A member that wants to resolve an issue by filing an Ethics or Arbitration complaint are advised to first consider the services of an Ombudsman. An Ombudsman helps resolve misunderstandings and disagreements through communication and conciliation, not adjudication.
Ombudsmen are trained REALTOR® members who are familiar with the SBAOR Bylaws, MLS Rules & Regulations, Code of Ethics, California real estate regulations, and current real estate practices. They can respond to a wide variety of inquiries and complaints, including general questions about real estate, transaction details, ethical practice, and enforcement issues. Ombudsmen can also respond to questions and complaints about members; contact members to inform them that a client or customer has raised an issue; and contact members for details that will provide an informed response.
If a party does not wish to attempt resolution with an Ombudsman, or the Ombudsman is unable to facilitate a resolution for the parties, the parties may progress to a formal Ethics or Arbitration Complaint.
If you would like to resolve your issue through the Ombudsman Program, start by submitting the Ombudsman Intake Form Ombudsman Intake Form by fax or email.
If you have any questions, contact the Professional Standards Administrator, Krista Pleiser, at 805-884-8609 or kpleiser@sbaor.com.
