CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

Moves You Forward.

Consequences

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Gavel on Block with Money

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know the consequences!

Disciplinary consequences resulting from ethics violations vary in scope depending on the seriousness of offense which can include suspension or termination of membership rights and privileges. CCAR provides members with the education and resources they need to avoid disciplinary action and conduct business with integrity and professionalism.

disciplinary guidelines & practices

Discipline is designed to achieve several goals. First and foremost, it serves as a deterrent for future violations. It is also a binding, mechanism to promote education and awareness about the meaning and significance of the NAR REALTOR® Code of Ethics.

Disciplinary action against CCAR and MLS members is based on guidelines proscribed in the C.A.R. Ethics and Arbitration Manual, it is cumulative, and may consist of one or more of the following:

–  Letter of warning

–  Letter of reprimand

–  Cease and desist order

–  Suspension of membership

–  Expulsion of membership

–  Fines up to $15,000

–  Required training

your pledge to realtors® + public

By signing a CCAR membership and/or MLS application form, applicants are signing a contract that requires strict adherence to the NAR Code of Ethics, the rules and bylaws of the Contra Costa Association of REALTORS® and/or CCAR Multiple Listing Service.

If found in violation of any ethical standards, rules and regulations members are subject to discipline, which can result in suspension or termination of membership rights and privileges. Ethics violations and MLS violations are all subject to discipline and enforcement by CCAR.

our pledge to you

CCAR’s highest obligation is to educate members about the rules and regulations governing their profession and to protect the due process rights of all parties involved in disputes. These include the right to a full and fair hearing before an impartial tribunal with knowledge of and an opportunity to defend against those charges.

violations published

Using information contained in a statewide database, C.A.R. publishes all ethics violations that result in reprimand, probation, suspension or expulsion or fine. Publication includes name, photo, discipline imposed and facts of a case.

| CODE OF ETHICS VIOLATORS |

CONTACT:

CCAR Professional Standards 

(925) 295-9220

[email protected]

roles and responsibilities

The CCAR Grievance Committee is responsible for reviewing complaints and determining whether a Professional Standards hearing should be conducted or whether the complaint should be dismissed as insufficient. The Grievance Committee does not decide the ultimate issue of guilt or innocence.

The Professional Standards Committee is a group of specially trained member volunteers who act as panel members for individual hearings. Individual panels consist of four Committee members (a Presiding Officer and three panel members) who are selected on a case-by-case basis and subject to review by all parties. Other restrictions are applied.

Top Three Ethics Violations

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Ethics Advocates Your Most Valuable Resource in a Dispute

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Advocate

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ethics advocates your most valuable resource in a dispute

An Ethics Advocate (EA) is a no-cost resource available upon request, supporting complainants and respondents involved in disciplinary proceedings.

Ethics Advocates, who are trained Professional Standards volunteers, assist parties throughout the process. They help with concise form preparation, gathering evidence, and can provide support during hearings if requested.

While EAs are not attorneys and cannot practice law, they aid parties in presenting their case effectively, including completing Complaint and Response Forms and identifying relevant evidence. EAs do not act as witnesses during hearings. Although individuals must attend hearings themselves, an EA offers valuable assistance before, during, and after the hearing. It’s important to note that using an EA does not preclude parties from retaining their own legal representation if desired.

Both Complainants (if you filed the disciplinary complaint) and Respondents (if you’ve been named in an alleged ethics complaint) are entitled to the services of an Ethics Advocate.

CONTACT:

CCAR Professional Standards 
925.295.9220
[email protected]

C.A.R. OmbudsmEn

C.A.R. Ombudsmen are also available to answer non-legal questions and assist members in resolving non-legal issues. For more information, visit: www.car.org/helplines/ombudsman

Disciplinary vs. Arbitration Process

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Lady Justice Statue

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DISCIPLINARY & ARBITRATION complaints -
what's the difference?

Consumers and REALTORS may file two types of complaints with CCAR depending on the nature of the complaint. Disciplinary complaints are non-monetary and arbitration complaints involve monetary contractual/financial-related issues.

disciplinary complaints

CONSUMERS vs. REALTORS &:

REALTORS vs. REALTORS:

Disciplinary (non-monetary) complaints of unethical conduct refer to alleged violations of the National Association of REALTORS Code of Ethics, CCAR MLS Rules & Regulations and other membership duties set forth in the CCAR Bylaws. These complaints are reviewed by CCAR Professional Standards Committee and may result in disciplinary action against a member.

anonymous complaints

Anonymous disciplinary complaints may also be filed with CCAR. Special instructions apply. 

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Professional Standards

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arbitration complaints

CONSUMERS vs. REALTORS &

REALTORS vs. REALTORS:

Arbitration (monetary) complaints refer to contractual issues and questions including entitlement to commissions and compensation in cooperative transactions that arise out of business relationships between REALTORS and REALTORS and REALTORS and their clients.

Arbitration complaints are subject to mediation services prior to formal arbitration proceedings.

support

CCAR Ethics Advocates provide members with assistance with the complaint filing process and representation throughout ethics hearings: [email protected]

C.A.R. Ombudsmen are REALTOR volunteers who are available to answer non-legal questions and assist in resolving non-legal issues: www.car.org/helplines/ombudsman.

180 days to file complaint

Complaints must be filed within 180 days from the time a complainant knows/reasonably should have known that unethical conduct occurred. After filing a formal ethics complaint, complainants can expect CCAR to follow standard processing procedures established by the California Association of REALTORS.

complaint forms

FILING instructions

code of ethics

mls rules & regulations

ccar bylaws

c.a.r. ethics & arbitration manual

CONTACT:

CCAR Professional Standards 

(925) 295-9220

[email protected]

Mediation

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Let's talk

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mediation the bridge to conflict resolution

The mediation process plays a vital role in conflict resolution. You use it informally with your kids, in your relationships, and probably in your every day life. CCAR’s Professional Standards mediation process bridges the gap between conflicting parties and facilitates constructive communication.

Mediation the mandatory first step in Arbitration

The CCAR arbitration process starts with the most common-sense approach to conflict resolution: mediation. Mediation is required in all monetary/contractual arbitration proceedings.

The mediation process provides members with a neutral forum to meet face-to-face and talk about their issues. Together, with the help and expertise of a trained Association mediator, they can resolve their own disputes before their case is placed in the hands of the Professional Standards Committee for a formal hearing. 

CONTACT:

CCAR Professional Standards 

(925) 295-9220

[email protected]

For more detailed information on Professional Standards processes and procedures, click here >

Here's how it works...

Mediators are specially trained member volunteers who have demonstrated a high success rate resolving monetary complaints. Attorney fees can be reduced or avoided entirely if the mediation results in a settlement.

Mediation sessions can be conducted within a few days or weeks following a dispute. They are conducted at CCAR headquarters and designed to facilitate open, candid discussion between all parties with the goal of reaching a resolution acceptable to all. All information discussed and disclosed is private and kept confidential.

While CCAR promotes mediation, please be advised of the following:

If you are the complainant in the dispute, you must also file an arbitration complaint to preserve your right to arbitration. 

If the parties are unable to reach a mutually acceptable resolution of the dispute through mediation, an arbitration hearing will be scheduled. 

Two Professionals Arguing

Mediators help empower the parties to reach their own mutually-acceptable resolution rather than have one imposed upon them

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Professional Standards

Government Advocacy: Your Lifeline to Prosperity

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realtor action fund logo

Now more than ever, Association membership is vital to your business; your dues and RAF contributions are yielding concrete benefits in real time enabling you to conduct business during a national public health crisis that has immobilized millions.

Throughout the past several months, CCAR, C.A.R. and NAR have been hard at work helping to keep your businesses alive and viable during the COVID-19 crisis. Among the outstanding achievements accomplished on your behalf during this shelter-in-place-era include the landmark coup at the county, state and national levels to establish residential real estate as an “Essential Service”.

Without the powerful influence and daily work of your Association government advocacy teams—the core service at the heart of your trade association benefits package—your business might still be shut down due to COVID-19. As a result of the dedicated campaign forged on your behalf to raise awareness and educate government officials about the critical necessity of residential real estate, CCAR, C.A.R. and NAR have opened up a lifeline between government authority and your industry.

Government Advocacy Victories

Following are some examples of your association dues at work to support your business:

CCAR Victories

  • Real Estate as Essential Business Classification
 
  • Property Viewing Authorization
 
  • Ongoing education/outreach to influence COVID-19 decision-making and legislation

Education Opportunities

The entire local, State and National REALTOR® Association network has created a dynamic program of services to meet your special needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Powered by virtual technology, CCAR continues to offer a comprehensive education curriculum and provide uninterrupted membership benefits and services.

>  CCAR Education Calendar > 
>  C.A.R. Education Offerings > 
>  NAR Education Offerings > 

C.A.R. Victories

  • AB 2406 (Wicks) Statewide Rental Registry – C.A.R. opposed this measure as it sought to establish an expansive statewide one-size-fits-all mandate. It did not advance out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee and will not be moving forward this year.
  • AB 1905 (Chiu) Housing & Homeless Response Fund: Personal Income Taxation: Mortgage Interest Deduction – C.A.R. opposition efforts effectively killed this measure in the in the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee.
  • SB 939 (Wiener) Emergencies: COVID-19: Commercial Tenancies: Evictions – C.A.R. opposition efforts successfully derailed this measure in the Senate Appropriations Committee and it will not be moving forward.
  • AB 2501 (Limon) COVID-19: Homeowner, Tenant, And Consumer Relief – C.A.R. is opposed to this measure as it may create negative effects on current and prospective homeowners and places onerous requirements for rental property owners and poses disastrous effects on tenants. AB 2501 was defeated on the Assembly Floor this week.
  • ACA 11 (Mullin) The Home Protection for Seniors, Severely Disabled, Families, and Victims of Wildfire or Natural Disasters Act – C.A.R. successfully influenced the passing of this enhanced measure in both legislative houses. It will replace C.A.R.’s original initiative on the ballot, strengthening the provisions and dedicated funding for fire protection and emergency response to safeguard communities across the state.

        See all recent C.A.R. legislative victories >

NAR Victories

  • Real estate “Essential Service” business classification
  • Self-employment
    protections and assistance
  • IRS protections/deadline delays for commercial real estate
  • Mortgage and rental forbearance and relief packages
  • Loans for independent contractors/ small businesses

See more details about NAR’s advocacy work during COVID-19 >

Contribute!

You can help influence future legislative action by contributing to the RAF – Realtor Action Fund >