Compass says MLS data is being used to recruit its agents. Zillow expects every buyer connection it sends to go through Zillow Preferred by the first half of 2027. Who gets to decide which agent gets the next call?

I'm back from NAR NXT with four MLS policy changes to talk about and a more personal question: Was the trip worth it, and would I go again? We'll also dig into a housing market where the national median sale price finally slipped, mortgage rates just jumped, and plenty of sellers are still holding out for their price.

In this episode, we'll cover:
- NAR NXT: What it was like in New Orleans, what I'd go back for, and what NAR's MLS committee approved about listing photos, data feeds and who can use MLS data.
- Compass vs. the MLS: Should another company be able to use your sales history to recruit you? We'll get into Compass's demand letters, why California Regional MLS CEO Art Carter says they changed the negotiations, and Compass's decision to restrict salaried employees from association leadership.
- Zillow Preferred: About two-thirds of Zillow's buyer connections already go to Preferred agents. What happens to agents who pay for leads today when that reaches 100%?
- Would your last client hire you again? NAR reports record agent use among buyers and sellers. The surprise is the gap between buyers who say they'd use their agent again and those who actually do.
- Home prices and mortgage rates: October brought the first year-over-year drop in the national median sale price in more than three years. We'll look at why sellers are holding their asking prices and how quickly a rate jump can eat into a buyer's monthly savings.
- Two condo sellers for every buyer: Redfin estimates the gap is even wider than that nationwide. How much room does that give a buyer to negotiate?
Join us in the live chat: If you were pricing a listing in your market today, what would you tell a seller who wants to hold firm?

ABOUT tWiRE

tWiRE (This Week in Real Estate) is a live real estate news show examining the biggest stories shaping housing, real estate, mortgage lending, brokerages, agents, buyers, sellers, and the industry.

Four of the biggest real estate companies are teaming up to change how listings are distributed. Compass is facing another legal challenge from MLSs. And home sellers now outnumber buyers by a staggering 63%!

Is the real estate industry entering a new era of competition, or are we watching a battle for control of listings, homebuyers, and real estate data?

Join us LIVE on YouTube, every Wednesday, 12 CST!

For Episode 382 of tWiRE (This Week in Real Estate) we'll dig into a major new listing-distribution initiative involving Keller Williams, REAL, RE/MAX, HomeServices of America, and AGNT. We'll also examine the lawsuits surrounding private listings, the growing influence of AI, and what the latest housing numbers actually tell us.

In this episode, we'll cover:

The Open Real Estate Alliance: Major real estate companies announce plans for a new listing-distribution platform. What could this mean for MLSs, Zillow, Compass, and agents?

Compass vs. the MLSs: Six more MLSs take legal action against Compass. Is the battle over private listings getting bigger?

AI and the Future of Home Search: Mike DelPrete explores how artificial intelligence and access to listing inventory could reshape real estate.

Compass Makes Moves: New production standards for incoming agents, plus a lawsuit involving Alex Vidal and his move to RE/MAX.

63% More Sellers Than Buyers: Redfin reports its largest seller-buyer gap since the aftermath of the Great Recession. What does that mean for the housing market?

Pending Sales Fall, Asking Prices Slip: Buyer demand remains weak, yet another Redfin report shows home prices actually increased in September. How can both be true?

Zillow Wants to Fund Your Down Payment: A new program for eligible FHA buyers raises questions about affordability, incentives, and the fine print.

Mortgage Rates Fall Again: Applications are picking up, but so is interest in adjustable-rate mortgages. Are buyers taking on more risk?

FED DECISION TODAY: The Federal Reserve is scheduled to announce its latest interest-rate decision at 1 PM Central. We'll examine the announcement if it arrives while we're live and discuss what it could mean for mortgage rates and housing.

What are you seeing in YOUR market? Are buyers finally getting the upper hand, or are sellers still refusing to adjust?

Compass' legal fight with MLSs is growing. Zillow wants to help cover buyers' down payments. And home prices are slipping while buyers keep pulling back.

Who controls access to listings—and what will it take to get the housing market moving again?

Join us LIVE for Episode 383 of tWiRE (This Week in Real Estate) as we break down the latest real estate news, from Compass' courtroom battles and Open Real Estate's growing support to AI accountability, FHA financing, and the October housing numbers.

In this live episode, we'll cover:

Compass vs. the MLSs: Another MLS joins the legal fight. Where should seller choice end and listing-sharing requirements begin?

Reffkin's Words Return to Court: Alex Vidal cites the Compass CEO's past criticism of noncompetes in his dispute over joining RE/MAX.

Open Real Estate Gains Momentum: The initiative reports 826 letters of support. Compass hasn't joined, but Robert Reffkin has weighed in. What would meaningful participation look like?

AI Without a License? An industry leader warns about bots handling real estate transactions. What's been reported, and who should be accountable?

Zillow's Down Payment Offer: How the FHA assistance program works, who qualifies, and why selling, moving out, or refinancing before five years matters.

Home Prices Turn Negative: Redfin reports a small annual decline in the national median sale price. What does that number actually tell us?

Buyers Retreat, Sellers Hold On: The October housing reports show weakening demand without a surge in seller panic. What should agents watch locally?

Mortgage Rates Ease—Demand Doesn't Follow: We'll connect the latest mortgage application numbers with the broader picture for affordability, inventory, and home sales.

What are you seeing in YOUR market? Are buyers negotiating better deals, waiting for lower rates, or stepping away altogether?

Join the LIVE chat on YouTube, share your perspective, and subscribe so you don't miss the next conversation!

ABOUT tWiRE

tWiRE (This Week in Real Estate) is a live real estate news and commentary show examining the biggest headlines shaping housing, mortgage lending, home prices, real estate companies, agents, buyers, and sellers.