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

Even with the best of intentions, planning and preparation, occasional disagreements arise between REALTORS® and/or between REALTORS® and their clients and customers. Here is how those conflicts can be resolved through the REALTOR® Association.

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. Ethics complaints MUST be in writing.

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2) ARBITRATION - An arbitration request involves an “arbitrable” 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). Requests for Arbitration MUST be in writing.

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Please remember that the Association Staff administers these programs and can answer procedural questions only, we cannot NOT give either side legal or other advice.