Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

Industry Relations podcast: What to do about Zombies

In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg dive into one of the most heated debates yet—was NAR’s fight for survival a necessary battle, or did it do more harm than good? They analyze the fallout from the settlement, discuss the rise of leaders like Michelle Harrington who are ditching corporate-speak for real talk, and debate whether NAR should have surrendered years ago to avoid the lawsuits entirely.

Key Takeaways

• Michelle Harrington’s Blunt Truths: The First Team CEO calls the settlement “bulls***,” and Rob and Greg love her authenticity.

• Corporate-Speak vs. Real Talk: Why real estate leaders should ditch the PR fluff and embrace straight-shooting communication.

• The $2 Billion Club Controversy: Why independent brokerages feel abandoned and how the settlement exposed them to legal threats.

• Should NAR Have Surrendered in 2018? Rob argues they could have avoided everything if they had just given in earlier. Greg pushes back.

• Zombie Members or Hostages? Rob says NAR fought to protect dues from disengaged agents. Greg insists they were an opportunity, not a liability.

Inman story on FirstTeam CEO, Michelle Harrington; “A broker left out of NAR settlement gets candid: ‘I’m still pissed'” 

Todd Carpenter’s LinkedIn post on “Zombie members vs. Super members”

Rob Substack, “Between Black Pill and White Pill”

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Greg’s Website

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CoreLogic

Notorious VIP

The Giant Steps Job Board

Production and Editing Services by Sunbound Studios

Industry Relations Podcast LIVE! This Friday (2/7) at 10AM PT

Join Rob and I live this Friday (2/7/25) just click on this link => Industry Relations LIVE!

Industry Relations Podcast: MLS Reset Recap

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

Industry Relations Podcast: It ain’t over yet

In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg navigate the fallout from key legal decisions and the broader implications for the real estate industry. They analyze the Supreme Court’s denial of NAR’s cert petition, its potential effects on DOJ actions, and how shifting dynamics—such as commission lawsuits and housing market pressures—might reshape the landscape. The conversation also previews upcoming events and industry challenges that will define the next chapter of real estate.

Key Takeaways

• Supreme Court Denies NAR’s Petition: What this decision means for DOJ’s antitrust investigations and future legal battles.

• Commission Lawsuits Continue: Why the litigation isn’t over and what could come next, including potential first-time homebuyer class actions.

• DOJ’s Goals: Rob and Greg speculate on what the Department of Justice ultimately wants for the real estate industry, including reducing transaction fees.

• Housing Market Pressures: Rising costs, insurance challenges, and inventory shifts, including their impact on rentals and sales.

• Upcoming Events: The MLS Reset Conference and the first-ever Industry Relations live stream scheduled for February 7th.

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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

Industry Relations Podcast: Choking on NAR’s Kielbasa

In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg tackle the latest controversies surrounding NAR  and the recent investigative article from The New York Times. They debate the role of lobbying, explore accusations of corruption and financial mismanagement, and reflect on the broader challenges facing NAR’s leadership and reputation.

Key Takeaways

• NAR and Lobbying Controversy: Discussion on how NAR funnels money to political groups through entities like the American Property Owners Alliance (APOA).

• The “Woke vs. Conservative” Debate: Examining NAR’s conflicting image as both progressive and a supporter of conservative causes.

• Transparency Issues: Why NAR’s approach to handling controversies feels “astroturfy” and the need for more open dialogue with members.

• Organizing Homeowners: The untapped potential of grassroots homeowner advocacy and how it could reshape lobbying strategies.

• PR Missteps: Criticism of NAR’s traditional PR playbook and a call for leadership to adopt more authentic communication strategies.

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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

Industry Relations Podcast: Supply, Demand and Deregulation with Professor Bryan Caplan

Overview

In this special episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg welcome economist and author Professor Bryan Caplan to discuss his latest book, Build Baby Build: The Science and Ethics of Housing Regulation. The trio dives into the housing crisis, exploring how deregulation could address affordability, inequality, and other societal issues. Bryan’s insights challenge conventional thinking, offering bold solutions for the future of housing.

Key Takeaways

• Core Argument: Bryan argues that excessive housing regulations have driven up costs, stifled innovation, and exacerbated inequality, advocating for widespread deregulation.

• The 50% Reduction Claim: Deregulation could halve housing prices nationwide by enabling construction and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

• NIMBYism and Local Politics: Local resistance to development, often driven by fear and misinformation, remains a significant barrier to solving the housing crisis.

• Economic and Social Benefits: Lower housing costs could address issues like inequality, mobility, and declining birth rates, while also improving quality of life.

• Role of Realtors: Real estate professionals and associations could play a pivotal role in advocating for deregulation to increase housing supply and affordability.

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Check out Bryan’s amazing graphic novel: Build Baby Build: The Science and Ethics of Housing Regulation

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

Industry Relations Podcast: Understanding both sides of the housing market

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Rob and Greg tackle the latest developments in the housing market and its broader implications for real estate professionals. From dissecting the DOJ’s recent moves to exploring how transactions and home prices define market strength, the duo brings sharp insights and engaging commentary to these critical topics.

Discussion Highlights:

• DOJ’s Statement of Interest: What it means for buyer agreements and competition in the real estate market.

• Market Metrics Debate: Rob questions whether housing market health should be based on transactions and sales volume rather than just home prices.

• Affordability and Transactions: The ongoing challenges of affordability and declining transaction volumes in shaping the housing landscape.

• Broker Challenges: Navigating regulatory uncertainties and adapting to evolving DOJ scrutiny.

• Future Predictions: Speculating on the DOJ’s next steps and potential impacts on real estate practices.

Key Takeaways:

• The DOJ aims to promote competition, with specific attention on transparency and buyer agreements.

• Home prices and transaction volumes tell different stories about market strength.

• Brokers and agents face significant uncertainty as they adapt to legal and market changes.

• The need for consumer awareness and transparency remains central to the evolving real estate industry.

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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

This podcast is produced by Sunbound Studios

Industry Relations Podcast: The knowns and unknowns of NAR leadership decisions

In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg dive into the latest developments in the real estate world, focusing on leadership, membership dynamics, and the challenges facing NAR in 2024. They engage in a spirited debate about leadership priorities, assessing Nykia Wright’s tenure as CEO, and what it takes to steer an organization during turbulent times.

Key Takeaways

• Leadership Dynamics: A breakdown of the responsibilities and criticisms of Nykia Wright’s first year as CEO of NAR.

• Membership Retention: Insights into how NAR has managed to retain members despite controversies and lawsuits.

• Strategic Decisions: Examining the impact of the $2 billion broker club’s fallout and the decisions leading up to it.

• Action vs. Inaction: Rob and Greg debate what constitutes effective leadership and the significance of visible actions vs. behind-the-scenes work.

• Surveys & Communication: The role of member surveys and communication in understanding and addressing organizational challenges.

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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

Industry Relations Podcast: And they all fall down…

Greg is just landed back home from NAR Boston and Rob is curious to what insights he learned.  Greg’s main insight is that he isn’t as young as he once was.

1. Election Impact on Real Estate:

• Rob and Greg delve into the recent election results, exploring how potential changes in government could impact HUD and real estate policies.

• Debate on the future leadership of HUD and the potential impacts on the industry.

2. National Association of Realtors (NAR) Conference Recap:

• Greg shares insights from the recent NAR conference, touching on the atmosphere post-election and key sessions he attended.

• Discussion about attendee sentiment, especially regarding political and economic concerns within the real estate industry.

3. MLS (Multiple Listing Service) & CCP Discussions:

• The episode dives deep into the complexities of MLS structures, with Greg suggesting a “domino effect” that could lead to significant industry shifts if CCP (Clear Cooperation Policy) and co-mingling rules were altered.

• Speculations on Zillow’s role in the MLS space, its motivations, and how upcoming changes might benefit or challenge existing MLS structures.

4. NAR’s Controversial Communication:

• The hosts criticize NAR’s handling of sensitive topics, including CCP discussions, arguing for more transparency and authenticity in its public communications.

5. MLS Independence and Potential Changes:

• Rob and Greg discuss the possibility and challenges of MLS organizations operating independently of NAR.

• Debate around whether separating from NAR could lead to more effective and regionally responsive MLS services.

6. Event Announcements:

• Promotion of the upcoming “MLS Reset Conference” in Arizona (January 2025), organized by Giant Steps and the PRESTA Team, aimed at exploring the future of MLS and real estate industry evolution along with CoreLogic’s Clariety25 Conference in February.

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Operating Cash Flow for  REA Group (Australia) from Mike Deplete

How much does U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the United States pay?

Connect with Rob and Greg: 

Rob’s Website

Greg’s Website

Our Sponsors: 

CoreLogic

Notorious VIP

The Giant Steps Job Board

This podcast is produced by Sunbound Studios

Industry Relations Podcast: Endless Opportunities with Jack Miller of T360

Overview:

Rob and Greg talk with Jack Miller, CEO of T360, about the recently released “Opportunity Report” and its significance for the real estate industry. The discussion focuses on how real estate leaders can navigate current challenges and seize opportunities in the face of regulatory changes, declining transaction volume, and industry consolidation.

Key Topics:

1. The Opportunity Report:

• A newly released report from T360, available for free at theopportunityreport.com.

• Provides a 100-page analysis of risks and opportunities in the real estate industry.

• Includes insights from over 50 industry leaders on how to approach challenges in the current market.

2. The Role of the MLS:

• Jack emphasizes the importance of the MLS as a marketing and data platform, even without mandatory compensation rules.

• MLS consolidation is expected, with strong MLSs providing more value to their users.

3. Legal and Regulatory Pressures:

• The real estate industry is under scrutiny from the DOJ and faces multiple lawsuits.

• These challenges present an opportunity for brokerages and MLSs to innovate and improve transparency.

4. Future of Associations:

• Jack discusses the potential for separating MLS and Realtor associations and restructuring governance.

• Associations need to adapt and provide more value beyond just MLS access to remain relevant.

5. Opportunities in a Challenging Market:

• Jack urges leaders to lean into change and view the current market as a chance to innovate and grow.

• The report highlights that companies that embrace change during tough times can emerge stronger.

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Reach Out:

Jack Miller on LinkedIN

Download the Opportunity Report at theopportunityreport.com.

Connect with Rob and Greg: 

Rob’s Website

Greg’s Website

Our Sponsors: 

CoreLogic

Notorious VIP

The Giant Steps Job Board

This podcast is produced by Sunbound Studios

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