REALTOR® Professional Standards
REALTORS® voluntarily agree to abide by the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. If a real estate agent has joined the REALTOR® association, they pledge to meet the Code of Ethics’ high standards of professional conduct. The Code of Ethics includes 17 Articles: Articles 1-16 relate to ethical conduct and Article 17 creates the duty and privilege for REALTORS® to arbitrate contractual and certain non-contractual disputes.
National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics
Enforcement of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics is the responsibility of local REALTOR® associations. Associations provide dispute resolution service and professional standards enforcement services including but not limited to mediation services, ethics hearings and arbitration hearings.
Mediation
Mediation is a process where parties, with the assistance of a neutral mediator, attempt to resolve their dispute by mutual agreement. REALTOR® mediation is a free alternative dispute resolution technique used as an alternative to litigation or formal ethics or arbitration hearings. Mediation services may be requested at the local REALTOR® association where the REALTOR® holds membership.
How to request mediation
To find a REALTOR®'s local association, click here.
If the primary local board is the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association, a request for mediation may be filed with the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association at 4801 Forest Run Road Suite 201 Madison, WI 53704.
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 the local REALTOR® association where the REALTOR® holds membership, or participates in a REALTOR® association owned or operated MLS.
How to file an ethics complaint
Prior to filing an ethics complaint, you may find more information about the process in the National Association of REALTORS® publication “Before You File an Ethics Complaint” brochure online: click here.
To find a REALTOR®'s local association, click here.
If the primary local board is the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association, an ethics complaint may be filed with the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association at 4801 Forest Run Road Suite 201 Madison, WI 53704
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 member’s local association of REALTORS®.
How to file an arbitration request
To find a REALTOR®'s local association, click here.
If the primary local board is the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association, a request for arbitration may be filed with the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association at 4801 Forest Run Road Suite 201 Madison, WI 53704
Additional resources