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There is a lot happening behind the scenes in real estate right now, and most of it starts with data. Who controls it, who uses it, and who actually benefits from it have become much bigger questions than they used to be.
Katie Smithson talks with Edward Zorn about a part of the business that usually stays in the background. What starts with data licensing quickly opens into a sharper discussion about ownership, protection, and why so many of the rules that still shape this space were built for a very different version of the internet.
Ed looks back at how the industry handled the early internet and how some of those assumptions completely missed the mark. “Not only was it wrong, but it was also the exact opposite of what actually happened.”
The conversation then moves on to how listing data is being used now, where the real risk lies, and why AI has raised the stakes even more. Ed is clear that the issue is no longer just access. “The theft now comes through the data feeds.” He also says, “The photographs are the holy grail of protecting the data.” From there, the episode turns to what MLS leaders need to do now, especially regarding ownership, rules, and protecting the value of the data.
Here are the key takeaways:
(5:25) Updating IDX rules for the AI era
(10:52) Cooperation, consumer harm, and old industry habits
(11:51) What better data stewardship actually looks like
(15:01) Copyright as a real answer to AI scraping
(19:48) How REcore helps protect broker content
(21:20) The MLS advantage in spotting data misuse
(24:50) What happens when a licensee breaks the rules
(29:31) Why old MLS licensing systems are falling behind
(33:50) A bigger data vision for brokers and vendors
(36:32) Modernize now or lose control of the data
If you like episodes that feel current, sharp, and a little more inside than expected, this one is worth your time. Tune in for a conversation about data that says a lot more.
About Edward Zorn
Edward Zorn is Vice President and General Counsel at California Regional MLS. He oversees legal matters across the business and supports company strategy and operations. He has worked in real estate law for more than 30 years and has also worked as a broker.
Connect with Edward:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardzorn/
About Katie Smithson
Katie Smithson is a long-time veteran of the real estate industry with a history of MLS relationship management and product innovation. In her most recent role, Katie was Chief Revenue Officer for California Regional MLS (CRMLS), directing revenue operations and ensuring proper communication and collaboration between all of CRMLS’s revenue-generating departments. In addition, she has also served as a NAR REACH mentor, board member for the Council of MLS with a CMLX 1 certification, and RESO Board Secretary.
Connect with Katie:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiemsmithson/
Disclaimer
This podcast is for informational purposes only and features opinions, perspectives, and candid discussions about real estate technology and the broader industry. It is not intended as legal, financial, business, or other professional advice. Listeners should consult qualified professionals regarding their specific circumstances.
