Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

Industry Relations Podcast: Tales from the Road

After missing a recording last week (due to travel schedules) the boys are back with another jammed pack episode of Industry Relations.  In this week’s episode Rob and Greg discuss recent Blueprint conference in Las Vegas, CMLS 2024 in Seattle and REColorado new subscriber agreement.  And they sprinkle a little CCP talking points just for good measure.

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Pictures of Greg’s sister, Pilar, winning her own award

Pictures of Greg presenting at CMLS 2024

HousingWire post on REColorado acquisition

Greg’s take on Rob Reffkin’s CMLS 2024 interview

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 Live Podcast: More questions than answers

In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg tackle three major industry shake-ups: Gary Keller selling a stake in Keller WilliamsREX losing its lawsuit against NAR and Zillow, and the launch of a new NAR alternative, AREA, by Mauricio Umansky and Jason Haber. They debate what these moves mean for the future of real estate, the ongoing battle over commission structures, and whether the DOJ’s real target is the MLS monopoly. If you’re looking for sharp analysis with a side of sarcasm, this episode delivers.

Key Takeaways

• Keller Williams Goes Private Equity: Gary Keller sells a stake to Stone Point Capital—what does this mean for KW’s future and private equity’s role in real estate?

• The Death of REX?: REX loses its lawsuit against Zillow and NAR. Was this just a bad case, or is the DOJ preparing to take a bigger swing?

• AREA’s New MLS Policy: Mauricio Umansky and Jason Haber’s new NAR alternative introduces a Clear Collaboration Policy—but is it just a repackaged CCP?

• DOJ’s Real Endgame: Rob argues that the Department of Justice doesn’t care about commission lawsuits—it’s after MLS monopolies.

• The Free Market MLS Debate: Should agents have multiple MLS options? Greg and Rob debate the risks and rewards of breaking up the monopoly.

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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: 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”

Watch Us on YouTube 

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: The Duel over Dual Agency

In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg dive into the controversy surrounding dual agency, private networks, and the MLS’s role in protecting small brokers. They break down the industry’s long-standing acceptance of brokerage-level dual agency while questioning why teams are getting a pass. Plus, they debate whether Compass’s push to double-end deals is just standard brokerage strategy—or an attempt to reshape the industry. If you want unfiltered takes on where real estate is headed, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways

• Is Brokerage Dual Agency Bad? Rob argues that the industry has historically supported it—so why the sudden outrage?

• The Compass Controversy: Greg and Rob discuss whether Compass is playing the same game as everyone else or trying to blow up the MLS for its own benefit.

• The Team Dual Agency Dilemma: Should teams be held to a different standard? Rob questions why brokerages get a pass but teams don’t.

• MLS Protection for Small Brokers: Rob suggests the MLS has always been designed to protect smaller brokerages—should that continue?

• The Future of Private Listings: If brokers create exclusive networks, will they face lawsuits—or is that just scare tactics?

Watch Us on YouTube 

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: Industry Soup: Why the Human Touch Still Matters

What happens when industry news is quiet? Industry soup. In this episode, Rob and Greg discuss various topics with an effort to draw parallels to real estate. From their weight loss strategies and detailed plan for a 60-day weight loss regimen to Tesla cars and the emotional connection people have with their vehicles. This conversation covers a lot. 

Touching on simplicity in design and analog experiences in a tech-driven world. Rob and Greg explore the potential future of technology and the importance of human interaction in both real estate and tech companies.

Connect with Rob and Greg: 

Rob’s Website

Greg’s Website

Our Sponsors: 

CoreLogic

Notorious VIP

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.

Industry Relations Podcast: Real Estate Forms: Consumer-Friendly or Industry-Driven?

Are real estate forms truly consumer-friendly or are they just industry-driven? In this episode, Doug Miller and Wendy Gilch, Directors of CAARE (Consumer Advocates in American Real Estate), expose what they believe are the flaws in the current buyer agency agreements. From undisclosed dual agency to lack of cancellation clauses, these forms often prioritize the interests of industry competitors over consumers. 

Rob, Greg, Doug and Wendy explore potential solutions such as creating consumer-friendly templates and implementing amendments. They dive into the complexities of fiduciary responsibility and touch on hot-button topics like compensation and collusion. 

Plus, they address the importance of clear disclosure in real estate transactions, education for consumers, and informed consent. Don’t miss this crucial conversation also covering NAR settlement, state forms vs eXp’s form, unauthorized practice of law, referral fees, and negotiation tactics.

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Learn more about CAARE at caare.org.

Connect with Doug Miller on – LinkedIn.

Connect with Wendy on – LinkedIn

Connect with Rob and Greg: 

Rob’s Website

Greg’s Website

Our Sponsors: 

CoreLogic

Notorious VIP

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.

Industry Relations Podcast: Ethics and Transparency in Communication

Are you up to date on the recent changes in MLS rules and buyer agency agreements? In this episode, Rob and Greg dive into the controversy surrounding these updates and discuss the ethical implications for agents. From forgery to enforcement, confusion to challenges, this conversation covers a lot of ground. They shed light on the need for a substantive approach to reform in the real estate industry, while addressing the loss of trust between practitioners and those making the rules. With potential compression of commissions and uncertainty about the future of the industry, transparency and strong leadership are more important than ever. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on ethics and transparency in communication within the real estate world.

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Connect with Rob and Greg: 

Rob’s Website

Greg’s Website

Our Sponsors: 

CoreLogic

Notorious VIP

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.

Industry Relations Podcast:  Meltdown: Is the End Near?

The August 17th deadline is almost here, and the industry is abuzz with talk of potential changes to MLSs and associations. Rob and Greg discuss the latest developments in the NAR settlement with the DOJ and its potential impact on compensation models, forms, and client relationships. With disruption looming, they delve into the hot topic of buyer agent commissions and agreements, as well as how to continue demonstrating value to clients in this ever-changing landscape.

Watch us on YouTube!

Connect with Rob and Greg: 

Rob’s Website

Greg’s Website

Our Sponsors: 

CoreLogic

Notorious VIP

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.

Industry Relations Podcast: Organized Real Estate’s Head Spinning Week

In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg break down three major real estate bombshells—the rumored Compass acquisition of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (BHHS), the Redfin-Rocket merger, and the potential shake-up of NAR’s Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP). They discuss whether Compass is actually in talks with BHHS or if this is just Wall Street speculation, how Redfin and Rocket could disrupt the brokerage model, and why NAR might be making CCP optional to dodge legal liability. 

Key Takeaways

• Compass x BHHS Rumors: Wall Street Journal reported that Compass was acquiring BHHS—but BHHS CEO Gino Blefari strongly denied it. So what’s the truth?

• The Redfin-Rocket Power Move: Why Rocket’s mortgage empire could turn Redfin into Zillow’s biggest competitor—and how Respa exemptions give them an edge.

• NAR’s CCP Shake-Up: Is NAR making CCP optional just to shift legal liability onto MLSs? Rob and Greg debate whether this is NAR’s “race to irrelevance.”

• Does Warren Buffett Want Out of Real Estate?: If BHHS is actually up for sale, what does that say about the future of traditional brokerages?

• How the MLS Landscape Could Change: If MLSs get to decide CCP for themselves, will we see regional MLS battles over compliance and cooperation?

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Watch Us on YouTube 

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

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