Dishin' Dirt with Gary Pickren

Gary Pickren
  • 5.0 (85)
  • How To
  • Updated Weekly

In the Award-Winning Dishin' Dirt with Gary Pickren, South Carolina Real Estate Commissioner/Attorney/Broker/Instructor- Gary Pickren discusses important, timely and relevant topics for South Carolina real estate agents. He covers topics such as the NAR Settlement, Clear Cooperation, agent compensation, "wholesaling", seller disclosure, video marketing, repair addendum, RESPA and much more. All topics are either related to real estate or agency law, marketing or real estate agent best practices.  Gary often interviews top real estate minds such as Leo Pareja (CEO-eXp), James Dwiggins (CEO-NextHome), Gary Gold, Krista Mashore, Jess Lenouvel, Jeff Lobb, Chelsea Peitz, Carl Medford and many more. Gary always tries to bring a touch of humor to each podcast. This is a podcast for every real estate agent in South Carolina regardless how long you have been in the business. Winner of the American Land Title Association 2024 Webbie. Named #1 Best Podcast in South Carolina for Real Estate by FeedSpot and PlayerFM and #7 Best Podcast for REALTORS by MillionPodcast.com. Disclaimer: Our site does not create an attorney-client relationship and it is not intended for detailed legal advice. We are licensed in South Carolina. Any result we achieve on a client’s behalf does not necessarily mean similar results for other clients.  ***DISCLAIMER*** Gary serves on the South Carolina Real Estate Commission as a Commissioner. The opinions expressed herein are his opinions and are not necessarily the opinions of the SC Real Estate Commission. This podcast is not to be considered legal advice. Please consult an attorney in your jurisdiction for applicable legal advice germane to your issue. Copyright © Blair | Cato | Pickren | Casterline LLC – All Rights Reserved

  1. 1d ago

    "Coming Soon" Listings Are Already on the Market — and Using Them Could Get You Sued.

    Send us Fan Mail "Coming Soon" is a marketing fiction — and it may be costing your seller money while exposing you to lawsuits, MLS sanctions, and fair housing violations. In this episode, Gary Pickren makes the case that a property marketed as "coming soon" has already arrived in the marketplace. The moment you post it on social media, send a text to another agent, or blast an email — that's marketing. And marketing without a signed listing agreement violates South Carolina law. Gary breaks down exactly why "coming soon" is legally, ethically, and practically indefensible: SC law is clear: No marketing without a signed listing agreement — periodMLS rules require listings to be entered within 24–48 hours of signingOffers must be presented the moment they arrive — regardless of "coming soon" statusRestricting access raises antitrust concerns and potential fair housing violationsYour fiduciary duty runs to the seller, not the brokerage — and limiting exposure reduces competition and likely the final sales priceThe SC Real Estate Commission has already issued guidance — ignorance is no defenseIf you think coming soon is a harmless marketing tactic, this episode will change your mind. The same industry that said guaranteed MLS compensation "had always been done that way" just lost a $1.5 billion verdict. Don't make the same mistake twice. This episode is required listening for every SC agent, broker, and team leader. Don't forget to like us and share us! Gary * Gary serves on the South Carolina Real Estate Commission as a Commissioner. The opinions expressed herein are his opinions and are not necessarily the opinions of the SC Real Estate Commission. This podcast is not to be considered legal advice. Please consult an attorney in your area.

    29 min

  2. May 28

    Zillow Just Declared War on Compass

    Send us Fan Mail Zillow is suing MRED and Compass in a legal battle that could completely reshape the future of real estate listings in America. In this episode of Dishin’ Dirt, Gary Pickren breaks down the exploding controversy over private listings, hidden inventory, MLS control, and buyer access to homes. After tens of thousands of Chicago-area listings suddenly disappeared from Zillow, the industry was forced to confront a major question: Who actually controls listing visibility — the seller, the brokerage, the MLS, or the real estate portals? This episode dives into: Zillow’s antitrust lawsuit against MRED and CompassWhy 43,000 listings vanished from ZillowThe fight over private and “exclusive” listingsClear Cooperation and delayed marketing rulesWhether hidden listings hurt buyers and sellersWhy brokerages are pushing private inventory strategiesThe ethics and business implications of pocket listingsHow this impacts agents, consumers, and the future of housing transparencyWhether you’re a Realtor, broker, investor, homebuyer, or seller, this conversation affects you. Because the real question is no longer just how homes are sold… It’s who gets access to them. Subscribe to Dishin’ Dirt for weekly conversations on real estate law, industry changes, brokerage strategy, housing trends, and the future of real estate. Don't forget to like us and share us! Gary * Gary serves on the South Carolina Real Estate Commission as a Commissioner. The opinions expressed herein are his opinions and are not necessarily the opinions of the SC Real Estate Commission. This podcast is not to be considered legal advice. Please consult an attorney in your area.

    31 min

  3. May 21

    Are You Practicing Outside Your Competency? What Every SC Agent Must Know

    Send us Fan Mail Could you be risking a $400,000 deal by not knowing the market? In this episode, Gary Pickren breaks down why local expertise isn't optional — it's a legal and ethical obligation — and how agents operating outside their competency maybe quietly costing clients money they'll never get back. From dock permits on Lake Keowee to FEMA flood zones on the coast, Gary walks through real case studies that show exactly what's at stake when agents chase commissions into markets they don't understand. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly real estate law, strategy, and agent best practices from Blair Cato. 📧 Questions? Email Gary at gary@blaircato.com 🌐 BlairCato.com What you'll learn: Key Topics Local expertise and market knowledge Risks of operating outside of your competency Legal and ethical responsibilities of real estate agents Case studies from South Carolina real estate Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Market Concerns 00:27 The Value of Local Expertise in Real Estate 01:16 Legal vs. Competency Questions in Practice 03:16 Upcoming AI Conference and Industry Updates 05:17 The Meaning of 'Real Estate is Local' 06:13 What Truly Matters in Local Expertise 08:31 The Importance of Local Knowledge in Practice 09:52 Expansion Driven by Competency or Motivation 10:54 Mega Teams and Consumer Expectations 11:45 Why Clients Hire Agents: Guidance and Expertise 13:04 Case Studies: Lake Property and Dock Rights 14:17 Flood Zones, FEMA, and Coastal Insurance 15:55 Rural Areas and Land Knowledge 16:59 HOA, Community, and Local Politics Insights 17:26 Real-Life Examples of Local Knowledge Impact 19:29 Lake Kiwi Market and Waterfront Nuances 20:54 Luxury Waterfront Market and Buyer Demographics 22:42 Dock Permits, Regulations, and Local Rules 24:01 Order of Sale and Permit Implications 25:40 Protecting Consumers Through Competency 26:10 Legal and Ethical Standards for Agents 27:26 Consequences of Practicing Outside Your Competency 28:27 The Role of Humility and Collaboration 29:25 Final Thoughts: Competency and Community Knowledge Don't forget to like us and share us! Gary * Gary serves on the South Carolina Real Estate Commission as a Commissioner. The opinions expressed herein are his opinions and are not necessarily the opinions of the SC Real Estate Commission. This podcast is not to be considered legal advice. Please consult an attorney in your area.

    29 min

  4. May 14

    Is Robert Reffkin Playing 3D Chess with Real Estate Data? | Compass, IDX & the MLS Power Grab

    Send us Fan Mail Is Compass CEO Robert Reffkin engineering the biggest power grab in real estate history — or is he actually playing 3D chess while everyone else plays checkers?  In this episode of Dishin' Dirt, real estate attorney and SC Real Estate Commissioner Gary Pickren breaks down the escalating war over listing data, IDX feeds, and who ultimately controls the consumer relationship in real estate. If you're a broker, agent, or anyone paying attention to industry consolidation — this episode will change how you see what's happening right now.  What You'll Learn:  - Why Robert Reffkin's data strategy may be smarter than his critics think  - How IDX feeds and MLS data became the most valuable asset in real estate  - What industry consolidation really means for small and mid-size brokers - The battle between portals, brokerages, and MLSs for consumer relationships  - Fair housing and legal risks hiding inside listing syndication decisions  - How Zillow reshaped the market — and what comes next  Chapters:  00:00 The Data Dilemma in Real Estate  02:26 Industry Consolidation and Strategic Moves  05:39 The Evolution of IDX and Data Ownership  08:30 The Rise of Portals and Consumer Relationships  11:10 The Value of Data and the Role of MLS  14:23 Reffkin's Strategy and the Fight for Control  17:07 The Impact of Zillow and Market Dynamics  20:15 Balancing Broker Interests and Seller Representation  23:09 The Future of Real Estate Listings and Data Control  About the Show: Dishin' Dirt with Gary Pickren is the #1 real estate podcast in South Carolina and a 2024 American Land Title Association Webbie Award winner. Gary covers NAR settlements, agent compensation, buyer agreements, real estate law, and the business strategies top agents need to stay ahead.  📲 Subscribe for weekly episodes every Wednesday.  🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode! Connect with Gary:  🌐 BlairCato.com  📘 facebook.com/blaircato  📸 instagram.com/blaircato  💼 linkedin.com/company/blair-cato-pickren-casterline-llc  Don't forget to like us and share us! Gary * Gary serves on the South Carolina Real Estate Commission as a Commissioner. The opinions expressed herein are his opinions and are not necessarily the opinions of the SC Real Estate Commission. This podcast is not to be considered legal advice. Please consult an attorney in your area.

    31 min

  5. May 7

    Your Fiduciary Duty Does NOT Mean Do Whatever the Seller Wants — The Fair Housing Line SC Agents Can't Cross

    Send us Fan Mail Most agents believe their fiduciary duty to the client is the highest obligation in real estate. It's not — fair housing law comes first, and the way many agents operate right now may be setting them up for serious legal exposure. Colette Stevenson, CEO of Resides in Hilton Head, joins Gary Pickren to break down exactly where the line is — and how exclusive listings, in-house deal strategies, and seller-driven decisions can cross it without agents even realizing it. What you'll learn in this episode: • Why "the seller told me to" is not a fair housing defense • How exclusive listings and private listing networks unintentionally harm minorities, seniors, and first-time buyers • What MLS policies actually protect you from — and what happens when you bypass them • Where fiduciary duty ends and fair housing law begins — and why agents consistently get this wrong • The real legal exposure listing agents face when they prioritize seller preferences over access If you're a listing agent navigating seller pressure, a buyer agent being locked out of inventory, or a broker building ethical listing practices — this is required listening. South Carolina agents: the fair housing rules and MLS compliance standards discussed here apply directly to your practice. Don't forget to like us and share us! Gary * Gary serves on the South Carolina Real Estate Commission as a Commissioner. The opinions expressed herein are his opinions and are not necessarily the opinions of the SC Real Estate Commission. This podcast is not to be considered legal advice. Please consult an attorney in your area.

    37 min

  6. Apr 30

    Real Acquires RE/MAX for $880M — What This Power Move Means for Every Agent in 2026

    Send us Fan Mail Real Brokerage just acquired RE/MAX for $880 million — and if you think this is just another corporate merger, you're missing what's actually happening to the real estate industry in 2026. In this episode, Gary Pickren breaks down what Real's acquisition of RE/MAX means for every real estate agent, whether you're at a major franchise, an independent brokerage, or considering where to hang your license next. This isn't just about two companies combining. It's about who controls the listings, the agent data, and the consumer relationship going forward. What you'll get from this episode: Why Real targeted RE/MAX and what the $880M price tag tells you about where brokerage power is shiftingHow mega-mergers like this one are destroying the traditional franchise model — and what replaces itWhat South Carolina real estate agents need to understand about technology, brand, and independence in a consolidating marketHow to position yourself so you're not caught on the wrong side of this industry shiftIf you're a South Carolina REALTOR or real estate broker trying to make sense of where this industry is heading, this is required listening. Don't forget to like us and share us! Gary * Gary serves on the South Carolina Real Estate Commission as a Commissioner. The opinions expressed herein are his opinions and are not necessarily the opinions of the SC Real Estate Commission. This podcast is not to be considered legal advice. Please consult an attorney in your area.

    29 min

  7. Apr 23

    You're Probably Commission Steering Without Knowing It — Here's How to Stop Before You Get Sued

    Send us Fan Mail Commission steering is one of the most misunderstood legal risks in real estate right now — and most South Carolina agents don't realize they're doing it. In this episode, Gary Pickren breaks down exactly what commission steering is, how it happens without any malicious intent, and why it's become one of the fastest-growing sources of legal liability for real estate agents post-NAR settlement. If you're a buyer's agent, listing agent, or real estate broker in South Carolina, this episode could keep you out of a lawsuit. What you'll learn: What commission steering actually looks like in practice — and the everyday MLS habits that create legal exposureHow filtering listings by compensation, bonus language in listing agreements, and broker-to-broker comp structures can be used against you in courtWhat the Sitzer/Burnett verdict means for how South Carolina REALTORS operate todaySpecific steps to audit your own business practices before a complaint gets filedThis isn't theoretical. Agents are being sued right now for behaviors they thought were normal. Know where the line is before you cross it. Don't forget to like us and share us! Gary * Gary serves on the South Carolina Real Estate Commission as a Commissioner. The opinions expressed herein are his opinions and are not necessarily the opinions of the SC Real Estate Commission. This podcast is not to be considered legal advice. Please consult an attorney in your area.

    31 min

  8. Apr 16

    How to Win Listings and Get Paid Without Broker-to-Broker Comp | Reah Smith's Playbook

    Send us Fan Mail Broker-to-broker compensation is gone in South Carolina — but plenty of agents are still confused about what that actually means for how they get paid. This episode clears it up for good. Gary Pickren is joined by former SC REALTORS President Reah Smith to walk through exactly how listing agents and buyer agents should be handling compensation conversations now that SC REALTORS has removed broker-to-broker comp from its standard forms. If you're a South Carolina real estate agent still fumbling through these conversations with clients or other agents, this is the playbook you need. What's covered: How the new South Carolina compensation model actually works — listing agent handles their side, buyer agent handles theirsHow to explain seller-direct transactions and compensation to your clients without confusion or pushbackWhat to say when other agents call you asking about buyer comp on your listingsReah Smith's real-world strategies for navigating compensation conversations professionally and compliantlySouth Carolina REALTORS who get this right will win more listings and avoid compliance headaches. Those who don't will keep getting tripped up on conversations that should take 60 seconds. Don't forget to like us and share us! Gary * Gary serves on the South Carolina Real Estate Commission as a Commissioner. The opinions expressed herein are his opinions and are not necessarily the opinions of the SC Real Estate Commission. This podcast is not to be considered legal advice. Please consult an attorney in your area.

    45 min
See All (286)

5
out of 5
85 Ratings

About

In the Award-Winning Dishin' Dirt with Gary Pickren, South Carolina Real Estate Commissioner/Attorney/Broker/Instructor- Gary Pickren discusses important, timely and relevant topics for South Carolina real estate agents. He covers topics such as the NAR Settlement, Clear Cooperation, agent compensation, "wholesaling", seller disclosure, video marketing, repair addendum, RESPA and much more. All topics are either related to real estate or agency law, marketing or real estate agent best practices.  Gary often interviews top real estate minds such as Leo Pareja (CEO-eXp), James Dwiggins (CEO-NextHome), Gary Gold, Krista Mashore, Jess Lenouvel, Jeff Lobb, Chelsea Peitz, Carl Medford and many more. Gary always tries to bring a touch of humor to each podcast. This is a podcast for every real estate agent in South Carolina regardless how long you have been in the business. Winner of the American Land Title Association 2024 Webbie. Named #1 Best Podcast in South Carolina for Real Estate by FeedSpot and PlayerFM and #7 Best Podcast for REALTORS by MillionPodcast.com. Disclaimer: Our site does not create an attorney-client relationship and it is not intended for detailed legal advice. We are licensed in South Carolina. Any result we achieve on a client’s behalf does not necessarily mean similar results for other clients.  ***DISCLAIMER*** Gary serves on the South Carolina Real Estate Commission as a Commissioner. The opinions expressed herein are his opinions and are not necessarily the opinions of the SC Real Estate Commission. This podcast is not to be considered legal advice. Please consult an attorney in your jurisdiction for applicable legal advice germane to your issue. Copyright © Blair | Cato | Pickren | Casterline LLC – All Rights Reserved

Information

  • Creator
    Gary Pickren
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    286
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dishin' Dirt with Gary Pickren
  • Show Website
    Dishin' Dirt with Gary Pickren

You Might Also Like