Task Force Recommends Broader Use of ADR by Realtors

An advisory group appointed by the National Association of Realtors to come up with long-term strategic plans has endorsed Mediation and Ombuds programs for its 1,600 local associations. In a report issued this week, the advisory group said that existing processes for both Realtor vs. Realtor and Consumer vs. Realtor complaints takes too long. (Report of the Organizational Alignment Presidential Advisory Group.)

According to the report, the solution is one of three options for local associations:

Mediation;
Ombudsman;
Citation Policy (in consultation with NAR legal department).

Although not acknowledged in the report, many state and local Realtor associations have already adopted Ombuds programs for informal conflict resolution. The volunteer Ombuds in these programs are often experienced Realtors who also have been trained by NAR or local mediation programs.

The National Association of Realtors Ombuds program is based largely on the International Ombudsman Association's standards of confidentiality, independence, neutrality and informality. However, there has not yet been any collaboration between the two organizations.

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