Ombudsmen/Mediation
Ombudsman Process
Many “complaints” received by boards and associations do not expressly allege violations of specific Articles of the Code of Ethics, and many do not detail conduct related to the Code. Some “complaints” are actually transactional, technical, or procedural questions readily responded to.
It is the belief of the Idaho REALTOR’s Professional Standards Committee that many ethics complaints might be averted with enhanced communications and initial problem-solving capacity at the local or regional level. So the IR has ombudsman procedures in place that are intended to provide that capacity.
The ombudsman’s role is primarily one of communication and conciliation, not adjudication. Ombudsmen do not determine whether ethics violations have occurred, rather they anticipate, identify, and resolve misunderstandings and disagreements before matters ripen into disputes and possible charges of unethical conduct.
For more information or to utilize the ombudsman service, please contact Melissa Gray or (208) 342-3585.
Mediation Process
Traditionally, real estate industry disputes rely on negotiation for solutions. If negotiation fails, litigation or arbitration is often initiated. Mediation involves the skillful intervention of a third-party professional to help resolve disputes that arise between two or more parties.
Mediation can be a useful tool in resolving the conflicts that arise involving Board Members and their clients and customers. Mediation can resolve controversy, promote amicable resolutions, and reduce the number of cases requiring the more formal and complex arbitration procedures of the Board.
Idaho REALTORS® has a Mediation process and in 2012 the Board of Directors approved its mandatory use prior to Arbitration for those Boards that contract with the Idaho REALTORS® of these services.
For more information or to utilize the mediation services, please contact Melissa Gray or (208) 342-3585.