Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

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

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

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

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.

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.

Watch us on YouTube!

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.

Watch us on YouTube!

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

Industry Relations Podcast: Canned Spam

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.

Watch us on YouTube!

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

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 Industry Needs To Stop Fronting

It seems everyone in the industry is still obsessed with CCP.  Rob and Greg are no different.  The show starts off with Rob giving Greg some advice on his upcoming client meetings, but quickly shifts to the recent back and forth about CCP.  Greg thinks that industry players like Compass CEO Robert Reffkin to stop spreading misinformation about MLS.  Rob says there is blame on both sides.  Things get interesting from there.

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

Industry Relations Podcast: Whadup with dat PDAP?

Many people don’t know or understand NAR’s PDAP.  PDAP stands for Participant Data Access Policy.  And PDAP is at the heart of today’s episode.

Rob and Greg dive deep into the topic of who actually owns MLS data. The answer, as it turns out, really depends on who you ask. But we’re living in a new world where private MLS ownership is becoming a reality, and also what are those second order consquences?  Greg also catches up with Rob about Rob’s meetings with brokers and their opinions on MLS data ownership—spoiler alert: they think they do. It’s a thought-provoking discussion that may raise more questions than answers.

Watch us on YouTube!

Section 18. Right of Participant to MLS Data Feed of Listing Content (Policy Statement

8.3)

Rob’s latest Substack :  Why the Data Ownership Thing Worries Me

South Park Human Centipede Episode

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: 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.

Watch us on YouTube!

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

Sponsored By MLS Reset