Dispute Resolution

Chicago REALTORS® Professional Standards and Dispute Resolution

The professional standard that sets REALTORS® apart from other real estate practitioners is their acceptance and adherence to the Code of Ethics. The Code has been revised many times through the years to reflect current developments in professional real estate practice. But even with the best of intentions, planning and preparation, occasional disagreements arise between REALTORS® and/or between REALTORS® and their clients or customers. As civil litigation becomes increasingly costly, time consuming, and burdensome, there has been a trend among private parties to settle disputes and conflicting claims through alternative means.

How It Works: A High-Level Overview

The Chicago Association of REALTORS® Professional Standards Department offers its members and their clients a vehicle to economically expedite ethics complaints and/or arbitration requests without going to court. Ethics complaints brought before a local association give those parties involved an opportunity to be educated about the Code, and REALTORS® are judged by their peers as opposed to others who may be far less familiar with the practices and customs of the real estate industry.

Less Formal Dispute Resolution options

In addition to our core processes, the CAR Professional Standard and Dispute Resolution staff offers less formal vehicles for resolving disputes. Our newest offering is Ombudsman assistance. Through an Ombudsman, REALTORS® and the public can request assistance with real-estate related matters allowing a trained Ombudsman to act as an intermediary to assist with a successful resolution.

CAR also requires mediation prior to arbitration. CAR has seen a successful resolution in over 90% of all mediated cases. Through both processes, CAR helps our members maintain their relationships with other practitioners as well as offer a quick and cost-effective way to handle disputes outside of the court system.