Introduction to Dispute Resolution

The single, most outstanding characteristic that sets REALTORS® apart from other real estate agents is the willingness to accept and abide by the Code of Ethics of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. The code of ethics is a living document, responsive in its content to changes in the law and industry. The Code has been revised many times through the years to reflect current developments in professional real estate practice. The term REALTOR® has come to represent competency, honesty, and high integrity. These qualities stem from voluntary adherence to an ideal of moral conduct in real estate business practices.

But even with the best of intentions, planning and preparation, occasional disagreements arise between REALTORS® and/or between REALTORS® and their clients or customers. As civil litigation becomes increasingly costly, time consuming, and burdensome, there has been a trend among private parties to settle disputes and conflicting claims through alternative means.

Northwest Ohio REALTORS (NOR) provides various services to assist their Members and the public in the resolution of disputes. The Dispute Resolution System (DRS) of NOR helps settle differences between NOR members, NORIS members and between consumers and NOR members.

Northwest Ohio REALTORS® offers its members and their clients and customers a way to economically expedite ethics complaints and/or arbitration requests without going to court. These methods include the Ombudsman Service, Mediation, Ethics Hearings, Citation System and Arbitration.

Questions? E-mail Megan Meyer Foos or call her at 419-535-3222.