ETHICS COMPLAINTS, OMBUDSMAN SERVICE, ARBITRATION REQUESTS AND OTHER RELATED INFORMATION
REALTORS® are different from non-member licensees in that they voluntarily subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics. If someone believes that a REALTOR® has violated one or more Articles of the Code of Ethics, they are free to file an ethics complaint alleging a violation(s) through any local board of REALTORS® where the REALTOR® holds membership, or participates in a REALTOR®-owned/operated MLS. In addition, REALTORS® agree as a condition of membership to arbitrate contractual disputes and specific non-contractual disputes as provided for in Article 17 of the NAR Code of Ethics.
Below are several resources to help you understand what an ethics complaint and arbitration request entails, and the general process you can expect when filing an ethics complaint or arbitration request with a local association of REALTORS®.
MEDIATION
Although the majority of real estate transactions close without incident, there is a possibility that a problem or dispute could occur. When that happens, it is usually successfully resolved by the parties through normal communication and negotiation. In the past, when negotiations failed, parties took their case to court. Today, they are taking their disputes to mediation.
OMBUDSMAN SERVICES
The definition of Ombudsman services for REALTORS® - The Ombudsman Program in its simplest definition is informal telephone mediation. In some cases, it can address and solve minor complaints from the public. It can also solve inter-REALTOR® conflicts before they become serious problems. Like a mediator, an ombudsman helps parties find solutions.
NEXT STEPS
Pen-Mar participates in a statewide cooperative, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS®. This agreement for services extends to all Pen-Mar members, regardless of their primary license being in PA or MD. As such, Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS® oversees and administers all Professional Standards, Ethics, and Grievance-related services for our association members.
If you are interested in an ombudsman, mediation, filing an ethics complaint, or simply want to know your options, please contact our office for more information.