Shasta Association of REALTORS® Dispute Resolution
REALTORS® differ from non-member real estate licensees in that they voluntarily subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics established by the National Association of REALTORS® (“NAR”). If you believe that a REALTOR® has violated one or more Articles of the NAR Code of Ethics, you have the option of participating in an Ombudsman Program or filing an ethics complaint alleging a violation(s) through the local association of REALTORS® where the REALTOR® holds his or her membership, or he or she participates in a REALTOR® association-owned/operated Multiple Listing Service ("MLS").
It has been reported that a majority of ethics complaints stem from disagreements and/or misunderstandings of the events surrounding a transaction, which is where seeking the services of an ombudsman may be the best form of resolution. An ombudsman’s primary role is communication and conciliation, not mediation. They do not determine whether ethics violations have occurred, rather they provide enhanced communication and initial problem-solving for ethics complaints before they blossom into disputes and possible charges of unethical conduct.
Additionally, as a condition of membership, REALTORS® agree to arbitrate contractual disputes and specific non-contractual disputes as outlined in Article 17 of the NAR Code of Ethics.
The following resources are designed to assist you in understanding the process in filing an ethics complaint and/or arbitration request, as well as summarize a local association of REALTORS®’ general procedures and timelines for processing same.
About California Association of REALTORS®
Ombudsman Program (See description below)
We suggest that you contact your local association of REALTORS® to confirm you have the proper forms required by that association. To search for a member's local affiliation, click here.
MEDIATION REQUEST:
"Conflict cannot survive without your participation." - Wayne Dyer
What is an Ombudsman?
C.A.R. Ombudsmen are REALTORS® who volunteer their time to answer non-legal questions and resolve non-legal disputes. The C.A.R. Ombudsman Hotline is a free service that C.A.R. offers for its members. An ombudsman is NOT an attorney and CANNOT give legal advice or answer legal questions!
What you will need
If you would like ombudsman assistance, you must provide the following information:
Your name, email and telephone number
Members: Your license number / Non-members: The license number of the agent who is representing you
For dispute resolution: The license number of the other party in a real estate transaction
The topic of the matter
Is this process anonymous?
The intake coordinator requires license information to properly assign the call to an ombudsman; however, the ombudsman will not contact the REALTOR® involved unless you request such contact.
For members
If you have a concern about another member’s professional conduct, issues with a transaction, or if you just need advice from a peer, an ombudsman can help.
For consumers
If you are involved in an active transaction with a REALTOR®, an ombudsman can answer questions about your transaction or help resolve a minor dispute. To qualify for the ombudsman service, you must:
· Be a member of C.A.R. OR
· Be a client of a C.A.R. member
Request assistance from one of C.A.R.'s Ombudsmen here.
For questions or additional detailed information about Dispute Resolution, please contact the Association office at (530) 223-0410.