Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

Industry Relations podcast: The Disconnect in Interpretation with Ed Zorn of CRMLS

Are you struggling to understand the NAR settlement agreement and its implications for real estate transactions? Joining us in this thought-provoking episode is Ed Zorn, VP & General Counsel for CRMLS. Rob, Greg, and Ed talk about the disconnect between NAR’s understanding and other lawyers’ interpretations, and what it means for brokers and agents. They dive into topics such as the risk of coordinated action, liability concerns, and the role of MLSs in enforcing rules. 

They also discuss the concessions field in MLS listings and its potential impact on real estate transactions. This episode is packed with valuable insights on how to avoid potential pitfalls and stay compliant in this ever-changing landscape.

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Industry Relations Podcast: Walking the Line – Words Matter

What is the difference between the threat of steering in an illegitimate way and being transparent and informing your client? In this episode, Rob and Greg discuss the difference between steering and fiduciary duty in real estate and other various topics including Greg’s recent trip to Boston, Redfin’s settlement with NAR, the enforcement of buyer showing agreements, and the potential actions of the DOJ. They also touch on the proposal for making housing affordable and the MLS execs walking out of a meeting. Highlighting the challenges and implications of these issues for the real estate industry. 

The need for clear communication and the careful choice of words to avoid crossing ethical boundaries. Rob and Greg suggest that training, scripts, and forms could help agents navigate this fine line.

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This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.

Industry Relations Podcast: The $250M Settlement That will Impact the Industry

HomeServices of America has reached a settlement in the slew of commission lawsuits. Now that a huge domino has fallen, what will happen next in the industry? Rob and Greg discuss  the next steps in the commission lawsuits and the potential challenges faced by copycat lawsuits. They also discuss the role of lawyers and the potential opt-out strategy for larger builders. And how fair are these settlements and will it potentially impact recruiting and retention efforts?

They discuss other major players like Compass, Keller Williams, and EXP, bringing to light the dynamic changes in the landscape, the controversy surrounding CoStar and Realtor.com, the future of Redfin, and discuss the upcoming NAR mid-year meetings. 

This episode is packed with industry insights. 

You are gonna want to watch this on our YouTube Channel!

Connect with Rob and Greg: 

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This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.

Industry Relations Podcast: CoStar Acquires Matterport, The photography wars

How will CoStar’s recent buyout of Matterport affect the industry? In this episode Rob and Greg dive into the recent acquisition of Matterport by CoStar and how Rob and Greg predicted this years ago. How will Zillow respond? And how will other industry giants such as Redfin be affected by this huge announcement?

They also talk about Realtor.com’s CEO, Damian Eales, and his plans to expand the portal’s offerings. But beyond the competition between these portals lies an important conversation about raising the bar in the industry and eliminating low-quality agents for the betterment of consumers. 

And what’s the next battleground in real estate? Buyer rep agreements will be crucial to differentiate between the showdown with good agents and bad agents.

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This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.

CoStar acquires Matterport (as predicted)

Matterport soars 187% after CoStar to buy company in a $1.6 billion deal

“The transaction, which is expected to be completed during the year, has been unanimously approved by the MTTR board.

“CoStar Group and Matterport have nearly identical mission statements of digitizing the world’s real estate. I look forward to welcoming Matterport to the CoStar Group family and believe that we will be stronger together, in pursuit of our common mission,” said CEO and founder of CoStar (CSGP) Andy Florance, Founder and CEO of CoStar Group

MTTR is headquartered in California and has ~440 employees, with FY revenue of $158 million.”

Sinchita Mitra, Seeking Alpha

Rob and I predicted this on a November 2022 Industry Relations Episode.

Industry Relations Podcast: The NAR Settlement Part 2

Did you catch the sparks fly on the last episode of Industry Relations? In case you missed it, last week Rob and Greg got into a verbal fistfight. Made up. Became friends again. And are now ready for round 2. 

Rob and Greg continue their NAR settlement talk, post verbal tussle. Exploring NAR’s $418 million settlement, they talk about the association’s PR challenges, trust issues, and internal rifts. Questioning leadership and missed PR opportunities, they call for urgent reform.

Facing a crucial crossroads, the industry risks becoming a societal scapegoat. Rob and Greg urge immediate action to rebuild trust, improve communication, and navigate public scrutiny. Highlighting the role of leadership in these turbulent times, stressing the need for effective communication.

Connect with Rob and Greg: 

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Giant Steps Advisors

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.

Industry Relations Podcast: The NAR Settlement: The Good, the Bad, and the Unknown

What will the recent NAR settlement mean for the future of real estate, technology, and industry navigation? In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg discuss the outcomes of the recent NAR settlement. They provide insights on the agreement, exploring their reactions and perspectives on the settlement’s details. From provisions to backlash, they discuss public perception, legal frameworks, and implications for agents, brokers, and the market. During the discussion, Rob and Greg also disagree with one another at times, and fight like a married couple. After this episode discussing the NAR lawsuit, yet again, should the guys take a break and do a movie review of Dune 2? Grab your sandworm buckets and tune in!

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Connect with Rob and Greg: 

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This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.

Live episode of Industry Relation podcast in 15 mins. 3-15-24 10AM PT

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https://www.youtube.com/@IndustryRelationsPodcast

Industry Relations Podcast: DOJ Drops Statement of Interest in the Nosalek Case

What impact will the Department of Justice’s stance on the MLS settlement have on the future of buying and selling houses? In this important episode of “Industry Relations,” Rob and Greg talk about a big message from the Department of Justice (DOJ) about the MLS PIN settlement. The DOJ seems to want the court to say no to the settlement. Selling agents might not make as much money as before, and buyers agents might need to show why they’re worth their commission more than ever. It’s time to start thinking about how we can prepare for change and innovate new approaches in serving buyers and seller.

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Connect with Rob and Greg: 

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Notorious VIP

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.

Industry Relations Podcast: Impact and Consequences of the Zillow Lawsuit

What happens when a real estate giant like Zillow takes legal action against their own clients?  Things get a little complicated as Rob and Greg explore the issues of the delicate balance of being a participant, vendor and MLS organization (sometimes all at the same time!)

***Disclaimer – Due to MLS Aligned being a consulting client of Greg, the views expressed on this podcast are Greg’s opinions and DO NOT represent the views of MLS Aligned.***

Rob and Greg discuss the recent Zillow lawsuit against two MLSs, ARMLS and Metro MLS, which alleges control over technology distribution and the practical implications of not being integrated into the MLS member portal and how it affects the functionality of platforms like ShowingTime. Greg gives his own first-hand experiences with MLS system integration and Cloud CMA.

They explore what could be the potential impact on competition and the challenges faced by MLSs in making integration decisions.  And can MLS organizations choose who they do business with or not?  Mountain? Molehill? Listen to Rob and Greg try and grapple a tricky situation as only they can.

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Connect with Rob and Greg: 

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This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.

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