
The Zillow vs. MRED battle is no longer behind closed doors. Chicago broker Tommy Choi said investigators are becoming “collateral damage.”
In this episode of Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered, Choi, a top broker, Keller Williams franchise owner, and MRED board member, explains what’s really going on between Zillow and MRED.
Because this is not just about listing syndications. It’s about private listing networks, MLS control, brokerage power, consumer access, and who owns the future of inventory.
Choi explains that MRED’s PLN (Private Listing Network) has been around since 2016, how Zillow’s new policy has created tensions, and why many agents feel caught in the middle of a larger battle.
If you want to understand where the industry is heading, this is the episode everyone will be talking about.
highlights
From private listing networks and Zillow policy changes to agent branding, MLS integration, and the future of listing access, this conversation goes much deeper than industry drama.
Choi shared one of the best branding analogies I’ve ever heard on the show. “Nike is the brand and Hyatt is the logo.” Choi also explains why most agents build logos rather than brands, and how that mindset can negatively impact them in the long run.
And his point is powerful. Rather than building a brand that consumers actually trust, most agents are building a reliance on a corporate logo.
In this episode we dive into:
Why MRED founded PLN years ago The dangers of broker-managed inventory Why agents are becoming collateral damage The future of MLS consolidation Why most agents aren’t building authentic brands
If you’re confused about the Zillow vs. MRED battle or worried about where the industry is heading, this is the clearest breakdown.
The views and opinions expressed on Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered are those of the hosts and guests in their personal capacities and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of eXp World Holdings, Inc., eXp Realty, LLC, NextHome, Inc., or their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, officers and directors.
Connect with Tommy Choi on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered is currently available exclusively on Inman. Enjoy agent and team-focused content every Monday and leadership interviews every Wednesday. Listen on Apple or Spotify.
James Dwiggins is president of NextHome, Inc. and co-host of Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered.
Keith Robinson is President of Strategy at NextHome, Inc. and co-host of Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered.
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