Code
of Ethics Enforcement
A Member Benefit
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 of the National
Association of REALTORS®. The Code of Ethics, which was
first adopted on July 29, 1913, is a living document, responsive
in its content to changes in law and industry. The Code has
been revised several times through the years to reflect the
current developments in professional real estate practice.
The term REALTOR® has come to represent competency, fairness,
and high integrity. These qualities stem from voluntary adherence
to an ideal of moral conduct in real estate business practices.
But
even with the best of intentions, planning and preparation,
occasional disagreements arise between REALTORS® and/or
between REALTORS® and their clients and customers. As
civil litigation becomes increasingly costly, time consuming
and burdensome, there has been a trend among private parties
to settle disputes and conflicting claims through alternative
means.
The Jefferson County Association of REALTORS® offers its
members and their clients and customers a vehicle to economically
expedite ethics complaints and/or arbitration requests without
going to court. If a monetary dispute arises from a real estate
transaction or if you believe a REALTOR® may have acted
in an unethical manner, seek a resolution through your local
association of REALTORS®. Ethics complaints that are brought
before the association give those parties involved an opportunity
to be educated about the Code. In addition, REALTORS®
are judged by their peers as opposed to other individuals
who may be far less familiar with the practices and customs
of the real estate industry.
Please remember that the Association administers these programs
and can answer procedural questions, we do NOT give either
side legal or other advice.
Ethics:
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.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Code of Ethics
Before You File an Ethics
Complaint
Arbitration:
Frequently Asked Questions
Arbitrable Issues
Arbitration Agreement
