In most cases, working with a REALTOR® is a straightforward and professional process. However, sometimes buyers or sellers may disagree with their real estate agents. These issues are often due to miscommunication or misunderstandings versus unethical conduct.

Usually, these disagreements can be resolved by the two parties communicating with each other and working towards a mutually beneficial resolution. In the event that a resolution cannot be reached, buyers and sellers may have legal recourse depending on which agency their real estate agent is licensed by. Here’s how to navigate a real estate dispute due to potential violations of ethics guidelines.

What Is the Code of Ethics?

REALTORS® are required to abide by the Association’s Code of Ethics, which provides guidance to REALTORS® on how to ensure that buyers and sellers are treated professionally and fairly. Other real estate agents who are not REALTORS® are not required to abide by the Association’s Code. It is up to the Association to decide if the Code of Ethics has been violated and to what degree in each circumstance.

Associations of REALTORS® may choose to take disciplinary action against REALTORS® who violate the Code of Ethics. This may include but is not limited to having their membership to the Association revoked. If the real estate agent that you are working with is not a licensed REALTOR®, you may have fewer legal options should the agent act unethically.

Filing an Ethics Complaint Against a REALTOR®

If Your Real Estate Agent Violates Ethical Guidelines? If you believe your REALTOR® has engaged in unethical conduct, you may file a complaint with the Association for a violation of their Code of Ethics. Include information about what happened and how these circumstances led to the violation of one or more Articles of the Association’s Code.

You should file the complaint as soon as you can after you make the decision to report your REALTOR®, because you only have a certain amount of time after the transaction to file an ethics complaint. If you fail to do so within this window of time, which is usually about 180 days, you run the risk that the Association will not accept your complaint at all.

Call a South Florida Real Estate Litigation Attorney For Help Now

If you need real estate litigation help in South Florida, call Attorney Joseph Hughes today for consultation. Dial (954) 256-5125 now or fill out our quick contact form and we’ll get back with you as soon as possible.