Ombudsman Services
An ombudsman is an individual appointed to receive and resolve disputes through constructive communication and advocating for consensus and understanding.
Ombudsman procedures are intended to provide enhanced communications and initial problem-solving capacity at the local level. All associations must provide ombudsman services to their members and members’ clients and customers consistent with Professional Standards Policy Statement #59, Associations to Provide Ombudsmen Services, Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual.
Ombudsmen cannot refer concerns they have regarding the conduct of any party utilizing their services to the Grievance Committee, to the state real estate licensing authority, or to any other regulatory body. The prohibition is intended to ensure impartiality and avoid the possible appearance of bias. Ombudsman are, however, authorized to refer concerns that the public trust may have been violated to the Grievance Committee.
The allegations, discussions and decisions made in ombudsman proceedings are confidential and shall not be reported or published by the board, any member of a tribunal, or any party under any circumstances except those established in the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual of the National Association as from time to time amended.
Professional Standards Policy Statement #59, Associations to Provide Ombudsman Services, in the current NAR Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual, provides as follows:
Every local and state association of Realtors® is required to offer, either directly or as part of a cooperative enforcement agreement (consistent with Professional Standards Statement #40, Cooperative Enforcement Agreements), ombudsman services to members, clients, and consumers on or before January 1, 2016.
An ombudsman is an individual appointed to receive and resolve disputes through constructive communication and advocating for consensus and understanding.
Ombudsman procedures are intended to provide enhanced communications and initial problem-solving capacity at the local level. All associations must provide ombudsman services to their members and members’ clients and customers consistent with Professional Standards Policy Statement #59, Associations to Provide Ombudsmen Services, Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual.
Introduction
Boards and associations of Realtors® are charged with the responsibility of receiving and resolving ethics complaints. This obligation is carried out by local, regional and state grievance committees and professional standards committees.
Many “complaints” received by boards and associations do not expressly allege violations of specific Articles of the Code of Ethics, and many do not detail conduct related to the Code. Some “complaints” are actually transactional, technical, or procedural questions readily responded to.
It is the belief of the National Association’s Professional Standards Committee that many ethics complaints might be averted with enhanced communications and initial problem-solving capacity at the local level. These ombudsman procedures are intended to provide that capacity.
- View video demonstrations of the Ombudsman process from recent NAR Professional Standards Education Seminars.
- View frequently asked questions about the Ombudsman process and procedures.
Role of Ombudsmen
The ombudsman’s role is primarily one of communication and conciliation, not adjudication. Ombudsmen do not determine whether ethics violations have occurred or who is entitled to what amount of money, rather they anticipate, identify, and resolve misunderstandings and disagreements before matters ripen into disputes and possible charges of unethical conduct.
Qualification and Criteria for Ombudsmen
Boards and associations have considerable latitude in developing criteria for service as ombudsmen.
At a minimum, ombudsmen should be thoroughly familiar with the Code of Ethics, state real estate regulations, and current real estate practice. Ombudsmen may be Realtors®, staff members, or others acting on behalf of the local board/association.
Insurance Coverage
Ombudsman are covered through the NAR insurance program, as long as they are acting within the coverage limits described in the policy.
As provided in the FAQ about the National Association of Realotrs® Professional Liability Insurance Program for Associations of Realtors®, the policy defines an "ombudsman" (or "ombudsperson") as an individual designated by an association to be available for consultation about the association's ethics hearing, arbitration, and/or DRS processes. Only association staff or members may serve as an ombudsman. The policy excludes from coverage any claim that alleges or arises out of any action committed by ombudsman that does not involve an association's ethics hearing, arbitration or the DRS processes.
The following are examples of some situations in which an ombudsman would be covered and other situations when the ombudsman would not be covered:
- A seller contacts the association because they feel their listing broker, who is a Realtor®, is not responding to phone calls, and may have received offers that they haven’t presented to the seller yet. If an ombudsman were appointed to assist the parties, the ombudsman’s actions would be covered by the NAR insurance program.
- A buyer contacts the association for help with a short sale transaction. If an ombudsman assisted the buyer, the ombudsman’s actions would not be covered by the NAR insurance program.
- Realtor® A contacts the association because she has reason to believe Realtor® B has been criticizing her business on Facebook after a difficult transaction. If an ombudsman were appointed to assist the parties, the ombudsman’s actions would be covered under the NAR insurance program.
For more information about insurance coverage, visit the Professional Liability Insurance Program page.
Involving the Ombudsman
Boards and associations have considerable latitude in determining how and when ombudsmen will be utilized. For example, ombudsmen can field and respond to a wide variety of inquires and complaints, including general questions about real estate practice, transaction details, ethical practice, and enforcement issues. Ombudsmen can also receive and respond to questions and complaints about members; can contact members to inform them that a client or customer has raised a question or issue; and can contact members to obtain information necessary to provide an informed response.
In cases where an ombudsman believes that a failure of communication is the basis for a question or complaint, the ombudsman can arrange a meeting of the parties and to facilitate a mutually acceptable resolution.
Where a written ethics complaint in the appropriate form is received, it can be initially referred to the ombudsman who will attempt to resolve the matter, except that complaints alleging violations of the public trust (as defined in Article IV, Section 2 of the NAR Bylaws) may not be referred to an ombudsman. “Public trust” refers to misappropriation of client or customer funds or property, willful discrimination, or fraud resulting in substantial economic harm.
In the event the ombudsman concludes that a potential violation of the public trust may have occurred, the ombudsman process shall be immediately terminated, and the parties shall be advised of their right to pursue a formal ethics complaint; to pursue a complaint with any appropriate governmental or regulatory body; to pursue litigation; or to pursue any other available remedy.
Right to Decline Ombudsman Services
Persons filing complaints, or inquiring about the process for filing ethics complaints, will be advised that ombudsman services are available to attempt to informally resolve their complaint. Such persons will also be advised that they may decline ombudsman services and can have their complaint referred to ethics mediation (if available), or considered at a formal ethics hearing.
Resolution of Complaints
If a matter complained of is resolved to the mutual satisfaction of all parties through the efforts of an ombudsman, the formal ethics complaint brought initially (if any) will continue to be processed until withdrawn by the complainant.
Failure to Comply With Agreed Upon Resolution
Failure or refusal of a member to comply with the terms of a mutually agreed on resolution shall entitle the complaining party to resubmit the original complaint or, where a formal complaint in the appropriate form had not been filed, to file an ethics complaint. The time the matter was originally brought to the board or association’s attention will be considered the filing date for purposes of determining whether an ethics complaint is timely filed.
Referrals to the Grievance Committee or to State Regulatory Bodies
Ombudsmen cannot refer concerns they have regarding the conduct of any party utilizing their services to the Grievance Committee, to the state real estate licensing authority, or to any other regulatory body. The prohibition is intended to ensure impartiality and avoid the possible appearance of bias. Ombudsman are, however, authorized to refer concerns that the public trust may have been violated to the Grievance Committee.
Confidentiality of Ombudsman Process
The allegations, discussions and decisions made in ombudsman proceedings are confidential and shall not be reported or published by the board, any member of a tribunal, or any party under any circumstances except those established in the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual of the National Association as from time to time amended.
Last revised 12.30.15
Additional Information
Read an article by Diane K. Disbrow, NAR's 2015 Professional Standards Committee Chair, that helps explain the Ombudsman process and describes how successful Ombudsman programs can be.
Ombudsman Process
Five-part video demonstration of the Ombudsman process that occurred during the 2013 NAR Professional Standards Education Seminar.
Ombudsman Process (Beach Rental)
Seven-part video demonstration of the Ombudsman process that occurred during the 2014 NAR Professional Standards Education Seminar.
- Part 1 — Complainant calls association about a member's conduct
- Part 2 — Association staff alerts ombudsman to matter
- Part 3 — Ombudsman calls complainant
- Part 4 — Ombudsman calls Realtor®/Respondent
- Part 5 — Ombudsman calls complainant to set up settlement call with respondent
- Part 6 — Ombudsman calls respondent and suggests that the two talk to one another
- Part 7 — Respondent calls complainant to settle issues and close out the matter
These Professional courtesies are intended to be used by Realtors® on a voluntary basis, and cannot form the basis for a professional standards complaint.
Respect for the Public
- Follow the "Golden Rule”: Do unto other as you would have them do unto you.
- Respond promptly to inquiries and requests for information.
- Schedule appointments and showings as far in advance as possible.
- Call if you are delayed or must cancel an appointment or showing.
- If a prospective buyer decides not to view an occupied home, promptly explain the situation to the listing broker or the occupant.
- Communicate with all parties in a timely fashion.
- When entering a property ensure that unexpected situations, such as pets, are handled appropriately.
- Leave your business card if not prohibited by local rules.
- Never criticize property in the presence of the occupant.
- Inform occupants that you are leaving after showings.
- When showing an occupied home, always ring the doorbell or knock—and announce yourself loudly before entering. Knock and announce yourself loudly before entering any closed room.
- Present a professional appearance at all times; dress appropriately and drive a clean car.
- If occupants are home during showings, ask their permission before using the telephone or bathroom.
- Encourage the clients of other brokers to direct questions to their agent or representative.
- Communicate clearly; don’t use jargon or slang that may not be readily understood.
- Be aware of and respect cultural differences.
- Show courtesy and respect to everyone.
- Be aware of—and meet—all deadlines.
- Promise only what you can deliver—and keep your promises.
- Identify your Realtor® and your professional status in contacts with the public.
- Do not tell people what you think—tell them what you know.
Respect for Property
- Be responsible for everyone you allow to enter listed property.
- Never allow buyers to enter listed property unaccompanied.
- When showing property, keep all members of the group together.
- Never allow unaccompanied access to property without permission.
- Enter property only with permission even if you have a lockbox key or combination.
- When the occupant is absent, leave the property as you found it (lights, heating, cooling, drapes, etc.) If you think something is amiss (e.g. vandalism), contact the listing broker immediately.
- Be considerate of the seller's property. Do not allow anyone to eat, drink, smoke, dispose of trash, use bathing or sleeping facilities, or bring pets. Leave the house as you found it unless instructed otherwise.
- Use sidewalks; if weather is bad, take off shoes and boots inside property.
- Respect sellers’ instructions about photographing or videographing their properties’ interiors or exteriors.
Respect for Peers
- Identify your Realtor® and professional status in all contacts with other Realtors®.
- Respond to other agents' calls, faxes, and e-mails promptly and courteously.
- Be aware that large electronic files with attachments or lengthy faxes may be a burden on recipients.
- Notify the listing broker if there appears to be inaccurate information on the listing.
- Share important information about a property, including the presence of pets, security systems, and whether sellers will be present during the showing.
- Show courtesy, trust, and respect to other real estate professionals.
- Avoid the inappropriate use of endearments or other denigrating language.
- Do not prospect at other Realtors®' open houses or similar events.
- Return keys promptly.
- Carefully replace keys in the lockbox after showings.
- To be successful in the business, mutual respect is essential.
- Real estate is a reputation business. What you do today may affect your reputation—and business—for years to come.