National Association of Realtors® – The Code of Ethics

The single most outstanding characteristic that sets REALTORS® apart from other real estate practitioners is the willingness to accept and abide by the Code of Ethics. Click HERE for a copy.

REALTORS® are bound by an annually updated Code of Ethics and are guided by the Pathways to Professionalism.

Even with the best intentions, planning and preparation, occasional disagreements arise between REALTORS® and/or between REALTORS® and their clients and customers.  Regardless of the type of disagreement involved, Stark Trumbull Area REALTORS® would like to encourage consideration of our Ombudsman program as a potential starting point for resolving Ethics matters.

Complaint Options

There are two types of conflicts that a REALTOR® Association has jurisdiction.

1. ETHICS COMPLAINTS – An ethics complaint charges that a REALTOR® has violated an Article(s) of the Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS®. Ethics complaints are filed where the respondent holds membership.  Complaints can be filed by any person, whether a member or not, having reason to believe that a member is in violation of any conduct subject to disciplinary action.

2. ARBITRATION – An arbitration request involves an “arbitral” dispute over entitlement to a monetary transaction (e.g., a commission) or a monetary claim arising out of a contractual dispute (Standard of Practice 17-4 of the Code of Ethics).

Resolution Options

Mediation - Is a voluntary, private process in which a neutral party helps people resolve commission disputes.  It is a total confidential alternative to the arbitration process.  It is NOT a process where a decision will be made for the disputants, nor a free discovery for an inevitable arbitration.  

Ombudsman Request - The Ombudsman Program in its simplest definition is informal telephone mediation.  In come cases it can address and solve minor complaints from the public.  It can also solve inter-Realtor® conflicts before become serious problems.  Like a mediator, an ombudsman helps parties find solutions.

Filing a Complaint

Stark Trumbull Area REALTORS® is part of a statewide Professional Standards program administered by the Ohio REALTORS®.  Services include an Ombudsman Program, Code of Ethics Enforcement, and Mediation or Arbitration of Commission Disputes.

To learn more about these professionalism services, use the links below:

CONSUMERS: 

https://www.ohiorealtors.org/consumers-filing-an-ethics-complaint/

REALTORS:

https://www.ohiorealtors.org/members-professional-standards/