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Overview
In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg unpack the lawsuit Compass filed against Zillow over its ZLAS (Zillow Listing Agreement Standard) policy. They debate the strength of Compass’s legal claims, the language cited in the complaint, and what the alleged behind-the-scenes meetings reveal about Zillow’s influence in the real estate industry. Rob argues that Zillow is exercising monopoly power—even if it’s not illegal—while Greg pushes back on whether that power is absolute or harmful.

Key Takeaways

• Compass Lawsuit Against Zillow – Compass has sued Zillow over ZLAS, and Rob and Greg break down what the complaint says, especially around alleged comments from Zillow executives.

• Redfin’s Role in the Lawsuit – The lawsuit describes a phone call between Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman and Compass’s Robert Reffkin, which raises questions about Redfin’s alignment or neutrality.

• Allegations from the Zillow Meeting – The complaint claims Zillow executives said they would “not allow” Compass to have listings that aren’t on Zillow. Rob questions how MLSs will interpret that language.

• Zillow’s Relationship to MLSs – Rob and Greg debate whether Zillow is stepping into a policy-making role that could create long-term tension with MLSs.

• Monopoly vs. Illegal Monopoly – Rob insists Zillow is a monopoly in terms of influence, while Greg questions whether that matters if they haven’t broken any laws.

• Private Listing Networks as Leverage – Rob suggests that large brokerages should consider creating private listing networks to provoke offers or concessions from Zillow.

• MLS and NAR Dynamics – The conversation revisits the lack of MLS policy leadership from NAR and whether groups like CMLS can step up in its place.

• Consumer Perception of Real Estate – Greg ends by cautioning that all this infighting could be harmful to public trust, as evidenced by critical reader comments in mainstream news outlets.

Connect with Rob and Greg

Rob’s Website

Greg’s Website

Watch us on YouTube

Our Sponsors:

Cotality

Notorious VIP

The Giant Steps Job Board

Production and Editing Services by Sunbound Studios

The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player!

Overview
In this special episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg take a break from real estate to talk about one of their shared passions: music. They explore the most transformative artists and bands across genres from the 70s through today. Their conversation dives deep into the cultural impact of acts like Nirvana, Depeche Mode, NWA, and Metallica, and whether artists like Kanye West, Jay-Z, or Eminem changed the landscape or simply excelled within it.

Key Takeaways

• What Makes an Artist Transformative – Rob and Greg define “transformative” as artists who changed culture or shifted their genre’s direction.

• Rock, Pop, and Hair Metal – From The Police and Joy Division to Motley Crue and Metallica, they debate which bands truly left a mark.

• New Wave and Synth Pop – A back-and-forth on whether bands like Depeche Mode, Erasure, and Eurythmics defined the New Wave era.

• The Rise of Hip-Hop – Analysis of Public Enemy, NWA, and Biggie’s role in changing rap’s tone—from political to gangsta to materialistic.

• Female Singers and Torch Artists – Greg shares his appreciation for female vocalists, from Tori Amos and Natalie Merchant to Billie Holiday and Aretha Franklin.

• Jazz, EDM, and Modern Music – A look at how genres like jazz and electronica evolved—and why Rob thinks music hasn’t really changed since the 2000s.

• Cultural Identity and Music in High School – Reflections on how music once defined high school social groups and why today’s digital world may be missing that connection.

Connect with Rob and Greg

Rob’s Website

Greg’s Website

Watch us on YouTube

Our Sponsors:

Cotality

Notorious VIP

The Giant Steps Job Board

Production and Editing Services by Sunbound Studios

In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg reflect on a recent panel discussion hosted by the Orange County Association of REALTORS®. They discuss the incentives that drive agent and broker behavior, the value and vulnerabilities of the MLS in a post-settlement world, and the broader structural changes facing the real estate industry. The first half of the conversation also includes a candid exchange on trades as a career path and the shifting economic landscape for young adults.

Key Takeaways

• MLS Incentive Structures – A deep dive into how policy changes have affected the incentive for brokers to remain in the MLS, especially with the decline of enforceable compensation.

• Broker Power and Consolidation – Why the largest brokerages may now have more incentive to operate independently of the MLS and what that means for smaller firms.

• Agent-Level Impact – Rob and Greg question whether large-scale policy debates truly affect everyday agents and argue that most industry drama doesn’t change the work agents do.

• Panel Highlights – Reflections on a live panel with James Dwiggins and Ed Zorn, including audience reactions and a question: “What would you do if you ran NAR?”

• Compensation and Enforcement Post-Settlement – Analysis of how buyer-agent compensation continues through informal agreements and social norms, despite changes to MLS rules.

• Trades and Career Advice – A wide-ranging discussion on whether young people should consider skilled trades as an alternative to traditional college paths.

Connect with Rob and Greg

Rob’s Website

Greg’s Website

Watch us on YouTube!

Our Sponsors:

Cotality

Notorious VIP

The Giant Steps Job Board

Production and Editing Services by Sunbound Studios