Getting to “Pro” You: Maximizing Your Professional Standards Member Benefit

Members of NOMAR and REALTORS® everywhere are committed to higher standards of professionalism, ethics, and integrity, beyond the minimum standards imposed upon all Louisiana licensees.. But what does that entail day-to-day? And how does it benefit you?

NOMAR’s Professional Standards services are your built-in support system for upholding ethical excellence and resolving professional disputes efficiently. This system supports everyone in the real estate ecosystem: you, the licensed professional member of NOMAR; your colleagues; your clients; and the public.

Your Core Value Proposition: The REALTOR® Code of Ethics

At the heart of your membership is the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. Established over 100 years ago, this Code goes beyond legal requirements to ensure fair, honest, and transparent dealings in real estate. While state laws set the minimum bar, the Code of Ethics raises it.

This means:

• We pledge to treat clients and colleagues with honesty and fairness.
• We agree to be accountable for professional conduct.
• We get the assurance that others in the industry are held to the same high standard.

And if a conflict arises? That’s where the Professional Standards process steps in.

Your Toolkit for Conflict Resolution

The very first step is to submit an inquiry via the NOMAR Professional Standards Intake form. NOMAR’s trained professional standards administrators will review the situation at hand and advise on the next steps in the process.

NOMAR’s Professional Conduct Committees—including Ombudsman, Grievance, Mediation, and Professional Standards—are supported by more than 100 trained volunteer members who dedicate their time and expertise to ensuring fair and ethical practices in the real estate profession.

Let’s say you’ve reached out via the intake form and your concern or dispute is appropriate for resolution under the Code of Ethics. What happens next? Luckily, NOMAR has structured pathways to help resolve issues without dragging things into lengthy battles. Here’s how it works (click here for a visual guide):

1. Ombudsman Program: The “Let’s Talk It Out” Option

Before things escalate, NOMAR offers an Ombudsman service through a neutral, third-party professional who acts as an informal go-between to help clear up misunderstandings. A simple conversation is often all it takes to resolve a potential complaint before it turns into a formal case.

2. Let’s Get Ethical: Keeping Standards High

If a violation of the Code of Ethics is suspected, a formal complaint can be filed. Here’s what you need to know:

• No fees to file a complaint.
• Must be submitted within 180 days of the time that the alleged offense and facts relating to it could have been known by the complaining party in the exercise of reasonable diligence.
• Reviewed by NOMAR’s Grievance Committee to determine if it warrants a hearing.
• If necessary, the Professional Standards Committee holds a hearing and makes a ruling.

If a REALTOR® is found in violation, disciplinary actions can range from fines to educational or training requirements and, in severe cases, suspension of membership benefits.

3. Arbitration & Mediation: Resolving Disputes

Disputes happen. When they do, NOMAR offers Mediation and Arbitration to resolve them fairly and professionally:

• Mediation: A facilitated negotiation to reach a mutually agreeable solution (and a great way to avoid formal arbitration).
• Arbitration: A formal hearing where a panel determines the outcome based on the facts of the case. Each party pays a $500 filing fee, which is refunded to the prevailing party. The amount in dispute must exceed $1,000 to qualify for Arbitration services at NOMAR.

These processes may keep disputes out of the courtroom, saving time, money, and relationships.

Why This Matters to You

Think of NOMAR’s Professional Standards services as a business safety net. They protect your reputation, uphold the credibility of the industry, and provide fair solutions to conflicts. Plus, they ensure that you and your colleagues are working in an environment built on trust and accountability.

So, the next time you encounter a professional dilemma, remember you have an entire system backing you up. Whether it’s a quick inquiry from the intake form, a conversation via the Ombudsman program or a more formal hearing, NOMAR’s Professional Standards process is here to support you as we work together to uplift and enhance the industry.

Stay Pro, Stay Ethical, Stay REALTOR® Strong.

For more information or to file an inquiry, visit nomar.org/pro-standards.