CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

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C.A.R. Ombudsman Volunteers On Call to Answer Non-Legal Questions

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If you’re a member looking to resolve a minor dispute or communication issue with another REALTOR®, a C.A.R. Ombudsman can help! C.A.R. Ombudsmen are REALTORS® who volunteer their time to answer non-legal questions and resolve non-legal disputes. 

C.A.R. Ombudsman aim to enhance communication among REALTORS® and can propose resolutions for minor issues raised by clients or other members, avoiding escalation. Some common grievances include claims of possible ethics violations and communication issues, such as misrepresentation and lying, as well as complaints surrounding cancellation of a contract, listing, or escrow. The C.A.R. Ombudsman Hotline is standing by to help.

The C.A.R. Ombudsman Hotline, is a free service C.A.R. offer its members and their clients. An Ombudsman is a trained REALTOR® volunteer who functions as an impartial and independent point of contact who can answer questions about your transaction, facilitate communication, suggest potential solutions, and help prevent misunderstandings from escalating into larger disputes. They do not mediate or adjudicate disputes nor can they compel either party to take specific actions.

If you have concerns regarding a member’s professional conduct or transaction issues, or if you want neutral advice from a peer, Ombudsmen are available to assist you at no charge.

Please Note: Ombudsmen are not attorneys, and do not provide legal advice or answer legal questions.

For C.A.R. members or their clients interested in using this service, Ombudsman assistance can be requested at the Hotline via phone at 213.739.7227 or through the link below.

REQUEST ASSISTANCE

What you’ll need
If you would like ombudsman assistance, you must provide the following information:

  • Your name, email, and telephone number
  • Members: Your license number
    Non-members: The license number of the agent who is representing you
  • For dispute resolution: The license number of the other party in a real estate transaction
  • The topic of the matter

The Call is Confidential
The intake coordinator requires license information to properly assign the call to an ombudsman; however, the ombudsman assigned to you will not contact the REALTOR® involved unless you request such contact.