Complaints & Arbitration

A real estate professional’s membership in the Association distinguishes him or her from non-members. REALTORS® voluntarily accept the obligation to meet the standards of practice and conduct outlined in the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) CODE OF ETHICS AND STANDARDS OF PRACTICE.

The Association has the responsibility to enforce these standards of professional ethics and conduct. For monetary business disputes, this is accomplished through arbitration or mediation proceedings. For violations of the Code of Ethics, this is accomplished through disciplinary proceedings.

Resolve a Complaint

Below are several resources to help you understand what filing and processing an ethics complaint and arbitration request entails, and the general process you can expect when filing an ethics complaint or arbitration request with the West and SouthEast REALTORS® of the Valley.

Before You File an Ethics Complaint

NAR Code of Ethics

AAR Buyer/Seller Dispute

Ethics Complaint

All complaints MUST be filed within one hundred eighty (180) days after the facts constituting the matter complained of could have been known in the exercise of reasonable diligence or within one hundred eighty (180) days after the conclusion of the transaction, or event, whichever is later.

File a Complaint

Request for Arbitration

Ombudsman Request

Mediation Request

What are the advantages of mediation over arbitration and litigation?

Mediation is less adversarial than arbitration or litigation. The arbitration process produces a decision imposed upon the parties whether they like it or not. With mediation, the parties will optimally settle their differences by consensus rather than by the decree of a hearing panel.

Mediation is more likely to allow the parties to maintain their former relationship. By achieving a “win-win” result through mediation, all of the parties should feel that they are getting fair treatment. This should optimally preserve or even improve relationships between the parties and make it easier for REALTORS® to work amicably with each other in future transactions.

Mediation is quicker and less expensive than arbitration. Because of the less confrontational process involved, mediation takes less time and effort. In addition, under the new NAR requirements, mediation will be offered to members free of charge, except for a nominal filing fee. If the association determines that it must hire an outside professional mediator, the association, not the participating parties, will bear the cost of the mediation.

Mediation is more flexible than arbitration. Mediation provides a casual forum in which the parties can design a creative resolution to their dispute. They have a vested interest in the successful outcome of the mediation and may be more likely to comply with the settlement than if the decision is imposed on them. If the parties cannot reach a settlement, arbitration is still available to them.
Mediation Request