Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

Washington Post writes about CCP and “secretive off-market listings”

Real estate battle over secretive off-market listings heats up

“When prospective home buyers come up empty-handed, seeing a “sold” sign on an ideal home that never showed up during their search rubs salt into the wound.


What’s frustrating to so many is these nonpublic sales, often known as off-market listings, shortcut the transparency that’s meant to inform the buying and selling process: Every home that’s listed by a real estate agent and marketed to the public is supposed to be visible through one of the hundreds of databases known as Multiple Listing Services (MLS).

Now, an internal battle is heating up between real estate brokerages over off-market listings — just as the dust is starting to settle on commission rule changes triggered by lawsuits against brokerages and the National Association of Realtors (NAR).”

Pretty balanced article about the issues surrounding CCP. This kind of headline is exactly what Brian Boreo warned about in his talk at CMLS in Seattle a couple months ago. Does the industry really need the messaging of real estate agents supporting “secretive off-market listings?” right now? I don’t think so.

I took at look at the comments on the article. While most of the comments were trashing The Washington Posts new commenting software, the AI summary did conclude…

“Concerns include the potential for discrimination, the manipulation of property prices by flippers, and the lack of transparency in pocket listings, which may benefit agents over sellers. Some suggest reverting to traditional methods or eliminating agents altogether.”

So there you have it Robert Reffkin, based on this summary many people would rather have no agents at all if the transparency the MLS provides goes away. Your move Compass.

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.

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

Gingerbread house contest

VIDEO

A bit of holiday fun from one of my favorite YouTubers.

Looking for a new gig?

CEO – Large Regional Multiple Listing Service

“The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a NTREIS is responsible for the overall strategic leadership, operational management, and financial success of the organization. This individual will work collaboratively with the MLS Board of Directors, association shareholders, and other stakeholders to advance the organization’s mission, ensure financial sustainability, and deliver innovative and value-driven services to its subscribers.”

The find out about this job or post a job, please visit the Giant Steps Job Board.

RESO 2025 Board of Directors Announced

Pictured left to right from top left: (Row 1) Rebecca Jensen, John Breault, Melissa King, Richard Renton, (Row 2) Alex Lange, Bob Evans, Caitlin McCrory, Dan Troup, Dan Weisman, (Row 3) Greg Moore, Janine Sieja, Joseph Szurgyi, Joe Wilhelmy, Katy Davenport, (Row 4) Matt Cohen, Matt Hendricks, Michael Hayes, Michael Wurzer, (Row 5) Patrick Pichette, Shayne Fairley, Ross Buck.
(Pictured left to right from top left: (Row 1) Rebecca Jensen, John Breault, Melissa King, Richard Renton, (Row 2) Alex Lange, Bob Evans, Caitlin McCrory, Dan Troup, Dan Weisman, (Row 3) Greg Moore, Janine Sieja, Joseph Szurgyi, Joe Wilhelmy, Katy Davenport, (Row 4) Matt Cohen, Matt Hendricks, Michael Hayes, Michael Wurzer, (Row 5) Patrick Pichette, Shayne Fairley, Ross Buck.)

RESO Announces 2025 Board of Directors Election Winners

“Election winners representing Multiple Listing Services (MLSs) and REALTOR® associations:

  • John Breault, VP, MLS, State-Wide MLS in Rhode Island
  • Greg Moore, CTO, Regional Multiple Listing Service (RMLS) in Oregon

The winner of the open board seat representing technology companies, developers, partners and consultants:

  • Michael Hayes, Executive Director, Industry Development, Homes.com

Winners representing real estate brokerages, brokers, agents and appraisers:

  • Joe Wilhelmy, VP, Business Technology, RE/MAX
  • Caitlin McCrory, VP, Industry Relations, Anywhere”

Congrats to everyone.

Quick update on Toby’s Eagle Scout project

Thanks again to everyone for your generous support. #ProudDad

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.

Watch Us on YouTube

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

What is an MLS?

Organizations around the country are navigating the question of “what’s next?” in the real estate industry. We’ve been exploring that by reflecting on the past and examining where we stand today. One of the questions we frequently ask is:

What would you say if someone asked, “What is an MLS?”

I’m struck by how difficult this question is to answer—even for myself, someone who writes a blog and co-produces a couple of podcasts in the industry. Part of the challenge, I think, stems from the recent settlement changes; we’re still working to define and understand the evolving role of the MLS.

When I checked Wikipedia, I found the first sentence to be completely wrong:

“A multiple listing service (MLS, also multiple listing system or multiple listings service) is an organization with a suite of services that real estate brokers use to establish contractual offers of cooperation and compensation (among brokers) and accumulate and disseminate information to enable appraisals.”

“Cooperation and compensation”? Uh, yeah, no.

Sam DeBord addressed this very question in his excellent three-part series, What Every Real Estate Professional Needs to Know About the MLS, on Real Estate News. If you haven’t read it (or if it’s been a while), I highly recommend revisiting it. Additionally, CMLS, in partnership with 1000watt, has done a phenomenal job with their “Making the Market Work” campaign. Both are worth a read—or re-read—because they provide insightful perspectives on the MLS.

But what I’m really looking for here is something shorter—a true elevator pitch. As a copywriter, I want something punchy, something that people can visualize and “get” immediately.

Here’s my first attempt (and I hope to refine this further):

“The MLS is a professional network of real estate brokers, agents, and other professionals that help people buy and sell homes.”

Now it’s your turn—share your version in the comments!

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.

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

This podcast is produced by Sunbound Studios

MLS Reset is Sold Out

Welp, the response has been amazing and the teams at PRESTA and Giant Steps are happy to announce that the MLS Reset conference is sold out. We are going to post the preliminary speaker line up soon. We are also putting together a wait list, so if you are interested reach out (sooner than later) at info@mlsreset.com. My thanks to everyone who has supported us on this latest endeavor, we are going to do our level best to put on a great show for you!

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