episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg venture into a thought-provoking discussion about disaster preparedness and self-reliance. While they typically focus on real estate, this episode broadens the scope, offering practical insights on how to be ready for unexpected emergencies like natural disasters or social unrest.

Rob, who has fully embraced the prepper lifestyle, breaks down the importance of planning for short-term disasters, emphasizing the need for essential supplies like water, food, and basic medical skills. Rather than “bugging out” or fleeing, he encourages listeners to “bug in” — stay at home and rely on their community to survive. He also highlights the critical role of knowing your neighbors, as they can become your greatest resource in a crisis.

This episode offers valuable advice on building self-sufficiency, from securing food and water to handling emergency situations and even touches on the significance of physical fitness during a crisis. Greg engages Rob with questions that bring out relatable and practical tips for urban and suburban listeners alike.

Whether you’re curious about survival strategies or just want to hear some down-to-earth insights on real-world preparedness, this episode is packed with useful takeaways.

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LifeStraw – Personal Water Filter for Hiking

Children and teens are more liking to die from guns than anything else.

Stop The Bleed

Spam – Pack of 12

Surviveware First Aid Kit

Israeli Battle Dressing Compression Bandage

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This podcast is produced by Sunbound Studios

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.

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Rob’s Website

Greg’s Website

Our Sponsors:

Cotality

Notorious VIP

The Giant Steps Job Board

Production and Editing Services by Sunbound Studios

In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg break down the big news about the Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP) and what its potential changes could mean for the future of real estate. They discuss the DOJ’s ongoing investigation into NAR, the evolving landscape of MLS policies, and how major brokerages are responding. With key shifts on the horizon, they explore what these developments mean for agents, brokers, and the industry at large.

Key Takeaways

• Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP) Under Fire – What the latest updates mean for listing practices and market transparency.

• DOJ vs. NAR – Ongoing legal scrutiny and potential implications for how real estate operates.

• MLS Policy Changes – How the rules around listing distribution may evolve and what it means for competition.

• Brokerage Adaptation – How leading firms are adjusting to the shifting regulatory and policy landscape.

• Industry Power Shifts – The role of leadership changes and legal actions in reshaping the real estate ecosystem.

Resources

Agents feel joy, rage, confusion over Clear Cooperation ruling

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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

In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg recap Greg’s recent MLS Reset conference and dive into key industry insights. They discuss governance reform, competition between MLSs, data sharing agreements, and bold ideas for innovation in the real estate world. From pitch battles for tech innovation to thought-provoking commentary on leadership, this episode offers plenty of takeaways for industry professionals.

Key Takeaways

• MLS Reset Conference Recap: Greg shares highlights, including impactful presentations by Brian Boero, Michael Wurzer, and Curt Beardsley, Ben Graboske, who challenged the industry to embrace optimism.

• Governance Reform: Rob emphasizes the importance of reducing board sizes and increasing nimbleness

• Data Sharing and Competition: Rob and Greg debate whether MLSs should compete on services, price, and tech while maintaining data-sharing agreements.

• Source MLS Branding: A conversation on Michael Wurzer’s Source MLS concept as a trusted, transparent data brand.

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Connect with Rob and Greg: 

Rob’s Website

Greg’s Website

Our Sponsors:

CoreLogic

Notorious VIP

The Giant Steps Job Board

Production and Editing Services by Sunbound Studios

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.

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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

Sunbound Studios