Manitowoc COunty Board of Realtors

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Professional Standards

Professionalism is of paramount importance to the REALTOR organization, and every new REALTOR must complete training for and pledge to uphold the REALTOR Code of Ethics.  All REALTORS also agree to abide by the dispute resolution processes in the REALTOR Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual.

Occasionally, disputes arise between REALTORS (or between a consumer and REALTOR) whether monetary in nature, regarding business practices or at times both.  Fortunately, local REALTOR board offices each have a Professional Standards Committee that can often help consumers and REALTORS to resolve their disputes.

The dispute resolution processes offered by the Manitowoc County Board of Realtors (MCBR) through the Wisconsin Realtors Association statewide professional standards program include ethics hearings and  arbitration as well as voluntary mediation services.  To learn more about these processes and to access the forms necessary to initiate a dispute or complaint, please read on below or visit Wisconsin REALTORS Association website at: https://www.wra.org/professionalstandards/

NAR & WRA Resources

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NAR Code of Ethics & Professional Standards

REALTOR Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics Training

Code of Ethics & Arbitration Manual

Ethic Complaints & Arbitration Hearings

WRA Professional Standards


WRA Professional Standards Administrator


Phone Number: 608-242-2299

email: psa@wra.org


Ombudsman & Mediation

Ombudsman

Ombudman service is essentially an informal type of mediation wherein a neutral ombudsman contacts both parties by telephone to see if an amicable resolution can be reached without the need for filing paperwork and meeting in person.

Ombudsman services are free and may be requested at the local REALTOR association where the REALTOR holds membership.  To lookup a REALTOR's local association, click here.

Mediation

Mediation is a process where parties, with the assistance of a neutral mediator, attempt to resolve their dispute by mutual agreement during a face-to-face meeting.  REALTOR mediation is a free alternative dispute resolution technique used as an alternative to litigation or formal ethics or arbitration hearings


Ethics

If you believe a REALTOR has violated one or more articles of the Code of Ethics, a complaint alleging a violation of the Code of Ethics may be filed with Wisconsin Realtors Association statewide professional standards program, or where the Realtor participates in a REALTOR association owned or operated MLS.  If found at fault, REALTORS may face mandatory education, fines and/or potential suspension for repeated offenses.  There is no award given to the complainant whether or not the REALTOR is found at fault, though a monetary settlement for an Ethics complaint may be possible via the voluntary mediation/ombudsman service.


How to File an Ethics Complaint
There is no cost to file an ethics complaint, but we recommend you first read more information about the process in the National Association of REALTORS publication Before You File an Ethics Complaint

Arbitration

REALTORS agree as a condition of membership to arbitrate contractual and certain non-contractual disputes in accordance with Article 17 of the Code of Ethics. Although there may be additional filing options, similar to filing an ethics complaint, an arbitration request may be filed with a Wisconsin Realtors Association statewide professional standards program.  Whereas Ethics hearings may result in a REALTOR being disciplined according to Wisconsin Realtors Association statewide professional standards program. Arbitration requests are filed to resolve a monetary dispute between the parties.

Additional Resources

  • REALTORS agree as a condition of membership to arbitrate contractual and certain non-contractual disputes in accordance with Article 17 of the Code of Ethics. Although there may be additional filing options, similar to filing an ethics complaint, an arbitration request may be filed with a member’s local association of REALTORS.  Whereas Ethics hearings may result in a REALTOR being disciplined by his/her association, Arbitration requests are filed to resolve a monetary dispute between the parties.

Call or Email Us                               

Office: 920-973-7748

Email: mcbrealtors@gmail.com


Address:

1011 S 10th St Ste 103
Manitowoc, WI 54220




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