CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

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Ethics Advocate

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Advocate

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ethics advocates your most valuable resource in a dispute

All members filing or receiving disciplinary complaints may take advantage of CCAR’s free Ethics Advocate services. Ethics Advocates are specially trained and authorized to assist members throughout every step of the process.

at your service

CCAR Ethics Advocates are specially trained volunteer members who donate their time and expertise to assist fellow-members throughout the entire professional standards process. 

Ethics Advocates’ services include assisting with forms preparation and evidence gathering; opening and closing statements on behalf of each party represented; examining and cross-examining witnesses; introducing affidavits, documents and other relevant evidence; and representation at any review hearings, but does not include testifying as a witness.

 

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complainants

If you have filed or plan to file a disciplinary complaint against one of your fellow CCAR members, you are entitled to the services of an Association Ethics Advocate who will provide guidance and representation throughout the entire professional standards process. This service is extraordinarily valuable for each person involved in a dispute.

respondents

If you’ve been named in an alleged ethics complaint, you are entitled to the services of a CCAR Ethics Advocate who will provide guidance and representation throughout the entire professional standards process. This service is extraordinarily valuable for each person involved in a dispute.

request an ethics advocate

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

CONTACT:

CCAR Professional Standards 

(925) 295-9220

[email protected]

Professional Standards
Pathways to Professionalism

RESOURCES:

> NAR CODE OF ETHICS

> MLS RULES & REGS

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