The Compass Anywhere acquisition is one of the biggest stories in real estate—and its impact is only beginning to unfold. In this episode, we are joined by Rob Hahn and Greg Robertson (from the Industry Relations podcast) to unpack what this game-changing merger really means.
Our conversation pivots to the existential question of how the major portals will react. Rob lays out several possibilities for Zillow, including “total conventional war” and the “nuclear war option,” where Zillow enters the brokerage or franchise business to protect its dominance. Agreeing that the private listings program is a core component of this strategic move. We debate the critical nature of agent “breakage”. If Compass executes poorly, the resulting agent flight could undermine the deal; conversely, if successful, it forces competitors like KW, Douglas Elliman, and others to “at least think about, if not implement private listings,” initiating a destructive “arms race”.
Our discussion extends to other portals: Greg dismisses Rocket’s end-to-end solution, arguing that mortgage companies will always pivot away from long-term real estate solutions to pursue short-term refinancing booms. We also addresses Homes.com, viewing it as currently in a “messy middle”. Speculating on a potential alliance between Compass and Homes.com, where Compass would drive traffic to a new portal in exchange for cash, a move that could address Compass’s cash position. Ultimately, Concluding that while no one knows the exact outcome, the non-negotiable step for agents is to stop focusing on the industry drama and focus on client fundamentals.
Links mentioned in the show:
Connect with Rob and Greg:
Follow Industry Relations on YouTube
Subscribe to Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered on YouTube!
To learn more about becoming a sponsor of the show send us an email: jessica@inman.com
You asked for it. We delivered. Check out our new merch!
Follow Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered Podcast on Instagram – YouTube – Facebook – TikTok.
This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.
