Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

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: 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: 

Rob’s Website

Greg’s Website

Our Sponsors: 

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: 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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Connect with Rob and Greg: 

Rob’s Website

Greg’s Website

Our Sponsors: 

Notorious VIP

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.

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: 

Rob’s Website

Greg’s Website

Our Sponsors: 

Notorious VIP

Giant Steps Advisors

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.

Industry Relations Podcast: The Worst of All Possible Worlds?

Episode Overview

Rob and Greg explore how the upcoming election could reshape the real estate industry, focusing on regulatory impacts, DOJ actions, and antitrust issues. They also discuss potential changes to industry practices and transparency in agent behavior.

Key Topics

1. Election Predictions:

• Friendly wager on election outcomes, with predictions on how results could shift real estate policies, especially through DOJ and FTC actions.

2. Antitrust Settlement and NAR Challenges:

• Tanya Monestier’s objections to the recent antitrust settlement, highlighting concerns over consumer confusion and potential loopholes that could benefit attorneys over consumers.

3. Future of Industry Regulation:

• Speculation on how political shifts might influence NAR’s regulatory environment and broker responsibilities.

• The potential for new, transparent compensation practices led by industry figures like James Dwiggins.

4. Ethics and Agent Behavior:

• Debate over real estate agent intentions, balancing consumer interests with profit motives, and the industry’s response to Monestier’s critiques.

Key Takeaways

• Election’s Influence on Real Estate: Election outcomes may bring regulatory changes, with possible implications for NAR and antitrust enforcement.

• Transparency and Trust in Agent Practices: Increased focus on clear buyer agreements and ethical practices to protect consumer trust.

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: 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: 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 named as finalist for Most Innovative Industry Podcast by Inman News

2024 Inman Innovator Awards finalists unveiled ahead of ICLV

“Inman Innovators include entrepreneurs pushing the old ways aside, data scientists discovering new ways to examine behavior, marketers reimagining how to showcase properties, teams reinventing how to communicate with clients, companies building advanced technologies, and brokerages and teams creating groundbreaking business models.”

Inman News

We were nominated last year but lost. Hopefully this will be the year. Thanks to everyone who nominated us!

Industry Relations Podcast: Ethical Considerations: MLS’s Role in Regulating Concessions

this thought-provoking discussion, Rob and Greg dive into the challenges and potential solutions for agents and brokers. Learn about the ethical considerations involved in disclosing commissions to clients and renegotiating buyer agency agreements. 

Plus, gain insights into the role of MLS in regulating concessions and why further education is crucial. Don’t miss out on this must-watch conversation that seeks to shed light on a controversial topic. 

Share your thoughts and join the conversation by leaving a comment! And let us know if you would like to see future episodes in a live stream format. #MLSpolicy #commissiondisclosures #concessions #ethicsinrealestate #education #livestream

Watch us on YouTube!

Connect with Rob and Greg: 

Rob’s Website

Greg’s Website

Our Sponsors: 

CoreLogic

Sponsored By MLS Reset