The Listing Bits Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player!

Overview

Rob and Greg dig into expectations for the NAR Annual Conference, MLS attendance patterns, and broader industry sentiment heading into 2025. They cover speculation around possible committee decisions, how the settlement fallout is (or isn't) impacting MLS membership and commissions, and the overall vibe leading into the event. The conversation then shifts to affordability, mortgage rates, and the recent proposal of a 50-year mortgage. They close with discussion of a new Zillow/RESPA-related lawsuit, Rocket/Redfin implications, and observations from Zillow Unlock.

Key Takeaways

• Some MLS leaders are skipping NAR due to light agenda relevance, travel issues, and lack of urgency.

• Despite settlement fears, MLS membership has not dropped significantly, and commissions have not fallen.

• Rob argues the industry culture—not MLS policy—has propped up commissions.

• Greg suggests the settlement was overhyped given limited negative fallout so far.

• Conversation on affordability explores whether lowering interest rates would meaningfully increase transactions.

• New Alaska Zillow lawsuit may signal potential RESPA exposure tied to loan-capture strategies.

• Rocket/Redfin may have structural protection due to W-2 agent model.

• Zillow Unlock was described as polished, high-end, highly attended by top-producing agents.

• Vendor experience at Unlock: fewer "newbies," easier conversations, strong integration environment.

Links

• "Stand up for the MLS"

Connect with Rob and Greg

Rob's Website

Greg's Website

Watch us on YouTube

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Production and Editing Services by Sunbound Studios