PLAY PODCASTS
Lawsuits, Listings & Listings Fees

Lawsuits, Listings & Listings Fees

Industry Relations · Greg Robertson

July 23, 20251h 0mExplicit

Audio is streamed directly from the publisher (traffic.libsyn.com) as published in their RSS feed. Play Podcasts does not host this file. Rights-holders can request removal through the copyright & takedown page.

Show Notes

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

In this episode, Rob and Greg cover recent legal decisions, MLS policy shifts, and major moves by real estate portals. They discuss the dismissal of Homie's lawsuit against NAR and large brokerages, examine NWMLS's new referral fee disclosure rule, and analyze the implications of Realtor.com acquiring Zenlist. The episode also reviews Homes.com's latest seller-focused marketing campaign and raises questions about portal strategy and industry alignment.

Key Takeaways

  • Homie v. NAR Lawsuit Dismissed – The case brought by Homie against NAR and the big brokerages was dismissed. Rob and Greg discuss why the case failed and how omitting local MLSs may have weakened it.

  • NWMLS Referral Fee Disclosure Policy – Northwest MLS now requires disclosure of referral fees. Rob questions the consumer impact, while Greg views it as a proactive move by the MLS.

  • Realtor.com Acquires Zenlist – Realtor.com purchased Zenlist. Greg sees it as a positive sign for the startup space; Rob speculates on strategic motives if MLS access becomes disrupted.

  • Homes.com Seller Marketing Campaign – Homes.com sent direct mail brochures to sellers urging paid listing promotion. Industry response was mixed, and Greg shares internal feedback on the campaign.

  • Portal Strategy and Industry Perception – Final thoughts include discussion on how portals are messaging to agents and the public, and whether CoStar's anti-Zillow positioning is effective.

Links

Inman Connect Proptech Pre-party hosted by Giant Steps and Tuesday Inman Article Video of Agent you liked the mailer https://x.com/scheibrealest8/status/1938078384958943712?s=46 Video from agent who thought the mailer was "odd and disgusting" From Vendor Alley: The Homes.com Super Bowl Ad I would run

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