Adherence to the Code of Ethics
Not every real estate agent is a REALTOR®. The term “REALTOR®” is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics, which in many cases goes beyond state law.
All REALTORS® are required to adhere to the Code of Ethics. This requirement enables buyers and sellers to expect fair, honest and ethical treatment during all aspects of the transaction, from the very beginning of a potential home sale until long after the close of escrow. This obligation helps ensure high standards of professional conduct in order to serve the interests of their clients and customers.
The Glendale Association of REALTORS® is responsible for enforcing the Code of Ethics pursuant to the Bylaws of the National Association. Whether you yourself are a REALTOR®, broker, or are a member of the public, you have the opportunity to address potential disputes that may arise at some point over the course of a sales transaction.
If you have any questions or concerns or if you wish to file an ethics complaint or request for arbitration, please contact GAOR CEO Sevak Sohrabian at sevak@gaor.org for a confidential discussion.
Broadly, GAOR processes two types of cases: Disciplinary/Ethics Complaints and Arbitration:
Disciplinary Complaint
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 REALTOR® association-owned/operated MLS.
Arbitration
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. Matters that may be subject arbitration include “entitlement to commissions and compensation in cooperative transactions, that arise out of the business relationships between REALTORS®, and between REALTORS® and their clients and customers” as shown in Part 10, Section 43 of the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual.
How It Works
Two committees of REALTOR® volunteers process complaints: the Grievance Committee and Professional Standards Committee. For details, download and read the brochure “Before You File an Ethics Complaint”.
GAOR participates with the California Association of REALTORS® in a statewide Professional Standards Program. This means that Arbitration and Ethics cases will be heard by Grievance and Professional Standards panels drawn from anywhere in the state. GAOR members who volunteer on Grievance or Professional Standards may be placed on a panel for a case anywhere in California.
Volunteering on Grievance and Professional Standards can be an informative and rewarding experience. If you are a REALTOR® member and want to know more about participating, contact GAOR David Kissinger for details.
Available Dispute Resolution Services
Ombudsman Service. An ombudsman is a REALTOR® volunteer available to work with agents, buyers and sellers as a neutral and independent voice for answering questions, improving communication between disputing parties, and suggesting ways to resolve disputes. There is no fee or obligation to use an ombudsman however one may be helpful in different situations. Working with an ombudsman can often be the first step in addressing a complaint.
Unanimous Complaints. You may wish to register a unanimous complaint. Contact GAOR for more information. You are recommended to submit evidence and statements of fact as are available to you and then the Association will act as the complaining party. If you submit an anonymous complaint, you will in most cases not learn of the final outcome or determination, if any, from the Association.
Ethics Advocate. An Ethics Advocate is a REALTOR® volunteer available to provide support during the disciplinary complaint process. Ethics Advocates do not participate in arbitration complaints and are not attorneys. The Ethics Advocate for no cost will help complete required forms and assist and represent you during hearings. If you wish to be assisted by an Ethics Advocate, let the Association or Professional Standards Administrator know as early as possible so that one may be provided.