Ethics & Advocacy
As members of the REALTOR® community, we always strive to provide exceptional service while adhering to the National Association of REALTORS® CODE OF ETHICS. We treat all our customers, clients, and other REALTORS® with respect. However, in the event of any issues, we want to ensure that you know the proper procedure to file a complaint against any member of the Hot Springs Board of Realtors®.
Ethics Complaints
REALTORS® are different from other real estate licensees in that they pledge to abide by a strict code of professional conduct above and beyond the licensing laws of the state. This conduct is outlined in the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics. If you, as a member of the public or as a REALTOR®, feel like any part of the Code has been violated by a REALTOR®, you are entitled to file a complaint. The REALTORS® Code of Ethics is comprised of seventeen Articles. The Articles are explained through accompanying Standards of Practice.
Arbitration Requests
REALTOR® Members agree to submit to arbitration for contractual and specific non-contractual disputes as defined in Standards of Practice 17-4 of the Code of Ethics, including entitlement to commission and compensation in cooperative transactions that arise of out of the business relationships between REALTORS® and between REALTORS® and their clients and customers. The Arkansas REALTORS® Association has adopted a Mediate before Arbitrate policy which means that all commission disputes will be subject to mediation prior to being decided by a hearing panel. In mediation, a neutral, third party helps those in conflict define issues, explore solutions and reach practical, workable, and mutually satisfactory agreements. Mediation seeks to prevent conflicts from escalating, saving everyone involved the time of going through a hearing or potentially to court.
You must contact the Arkansas REALTORS® Association to pay a $250 filing fee which is returned if mediation is successful or if the arbitration is decided in your favor. You will receive additional information on mediation once the arbitration request is filed and the fee is paid.
Realtor Party RPAC
The REALTOR® Party is a powerful alliance of REALTORS® and REALTOR® Associations working to advance public policies and candidates that build strong communities, protect property interests, and promote a vibrant business environment. Since 1969, the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) has promoted the election of pro-REALTOR® candidates across the United States. The purpose of RPAC is clear: voluntary contributions made by REALTORS® are used to help elect candidates who support their interests. These are not members’ dues; this is money given freely by REALTORS® in recognition of the importance of the political process.
The Arkansas REALTORS® Political Action Committee pursues the election of candidates who support REALTOR® issues and who understand the important role that the industry plays in a healthy economy. Every member has a voice in issues that affect the success of our industry, but our voices are louder when joined in messaging. It’s important to know when it comes to politics and supporting our industry, your dollars combined with the dollars of your fellow REALTORS® from across the state has more impact than yours alone.