The purpose of the Ombudsman is to provide a knowledgeable, informed contact when REALTOR® members or members of the public have real estate related questions that have not been addressed by an individual broker.
The role of the Ombudsman is to identify and attempt to facilitate a resolution of misunderstandings and/or disagreements before matters evolve into a formal complaint.
Ombudsman Procedures adopted by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® are intended to provide enhanced communications and initial problem-solving capacity to the professional standards process. Associations are charged with the responsibility of receiving and resolving ethics complaints, and hearing arbitration disputes. The Ombudsman can respond to general questions regarding real estate practices, transaction details, ethical practices and enforcement issues. Members may request the services of an Ombudsman prior to initiating an Ethics and/or Arbitration request.
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. 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.
Please contact the Board of REALTORS® offices at 518-828-7871 to find out more.
Conflict Resolution through Ombuds or Mediation
Disputes sometimes arise due to a break-down in communications during a transaction. If you wish to attempt to resolve an issue quickly and informally you may invoke one or both of the following options:
1) Ombuds: A confidential process in which an appointed Ombuds will contact you and the other party to gain an understanding of the issue at hand and as a neutral party, facilitate communication between you and the other party in hopes of resolving the matter.
2) Mediation: A confidential process in which both parties are brought together for a session with a trained mediator. The goal is to facilitate communication face to face and try to achieve a mutually agreeable understanding and/or resolution to the issue.
Contact us for more details at 518-828-7871.
