Did You Know?
The Grievance Committee consists of 12 members appointed to serve three-year terms (four appointments are made each year). The Committee reviews ethics complaints to determine if the complaint involves one of the articles of the Code of Ethics. The Committee does not determine guilt or innocence. If the complaint does not have anything to do with the Code, the complaint is dismissed. If it involves the Code, the complaint is forwarded to the Professional Standards Committee for a hearing.
In 2009 the Grievance Committee received fifteen (15) complaints. Two (2) were sent to the Professional Standards Committee for a hearing; 5 complaints were dismissed or withdrawn and eight (8) are being held in abeyance.
The Professional Standards Committee consists of 24 members appointed to serve three-year terms (eight are appointed each year). The Committee holds arbitration hearings to resolve commission disputes and holds ethics hearings to determine if the Code of Ethics has been violated. Committee members should have had prior experience serving on the Grievance Committee.
There were no arbitration hearings held in 2009. Prior to scheduling an arbitration hearing, the parties are asked if they would be willing to participate in mediation. The Board has trained mediators who will assist the parties to reach an agreement, instead of going through the hearing process. If the dispute is not resolved, an arbitration hearing is scheduled. Four (4) mediations were held in 2009 and resolved by mutual agreement of both parties.
“Best Practices in Real Estate Manual” is the updated version of the original “Professional Courtesy Manual.” The Manual provides important real estate business procedures, guidelines and recommendations. The guidelines are not binding rules, nor are they to be construed as legal advice. However, following the procedures outlined will help REALTORS® practice real estate professionally.
The “Best Practices in Real Estate Manual,” can be found in the back of your Membership Directory. To find the “Grievance and Arbitration” forms click on "Real Estate Resources" at www.dabr.com.