Complaints & Disputes
The Code of Ethics: A Commitment to the Public
The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Code of Ethics is what sets REALTORS® apart from other real estate licensees. It is our promise to the public that when dealing with a real estate agent that is a REALTOR®, they can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. Only REALTORS® pledge to abide by the Association’s Code of Ethics and only REALTORS® are held accountable for their ethical behavior.
Some of the basic principles of the Code of Ethics include:
- Protect and promote your client’s interests, but be honest with all parties.
- Realtors® shall be careful at all times to present a true picture in their advertising and representations to the public.
- Assure, whenever possible, that transactional details are in writing.
Violations of the code are taken very seriously. In most cases, you will file an ethics complaint with the local board of the person whom you feel is in violation of the Code. This can sometimes be difficult to find, especially when a REALTOR® works in a large area. If you have questions regarding the local board of a particular REALTOR®, you can visit the National Association of REALTORS® website for more information. You can search for a Clatsop Association of REALTORS® member here.
Filing an Ethics Complaint
Find more information from the National Association of REALTORS® here.
- Complete Form E1 - Please contact President Sheena Martin at sheena@liveoregoncoast.com for more information
- Make sure you sign and date the document.
- Give the name of the Respondent (the REALTOR® you are filing the complaint against).
- Indicate which of the 17 Code of Ethics Articles you feel have been violated.
- Attach a typed written summary of the situation, and any documentation (such as listing agreements, purchase agreements, buyer contracts or disclosure forms) which support your complaint.
- Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the time that the alleged offense and facts relating to it could have been known by the complainant in the exercise of reasonable diligence, or within 180 days after the conclusion of the transaction or event, whichever is later.
Once you have completed the proper form, mail it to the Professional Standards Administrator of the appropriate local board. Some boards may share a Professional Standards Administrator. For a complete list of local board Professional Standards Administrators contact the Oregon REALTORS®.
After you have taken the steps above, your complaint will be reviewed by a Grievance Committee. This committee will decide if there are grounds for a Professional Standards hearing. If the complaint moves to the hearing phase, you will be sent additional information regarding that process.
Ethics Complaint – Form E1 - Please contact President Sheena Martin at sheena@liveoregoncoast.com for more information
Request and Agreement to Arbitrate Form A1 - Please contact President Sheena Martin at sheena@liveoregoncoast.com for more information
Request for Mediation - Please contact President Sheena Martin at sheena@liveoregoncoast.com for more information
Agreement to Mediate - Please contact President Sheena Martin at sheena@liveoregoncoast.com for more information