In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg explore the evolving definition of an “open market” in real estate. They discuss how consumer expectations, technology shifts, and the dominance of platforms like Zillow are reshaping what it means for a listing to be considered publicly available. The conversation also covers the historical role of the MLS, comparisons to other industries, and whether the industry should rethink its terminology to focus on “fair marketplaces” instead of “open marketplaces.”

Key Takeaways

• Definition of Open Market – Rob and Greg discuss the historical and modern interpretations of what constitutes an open market for real estate listings.

• MLS vs. Portals – Analysis of how MLS participation historically defined an open market and how that has shifted with the rise of Zillow and other portals.

• Consumer Behavior and Technology – Exploration of how changes in consumer behavior and technology have influenced the industry’s definition of market openness.

• Fair Market vs. Open Market – Debate over whether “fair marketplace” would be a more accurate and useful term moving forward.

• Risks of Portal Dominance – Discussion on the risks associated with defining the open market based on a single platform’s dominance.

Connect with Rob and Greg

Rob’s Website https://notoriousrob.substack.com/

Greg’s Website https://www.vendoralley.com/about-2/

Our Sponsors:

Cotality https://www.cotality.com/

Notorious VIP https://notoriousrob.substack.com

The Giant Steps Job Board https://vendoralley.jobboard.io/

Production and Editing Services by Sunbound Studios sunboundstudios.com

In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg examine how changes to MLS rules, especially around delayed marketing and the Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP), are impacting portals, broker strategies, vendors, and the broader real estate ecosystem. They also explore the implications of the Rocket-Redfin merger, challenges for MLS public-facing websites, and what the new data policy landscape means for technology providers.

Key Takeaways

• Portal Impact of CCP Changes – Rob and Greg analyze how platforms like Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, and Homes.com are adapting to rule changes.

• Delayed Marketing and Public Portals – Discussion of how CCP affects MLS public-facing websites, particularly HAR and UtahRealEstate.com.

• Vendor Challenges with VOW Feeds – Vendors may need to shift from IDX to VOW feeds, which are more costly and complex to implement.

• Rocket-Redfin Merger – Examination of how Rocket’s acquisition of Redfin could reshape brokerage models and mortgage integration.

• Enforcement Variability – Insights into how different MLSs may interpret and enforce delayed marketing and cooperation rules.

• Broker Website Tech – Consideration of how IDX and VOW data will influence broker sites and lead generation strategies moving forward.

Connect with Rob and Greg

Rob’s Website https://notoriousrob.substack.com/

Greg’s Website https://www.vendoralley.com/about-2/

Our Sponsors:

Cotality https://www.cotality.com/

Notorious VIP https://notoriousrob.substack.com

The Giant Steps Job Board https://vendoralley.jobboard.io/

Production and Editing Services by Sunbound Studios sunboundstudios.com

In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg react to Zillow’s announcement that listings violating the Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP) will no longer be allowed on its platform. They discuss how this move could impact private exclusives, delayed marketing strategies, and the role of major brokerages like Compass and eXp. They also explore how this policy could affect MLS governance and whether Zillow’s position signals a shift in industry power.

Key Takeaways

• Zillow’s CCP Policy Enforcement – Listings that violate CCP by being publicly marketed before entering the MLS will be banned from Zillow.

• Impact on Compass’s Strategy – The change could limit Compass’s three-phase marketing model and influence future iterations.

• eXp’s Public Support – Zillow’s announcement included backing from eXp, raising questions about why other brokerages didn’t join.

• MLS Power and Governance – Discussion on how Zillow’s move challenges the authority of MLSs that have their own coming soon policies.

• Consumer Impact and Transparency – Debate over how the policy affects sellers, buyers, and the perceived openness of the listing marketplace.

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Connect with Rob and Greg:

Rob’s Website

Greg’s Website

Our Sponsors:

Cotality

Notorious VIP

The Giant Steps Job Board

Production and Editing Services by Sunbound Studios