Ethics

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.