The Professional Standards Department processes ethical complaints against members of our Association and arbitrations between broker members of the Southland Regional Association of REALTORS®. We also administrate mediations for the public, using the SRAR Mediation Services panel of mediators.

Click here to download the Professional Standards Rules.


UPDATED SHORT SALE GUIDELINES

SRAR has recently revised its Short Sale Guidelines. These guidelines were last revised in 1994 so it was time for an update. The new guidelines start out with a definition of a Short Sale. Next, the guidelines have a section for Recommended Procedures for a listing broker when taking a short sale listing. This is followed by a section on Recommended Procedures for the Selling broker. After this there is a section containing General Guidelines which includes information on Reporting the Sale to MLS, Disposition of the Deposit, Opening of Escrow and finally the recommended procedure for handling offers received after the original offer has been accepted by the seller and forwarded to the lender for short sale approval. A review of these guidelines would be prudent to make sure you are familiar with the recommended procedures for handling short sales.  Additionally, please take a look at the Short Sale Tips provided by the California Association of REALTORS®

• Short Sale Guidelines (Revised - 7/26/2012)
• Short Sale Tips For REALTORS®

Ombudsman Program

If you are in a dispute with a member of the SRAR and have not yet or do not yet want to file an official complaint, your issue may be resolved through the use of our Ombudsman Program. This program is designed to have an experienced member contact both parties and attempt to resolve the matter in an informal way. This is a free service.

• Notice of Ombudsman Services
• Application to Participate in Ombudsman Service
• Appendix C

Ethical Complaints

Statue of Limitations is 180 days from the date of the alleged violation. Anyone can file an ethical complaint against one of our members.

• Ethics Complaint Packet
• Case Interpretations
• NAR Code of Ethics (English)
• NAR Code of Ethics (Spanish)
• NAR Code of Ethics (Korean)
• NAR Code of Ethics (Traditional Chinese)
• NAR Code of Ethics (Simplified Chinese)
• NAR Code of Ethics (Vietnamese)
• NAR Code of Ethics (Tagalog)

Arbitration Complaints

Statue of Limitations is 6 months from close of escrow. There is a $250 filing fee to be paid by the complainant and a $100 fee to be paid by the respondent.

Once both the complaint and response have been received, the case is assigned to a volunteer mediator. We strongly recommend that both sides attempt to settle their dispute through mediation. If not, the case goes forward to an arbitration hearing. The decision of the arbitrators is final and binding. There is no appeal of an arbitration award.

• Arbitration Complaint Packet
• Procuring Cause Guidelines

Mediation for the Public

SRAR Mediation Services provides mediation for the public at reasonable rates and has a high rate of success. There is a non-refundable administrative filing fee, payable to SRAR, of $50 per party. The cost for the mediation session is $400.00 per party for the first 3 hours. After the first 3 hours, the cost is $150 per hour, per side. All mediation fees are paid directly to the mediator.

• Public Mediation Cover Letter
• Mediation Intake Form
• Credit Card Fax Transmittal Form
• Resolve Your Dispute Without Going to Court

The Professional Standards Administration is happy to answer any questions you may have regarding any of these services. Send your questions via email to michelleg@srar.com or call (818) 947-2271.

 Advertising Rules

• Advertising Rules for Members