What can GAOR’s Professional Standards program do about my dispute?
Depending on the type of dispute or complaint you have, GAOR offers different paths to help address and hopefully lead toward a resolution.
Ombudsman
If you are not sure what to do next, just want to ask a few questions, or if you think a violation has occurred, reach out to the GAOR Ombudsman.
Mediation and Arbitration
If you are in a monetary dispute or you otherwise believe that you are entitled to a commission, split, referral fee, expense reimbursement or some other kind of compensation, then mediation or arbitration may be right for you.
- To request mediation, fill out and return the Request for Mediation Form (M-1) and pay the $300 Mediation Processing Fee.
- To request arbitration, fill out and return the Complaint Form (A-1) and pay the $500 Arbitration Processing Fee.
Once you have submitted for mediation or arbitration, the Association will contact you with a facilitator and go over the process for moving forward.
Ethics Complaint
Associations of REALTORS® enforce the Code of Ethics through, among other things, the ethics and disciplinary process. If you belief that another REALTOR® has violated the Code of Ethics, please read more on this website about filing an ethics complaint.
Remember that only REALTORS® are subject to the Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS®. If the real estate professional (or their broker) you are dealing with is not a REALTOR®, your only recourse may be the state real state licensing authority or the courts. For more information, go to the California Department of Real Estate.
