#666: Is America’s Real Estate Advantage Under Siege? | Zillow, Compass & the Transparency Battle

John Kitchens Coach Podcast | Life. Coaching. Real Estate.

Episode Overview:

In this powerhouse episode, John Kitchens is joined by industry legends Jay Kinder and Al Stasek for a no-holds-barred roundtable on the future of real estate, agent relevancy, and how to actually lead in turbulent markets.

They unpack Zillow’s bold move to ban privately marketed listings, dissect the ripple effect of Compass’s controversial strategy, and sound the alarm on what could happen if the U.S. real estate industry loses its commitment to transparency.

Key Takeaways: Zillow’s New Policy: Good or Bad?

• Zillow is prohibiting listings that aren't publicly marketed starting May

• EXP supports the move as a stand for consumer-first transparency

• Compass's "walled garden" approach could lead to disaster for agents and clients alike

The Real Estate Civil War?

• The U.S. real estate system is the envy of the world

• Other countries like France and Portugal showcase the chaos of non-transparent systems

• Without shared data, both consumers and appraisers suffer—along with neighborhoods' property values

Compass’s Strategy Exposed

• Compass wants to be the brand, not support your brand

• Kinder breaks down how Compass’s earnings calls reveal a long-term plan to squeeze agents

• Agents: Beware of trading your independence for a short-term marketing gimmick

Introducing the Honey Badger Award

• Recognizes agents who embody grit, resilience, and perseverance

• Monthly nominations open soon via HoneyBadgerNation.com

• It's not just about success—it's about survival and spirit

5 Questions Every Agent Must Ask:

1. How many meaningful conversations have I had this week?

2. Am I offering real value—or just “checking in”?

3. Is my content actually generating leads?

4. Am I showing up where my ideal client hangs out?

5. Have I made a clear offer this week?

Resources Mentioned:

• Honey Badger Nation Merch – Limited drops of the new Legacy Line

• Stories That Stick by Kendra Hall

• $100M Offers by Alex Hormozi – Great for crafting irresistible value propositions

• Keeping Current Matters – Stay current, stay credible

• Agent to watch: Georgia Tush – The queen of real estate storytelling

“You’re either growing or dying. And sitting still ain’t growing.” – John Kitchens

Connect with Us:

• Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach
• LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach
• Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥