Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

Zillow accused of “kickbacks”

Zillow accused of using ‘kickbacks’ to boost mortgage business

“Zillow is accused of pressuring agents in its Premier Agent and Flex programs to steer buyers to Zillow Home Loans for pre-approval. Agents who sent more clients to Zillow’s mortgage arm were rewarded with extra or higher-quality leads, while those who didn’t could lose access to the lucrative Flex program, the filing claims.

Buyers, meanwhile, were allegedly steered toward Zillow Home Loans without realizing their agent’s business depended on it. The complaint states that “Zillow’s system harms consumers, who are robbed of the disinterested advice of their fiduciary real estate agent, and instead are unknowingly steered towards ZHL’s limited and often uncompetitive mortgage products.”

Who isn’t suing Zillow now? Seems like something they could easily settle, but what this has me thinking is the implications for the Redfin and Rocket deal? This RESPA shit is pretty tricky.

Mutual customer?

Overview

Rob and Greg discuss Zillow’s recent privacy policy changes to Follow Up Boss and the growing debate around data use and agent trust. They examine how Zillow’s communication strategy has affected its reputation, drawing comparisons to past acquisitions like dotloop and ShowingTime. The conversation explores whether this move signals a broader industry shift in how tech companies handle customer data, AI integration, and transparency with agents.

Key Takeaways

  • Zillow’s new Follow Up Boss privacy policy grants broader access to agent and client data.
  • Rob believes the change isn’t malicious but calls it a major communication failure by Zillow.
  • Greg points out that Zillow lacks a dedicated team for agent-facing product communication.
  • The term “mutual customer” triggered agent backlash and should have been caught before release.
  • Both agree the issue highlights a pattern of Zillow “revising promises” made in previous acquisitions.
  • The discussion raises questions about trust, data usage for AI training, and the long-term impact on agent relationships.
  • Rob argues the real strategic risk is eroding trust—industry partners may start adding “yet” to every Zillow assurance.
  • Greg suggests this is part of a larger trend across tech companies as privacy expectations evolve

Links

Follow Up Boss changes privacy policy: chaos ensues

Zillow, Follow Up Boss, ChatGPT: How to Protect Your Clients and Build a Moat

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

Kissing cousins, RPR and Sentrilock integrate


SentriLock and RPR Partner to Deliver Seamless Market Data

“Agents win when context meets the moment,” says Jeff Young, RPR chief operating officer and general manager. “By connecting RPR Market Trends into SentriKey, we’re putting trusted, hyperlocal insights exactly where showings happen…no switching apps, no delay. It turns every door open into a data-driven conversation that builds confidence and moves clients forward.”

Hard to believe there hasn’t been more of these integrations since they are both companies owned by NAR. Keeping ’em coming!

Pro Tip: Be ready for delays leaving Houston next week

Might be a good time to start following the IAH (Bush Airport) Twitter (X) account or on Instagram
This seems to be effecting more of the departures since a lot of TSA workers are not showing up for work due to the Government Shutdown. Going to be a crazy week.

ICE Paragon Connect [Sponsor]

Lucie Fortier just dropped a mic.

Her latest post is a must-read for anyone tracking where MLS data, AI, and real estate innovation collide. ICE isn’t just building tech, they’re building trust.

With a clear stance on data ownership, enterprise-grade security, and AI tools that actually help real estate pros (think: natural language search and chatbots that don’t suck), ICE is proving that working with MLSs can drive real transformation.

Lucie connects the dots between agent empowerment, consumer transparency, and platform consolidation, and ties it all back to ICE’s roadmap. The takeaway? When the market shifts, ICE leads with integrity, intelligence, and innovation.

My thanks again to ICE Paragon Connect for sponsoring this month’s Vendor Alley!

Looking for a new gig?

Strategic Sales Manager -CubiCasa

“CubiCasa is looking for a positive and energetic Strategic Sales Manager to join our sales team to be responsible for generating leads and personally meeting sales goals specific to onboarding new customers to use our real estate prop technology. Duties will include sales presentations and product demonstrations, as well as selling products and negotiating contracts with potential clients.”

The Giant Steps Job Board is fast becoming the go-to place for hiring in organized real estate.

Try it out — your first post is free with code FIRSTPOSTFREE

Happy Halloween!

Any guesses to what my Halloween costume is this year?

Organized Real Estate’s GTM problem

Overview

Rob and Greg dive into Sean Frank’s Inman article, “NAR and the Real Estate Industry’s Relevance Problem.” They discuss how outdated MLS technology and excessive bureaucracy are stifling innovation in real estate. From permissioning delays to governance breakdowns, the hosts explore why MLS systems feel stuck in “Windows 95 mode” and debate how consolidation or standardization could spark change.

Key Takeaways

  • MLS permissioning and governance are major obstacles to innovation.
  • Outdated tech systems like Matrix and Paragon still dominate the industry.
  • Excessive committee layers make it nearly impossible for startups to launch quickly.
  • Greg proposes a standardized, simplified data licensing process to fast-track innovation.
  • Rob argues the problem stems from bureaucracy, not infrastructure or tech.
  • NAR and CMLS lack the power to enforce national-level reform, leaving MLSs fragmented.
  • Both agree the industry needs “fair permissioning guidelines” similar to standardized contracts in other fields.

Links

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

CoStar renews agreement with CRMLS.

Crisis averted!! Me thinks someone on the inside made sure calmer heads prevailed.

ARMLS chooses CheckMate

VestaPlus™ Expands AI-Powered CheckMate™ Licensing Across the U.S.

“We are pleased to announce our collaboration with ARMLS and look forward to working together. Licensing CheckMate™ to both large and small MLS organizations validates our mission of providing scalable, forward-looking technology tailored to each organization’s needs,” said Annie Ives, CEO of VestaPlus™ “With AI built into our compliance tools, MLSs can manage data integrity more effectively and deliver lasting value to their members — whether they serve 42,000 members or just a few hundred.”

Big win for MLS led tech and for Annie and VestaPlus. Congrats!

Sponsored By REMINE