The National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics, What Does it Mean for Consumers? If a REALTOR® represents you, whether you are buying or selling a home, you can count on that REALTOR® will:

• Be honest with all parties in the transaction,  not just with you, as his or her client, but also with the other real estate practitioner and his or her clients.
For example, if REALTORS® represent a buyer with a spotty credit history, they can’t be dishonest with sellers about this fact. At the same time, REALTORS® can help their buyer clients collect and assemble information, such as credit reports and audited tax returns, to demonstrate that the buyer has addressed the problem and improved their situation.

• Put your interests ahead of his or her own, at all times.
A REALTOR® makes every effort to understand the housing needs of his or her client, thoroughly researches available inventory, and shares all relevant information with the buyer so that he or she can make an informed decision. This service is provided regardless of the compensation available.

• Disclose all pertinent facts regarding the property and the transaction to both buyer and seller.
If a REALTOR® believes information provided by a seller is questionable, the REALTOR® is obligated to investigate. REALTORS® should recommend that buyers consult their own experts, such as home inspectors, to address concerns. For example, if a home seller asks his or her REALTOR® to conceal the fact that the roof leaks, the REALTOR® cannot comply; if the seller insists, the REALTOR® should end the business relationship with that seller.

• Be truthful in all communications with the public.
When REALTORS® distribute newsletters, create Web sites, or place advertisements, they must be careful not to represent other real estate professionals work product as their own. If recently sold or listed properties in the community are publicized, it must be clear whether the REALTOR® was actually involved in the transaction, or whether that data came from the local multiple listing service or other source. This ensures that the public understands the REALTOR® experience and can make an informed decision when choosing real estate representation.

To Start an Ethics or Arbitration complaint, please email The Greater Downey Association of REALTORS® here (customercare@DAOR.com)

The Statue of Limitations for Arbitration Complaints is six months from the close of escrow. Complaints when filing an Arbitration Complaint must submit a filing fee of $250. The decision of the arbitrators is final and binding. There is no appeal of an arbitration award.

DAOR has the Right to Decline Arbitration. Occasionally, a dispute submitted for arbitration may meet the basic filing requirements but the substance of the dispute will be legally complex and or involve a significant amount of money in dispute. In these situations, the DAOR has the right to decline arbitration as too legally complex or because of the magnitude of the amount involved and release the parties from their obligation to arbitrate at the association.

The C.A.R. Real Estate Mediation Center for Consumers is the default mediation provider in the revised RPA-CA. The Mediation Center offers a supportive and confidential process to help parties reach a mutually agreeable settlement and avoid the cost and expense of litigation.  The Center has highly experienced and specially trained real estate mediators on its panel to serve all metropolitan areas in California.  All panel mediators agree to reduced rates under the program.  Mediations can now be filed quickly via the Mediation Center homepage.

The Greater Downey Association of REALTOR is represented by John Giardinelli from Tyler Law Group.  We proudly make available his valuable Courtside Newsletters. Please see below.