Ethics. Relations. Education.

The professional standard that sets REALTORS® apart from other real estate practitioners is their acceptance and adherence to the Code of Ethics. NAR’s Code of Ethics, adopted in 1913, was one of the first codifications of ethical duties adopted by any business group. The Code ensures that consumers are served by requiring REALTORS® to cooperate with each other in furthering clients’ best interests. It is universally recognized by practitioners, lawyers and laymen alike as the measure of professionalism in real estate. The Code has been revised many times through the years to reflect current developments in professional real estate practice. When you abide by the Code, it ensures your fellow practitioners and the public of a high standard of business conduct.

The Kent Washington Association of REALTORS® (KWAOR) offers its members and their clients a procedure to economically expedite ethics complaints and/or arbitration requests without going to court. Ethics complaints brought before a local association give those parties involved an opportunity to be educated about the Code, and REALTORS® are judged by their peers as opposed to others who may be far less familiar with the practices and customs of the real estate industry.

In addition to our core processes, KWAOR offers less formal procedures for resolving disputes by providing Ombudsman assistance. Through an Ombudsman, REALTORS® and the public can request assistance with real-estate related matters allowing a trained Ombudsman to act as an intermediary to assist with a successful resolution. 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.

MEDIATION — Code of Ethics Complaints

When an ethics complaint is filed, KWAOR encourages the parties to consider mediation as a first step. Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process in which a trained, neutral mediator helps the parties work toward a mutually acceptable resolution — without the need for a formal hearing. It is faster, less adversarial, and often results in an outcome that all parties can feel good about.

If mediation is successful, the complaint is resolved, and no further action is required. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the matter proceeds through the standard ethics hearing process. Choosing to attempt mediation does not waive any rights or affect the formal process in any way.

MEDIATION — Arbitration Disputes

For arbitration matters, mediation is not optional — it is a required step before a hearing request will be scheduled. KWAOR believes that most commission and compensation disputes can be resolved more effectively through guided conversation than through a formal hearing, and this requirement reflects that commitment.

A neutral, trained mediator will meet with both parties to help facilitate a resolution. The process is confidential, and nothing discussed during mediation may be used in any subsequent arbitration hearing. In many cases, parties reach a satisfactory agreement without ever proceeding to a panel.

If mediation is attempted in good faith but does not result in a settlement, the arbitration hearing will then be scheduled, and the process will move forward. Members are encouraged to come to mediation prepared and open to resolution — it is a meaningful opportunity to resolve a dispute efficiently and professionally.