Ombudsman Program
The Marin Association of REALTORS®'s ombudsman program is part of our continuing commitment to provide and promote a fair and effective framework for answering questions or resolving problems among REALTORS® and members of the public.In the event that the ombudsman is not able to resolve the problem, any individual may pursue the matter through the association's further dispute resolution services, disciplinary complaint or finding arbitration.
Role
The ombudsman's role is one of communication and conciliation, not adjudication. Ombudsmen do not determine whether ethics violations have occurred or if money is owed; rather they anticipate, identify, and resolve misunderstandings and disagreements before matters ripen into formal charges of unethical conduct or claims for money.
For more information or to send a question to the ombudsman, click
here.
To begin the process of filing a complaint against a REALTOR®
member of the Marin Association of REALTORS®, click here. (MAR Members: please use this version.)
To read the National Association of REALTORS®'s Code of Ethics, which is binding on all REALTORS®,
click here (external link).
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Process
- When contacted by a member of the public, the Ombudsman will explain that her role is as an intermediary only, and that no punishment or order for compliance can be imposed. She will also make it clear that legal advice cannot be rendered, but can share professional opinions regarding the situation.
- The ombudsman will try to discover what the complainant would like as a solution. The ombudsman's responsibility is to assist in resolving disputes.
- If the ombudsman is unable to resolve the problem, she will provide the necessary forms for individuals to seek arbitration or disciplinary actions against the REALTORS®.