Understanding the Realtor® Code of Ethics: Article 14 - Handling Ethics Violations

Hi again,

Thanks for the response. As far as being stressed as an arbitrator, not really.  It's interesting and informative more than anything.  Yet it does come with responsibility.

Our ombudsman program has only been in existence for a few years, but successful at this point.  It's not much more than a series of phone calls trying to solve issues (between the parties) prior to filing for mediation or arbitration. This can some time help resolve issues. 

Mediation is also big for our AOR, something we are actively promoting.  That way the Realtors or members of the public normally come to a "meeting of the minds" (mutual agreement)  as opposed to the arbitrators making a decision.  It's also a little more cost effective for those involved

Thanks again for the valuable post, I wish more Realtos would read it. 

Great post. 

I cracked up watching the local news.  Our state legislators are trying to pass a law requiring themselves to get ethics training.  Unfortunately experts believe you can not teach ethics to politicians.

Mariana - you just keep on keeping on with these terrific posts about the COE.  These really should all be required reading.  You do such a great job breaking it down so that each Article is easily understood by those who find these so dry.

Nice job!
Ann

Mariana, I don't believe I've told you how appreciative I am of this series.  Well, I am!  I am going back to article 1.  You have quite the knack for making this digestible; entertaining even.  Most importantly, we get it.  You would have made an awesome teacher.  I am glad you're a REALTOR and sharing with us instead =)  Thank you.

May I comment on one of your comments, please?  Lynda, your words of wisdom show up in all your comments.  You share them here, there and everywhere.  I know you're a busy lady, but I eagerly await your putting some of your great experience into your blogs.  I'm learning from your comments, imagine how much more I can learn from your blogs!

Mariana,

Nice little post.

The Code of Ethics and Article 14 are the reason everyone needing a real estate broker should insist on a REALTOR®!

If you've got a complaint it's likely going to cost at least $10,000.00 to retain an attorney, that means your loss has to be very larger to sue. Justice is often denied because the parties can't afford it. Your E & O insurance will settle to avoid going to court and then raise your rates, even when you were right.

In most cases only the local Professional Standards Committee offers the consumer and yes the REALTOR® any affordable justice.

I've served on the Committee and the only thing I can tell you is that most of the time they resolve the problem amicably. I was in front of the Committee only once, I sat there as they patiently allowed the seller and his attorney to bad mouth me for more than two hours, before they suggested to the plaintiff that he settle with me before the court date (part of his complaint was that I had sued him). He stormed out, five days later it took less than 10 minutes for a Judge to grant me summery judgement for all I ask and my cost.

I'm a firm believer The Code and Arbitration are well worth any premium dealing with a REALTOR®!

Bill

William J Archambault Jr

The Real Estate Investment Institute

http://www.reii.org

Hi Mariana,

I'm not sure how many boards/associations out there actually have the ombudsman program. I think San Diego may have been one of the early pioneers in so. cal., but I'm not sure.  Maybe something for yours to consider in the pro-standards arena at some point. I'll follow up more off blog, if you like.  And thank you again for your insightful posts, everything you do is so informative.  I look forward to reading more.

I also agree with Bill, it's costly, even if your are absolutely in the right. Unfortunately we have all become targets, taking whatever is thrown at us at times in the field of r.e. 

And if it's not too inappropriate, t.y. Maggie.

Btw, Mariana, I used a little of one of your prior "dialogues" on a listing appt. the other evening, it went well. Thanks!

Hi Marian,

So sorry for the delay in getting back to you with that dialogue (r.e. got in the way recently) and now I can't find the answer to your question anywhere. Sorry about that! It was about your online marketing.