Professional Standards

A REALTOR® is more than a real estate agent; REALTORS® have training in ethics for both their dealings with the public and with the real estate community. The REALTOR® Code of Ethics is the cornerstone of the National Association of REALTORS® ethics training. It guides REALTORS® and also shows the public the level of commitment, education and dedication to their profession that each member of NAR possesses.

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. The ombudsman process does not replace mediation; rather, it is a more informal process that will take place earlier and that will, if successful, avoid the need for a more formal mediation process and potentially a formal ethics hearing or arbitration hearing.

If you believe that a REALTOR® has violated one or more articles of the Code of Ethics, you can file an ethics complaint alleging a violation(s) through the local association of REALTORS® where the REALTOR® holds membership or participates in a multiple listing service owned/operated by a REALTOR® association.

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. If you have a contractual dispute with another REALTOR®, you can file a request for arbitration of that dispute. The appropriate local association where the request would be filed depends on where the other REALTOR® holds association membership and/or participates in MLS.

Below you will find important documents and information related to Professional Standards:

Ombudsman Program Flyer

Ombudsman Program Information

Ombudsman Program Video

Ethics Complaint & Arbitration Information

Ethics Complaint Procedure

Ethics Complaint Form

Arbitration Request Form

Please contact CVAR for additional information info@catawbavalleyrealtors.com or call 828-322-8249.