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Professional Standards

REALTOR® Code of Ethics

 

If you feel a member of our association has violated the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, you might consider utilizing our services, such as the ombudsman program, mediation, or filing a complaint. Learn more below.

The Silver City Regional Association of REALTORS® uses the

New Mexico Association of REALTORS® Professional Standards

Administrator to handle our Professional Standards process.

 

Please e-mail ombuds@nmrealtor.com or call 505-724-3466.

If you believe the individual with whom you are working has violated the license law, contact the New Mexico Real Estate Commission.  Learn more.

REALTOR® Professional Standards

 

Boards and associations of REALTORS® are responsible for enforcing the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics imposes duties above and in addition to those imposed by law or regulation which apply only to real estate professionals who choose to become REALTORS®.

Though not a governmental or licensing agency, upon receiving a formal "Ethics Complaint" the Silver City Regional Association of REALTORS® through the New Mexico Association of REALTORS Grievance and Professional Standards Committees, will conduct investigations and hearings involving members to enforce those professional standards. 

Our Association also offers ombudsman services to members, clients, and consumers. An ombudsman is an individual appointed to receive and resolve disputes through constructive communication and advocating for consensus and understanding.

 

Another type of investigation is called a "Request for Arbitration."  An arbitration hearing, or the alternative service of mediation, will determine disputes over real estate commissions that arise between REALTORS® and other REALTORS®, or between REALTORS® and their customers or clients.

 

Any professional standards complaint received, as well as any material related to a complaint received, is considered to be strictly confidential in nature.  Both the Grievance and Professional Standards Committees are responsible for ensuring due process is afforded to all parties, whether it be in the conduct of a hearing to enforce the  Code of Ethics or in the arbitration of commission disputes arising out of the real estate business. 

Many difficulties between real estate professionals (whether REALTORS® or not) result from misunderstanding, miscommunication, or lack of adequate communication. If you have a problem with a real estate professional, you may want to speak with them, or with a principal broker in the firm. Open, constructive discussion often resolves questions or differences, eliminating the need for further action.
 
If, after discussing matters with your real estate professional, or a principal broker in that firm, you are still not satisfied, you may want to contact the local board or association of REALTORS®. Many boards and associations have informal dispute-resolving processes available to consumers (e.g., ombudsmen, mediation, etc.).
REALTOR® Code of Ethics Training

Mandatory ethics training requirements for new and continuing REALTOR® members was established by the National Association’s Board of Directors at the 1999 Annual Convention to heighten member awareness of the key tenets of the Code of Ethics; to create an awareness of and appreciation for the role the Code can and should play in their professional lives; to enhance professionalism and competency; and to encourage REALTORS® to view their Code of Ethics as a living, viable guide in their daily dealings with clients, customers, and the public.

 

To access NAR’s “Questions and Answers on the New and Continuing Member Ethics Training Requirements,” click here. Be prepared to log in to the “Members Only” section.

New Member Code of Ethics Orientation—Online Course
This course meets all learning objectives and criteria for the New Member Code of Ethics Orientation Policy (Policy Statement 47, NAR Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual). Please note that an NRDS ID is required to register for this course. Your NRDS education record will be updated automatically upon successful completion of the course.

Existing member REALTORS® Code of Ethics Training—Online Course
This course meets all learning objectives and criteria for the REALTOR® Ethics Training Policy (Policy Statement 47, NAR Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual).

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