▶ Reasons to File an Ombudsman Request vs. an Ethics Complaint (NAR)
When dealing with a REALTOR® or real estate transaction, you have two main NAR-supported options: filing an Ombudsman request or filing an ethics complaint. Each serves a different purpose and has different outcomes.
- Purpose and Process
- Ombudsman Request: This is an informal, mediation-style process where a trained REALTOR® ombudsman acts as a neutral intermediary to help parties communicate, clarify misunderstandings and find a mutually acceptable resolution.
- Ethics Complaint: This is a formal process where you allege a violation of the NAR Code of Ethics and submit it to the local association's grievance or professional standards committee for possible sanctions and disciplinary actions.
- Scope of Issues
- Ombudsman: Best for transactional, technical, procedural or clarifying questions that do not explicitly allege an ethics violation. It can also address minor disputes before they escalate.
- Ethics Complaint: Reserved for cases where you believe a REALTOR® has violated specific Articles of the Code of Ethics.
- Resolution Time
- Ombudsman: Typically quick — often resolved within 4–7 days, sometimes even faster.
- Ethics Complaint: Much slower — can take 4–6 months or more to reach a formal hearing.
- Formality and Adjudication
- Ombudsman: No adjudication; the ombudsman does not determine if a violation occurred.
- Ethics Complaint: Possible discipline and sanctions if violations are found.
- When to Choose Which
- Choose Ombudsman if:
- You need immediate help to resolve a real estate transaction issue.
- Your matter is clarifying or procedural and not clearly an ethics violation.
- You want to avoid a lengthy formal process.
- Choose Ethics Complaint if:
- You have clear evidence of a Code of Ethics violation.
- You want the association to fine and potentially discipline the REALTOR®.
- You are prepared for a longer process and possible formal hearing.
Bottom Line:
Use the Ombudsman program for quick, informal resolution of non-ethics-related disputes or to clarify issues before they escalate. Use an ethics complaint when you have a substantiated belief that a REALTOR® has violated the NAR Code of Ethics and you want possible disciplinary actions.
