Ethics

REALTORS® set themselves apart by committing to uphold the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics, a comprehensive set of professional standards that goes beyond state licensing requirements. The Code of Ethics establishes duties to clients, customers, the public, and other real estate professionals, promoting integrity, transparency, accountability, and fair housing in every transaction.

All REALTORS® are required to complete ethics training and are subject to a formal enforcement process. 

As part of their membership commitment, REALTORS® agree to resolve certain business disputes through arbitration rather than litigation. Arbitration is a structured, impartial process administered by the local Association of REALTORS® to address contractual disputes, most commonly commission or compensation disagreements, between REALTORS® and, in some cases, between REALTORS® and their clients.

The process is guided by the policies of the National Association of REALTORS® and is designed to provide a fair, efficient, and professional resolution. If you believe a dispute qualifies for arbitration, you may file a request with the local Association where the REALTOR® holds primary membership.

If you believe a REALTOR® has violated one or more Articles of the Code of Ethics, you may file an ethics complaint with the local Association of REALTORS® where the REALTOR® maintains primary membership.

 Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process that helps parties resolve disputes through facilitated negotiation before moving to arbitration or court. A neutral mediator assists the parties in reaching a mutually agreeable resolution but does not issue a binding decision.

All REALTOR® mediation is administered by Arbitration Service of Portland, Inc. (ASP), which provides professional mediation services throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington in accordance with established procedural rules.

Ombudsman services provide an informal, confidential way to address concerns or misunderstandings involving a REALTOR® before pursuing a formal complaint. An Ombudsman acts as a neutral third party who helps clarify issues, improve communication, and explore possible resolutions at the earliest stage.

This process is designed to resolve minor disputes quickly and efficiently, often preventing the need for a formal ethics complaint, mediation, or arbitration.