Dispute Resolution Services
The Marin Association of REALTORS® conducts an ombudsman program to help informally resolve disputes over alleged violations of the REALTOR® code of ethics or other issues the public may have when working with the organization’s 1,600 members to buy or sell a home.
The free program is conducted in accordance with the policies and procedures of the National Association of REALTORS®.
MAR’s goal is to expand and promote our professional standards and arbitration and mediation procedures to the public. We want to make the dispute resolution process as easy as possible for everybody, and will also provide them with easy access by phone or e-mail to a highly qualified ombudsman.
The process of buying or selling a home can be a complicated and emotional experience. MAR’s program provides a place for people to go with questions, issues or concerns they may have in working with our members to buy or sell their homes. The MAR ombudsman will help address disputes and problems and attempt to solve them informally and, hopefully, avoid the need for litigation.
Citation Program - The MAR Board of Directors recently adopted a new step in the grievance process which is designed to add an additional deterrent for violation of the Code of Ethics. Earlier this year CAR adopted a new policy to allow citation fines to be issued for alleged violations of the Code of Ethics. This new policy allows for alleged first, second and third time offenders to receive fines. These fines range between $100 and $5000. Members receiving citations will have the option to pay the fine, or request a hearing to challenge the allegation. The view the citation fee schedule, please click here.
Current MAR Bylaws - Revised 2008 - to view, click here
If the ombudsman is unable to resolve a dispute, the matter could be referred to the association’s professional standards or arbitration committees.
Contact Information
For more information or to submit a question regarding dispute resolution issue, please call MAR at 415-507-1000.
Instructions for using this Dispute Resolution Center:
We have materials available to help you with your dispute whether you are a member of Marin Association of REALTORS® or you are a member of the public at large. Please choose appropriately.
Note: If you are a member of the Marin Association of REALTORS®, please log-in to your account before accessing the members-only content below.
Who is a REALTOR®?
Not everyone who sells real estate is a REALTOR®. Possessing a real estate license does not afford instant REALTOR® status. A REALTOR® is a member of local, state and national professional trade associations.
About the REALTOR® Code of Ethics
Only members of the National Association of REALTORS® subscribe to and are bound by NAR’s strict code of ethics in their dealing with clients and customers, the public and with each other.
REALTORS® are subject to disciplinary action should a local association of REALTORS® find them in violation of the code of ethics.
REALTORS® must take an ethics training course at least once every four years to retain membership in the National Association of REALTORS®. The training includes two and a half hours of instruction.
NAR adopted its code of ethics in 1913, and was only the second trade or business group in the United States to adopt mandatory ethics standards.