Task Force Recommends Broader Use of Ombuds by REALTORS

An advisory group appointed by the National Association of REALTORS to come up with long-term strategic plans has endorsed Ombuds programs for its 1,600 local associations.

Realtor Ombuds Programs Continue to Proliferate

The Tahoe Sierra Board of Realtors is implementing a new ombudsman program to assist agents and members of the public by answering questions and addressing ethical issues that frequently develop in the business. The practice is growing among local realtor boards, after a pilot program by the California Association of Realtors was well-received. Realtor ombuds do not practice to IOA or USOA standards, but instead follow a National Association of Realtors (NAR) policy. Nonetheless, realtor ombuds are impartial and informal, and work to resolve misunderstandings and disagreements through facilitation rather than adjudication. (Sierra Sun News; NAR Policy on Ombudsman.)

California Association of Realtors Unveils Ombuds Program

The state trade association of 155,000 real estate professionals has adopted an Ombuds program for its members. According to a new website for the office:

Sacramento Association of Realtors Implements Ombuds Program

The realtor group for the California state capital has unveiled an Ombudsman service. It appears that the program follows the National Association of Realtors standards, which is based on the IOA standards of confidentiality, neutrality, independence and informality. One potential deviation is the role of the Ombuds as a complainant's representative at an ethics mediation.

Realtors to Require Local Ombuds Nationwide Next Year

The National Association of REALTORS® will all state and local associations to provide Ombudsman Services by January 1, 2016 pursuant to Professional Standards Policy Statement #59.  According to a press release, "It is the belief of the National Association’s Professional Standards Committee that many ethics complaints might be averted with enhanced communications and initial problem-solving capacity at the local level."

Your Turn: What Was the Ombuds Story of the 2014?

Dear Readers:
What do you think was most important story about Organizational Ombuds in 2014? Choose your top three stories in the poll in the right hand column or comment on this post.  I'll publish the results.

Here's a recap of my top ten:

New Jersey Realtors Launch Ombuds Program

The Hunterdon/Somerset Association of Realtors has an implemented an Ombuds program as part of the National Association of Realtors Professional Standards Program. As only the second Realtor Ombuds program east of the Mississippi, it will be used by the association to assist parties to resolve disputes both between the public and Realtors, and between Realtors themselves. (MyCentralJersey.com.)

Related post: Realtor Ombuds Programs Continue to Proliferate.

National Association of Realtors Will Train Ombuds at Annual Conference

When NAR holds its annual meeting in Anaheim, CA next month, attendees will be able to take a course in creating an Ombuds program for real estate disputes. A two hour session titled, "How to Develop a Local Ombudsman Program" will be offered on November 13.

Illinois Association of Realtors Ombuds Program Gains Traction

The state-wide real estate trade association launched its Ombudsman program in 2013.  Staffed by trained volunteers, the program has handled about 55 matters so far this year.  A recent article in the Chicago Tribune provides a few more details.  (Chicago Tribune.)

Portland Realtors Adopt Ombuds Program

The Portland (Oregon) Metropolitan Association of Realtors has implemented a Ombudsman process to handle concerns related to real estate practices, transaction details, ethical practices and enforcement issues. The PMAR Ombuds program will follow the National Association of Realtors and is administered by PMAR's Dispute Resolution Services Manager, Susan Schneider. (PMAR Ombuds.)

Fort Collins Realtors Join Colorado Ombuds Program

Board of Realtors in Fort Collins Colorado has joined the Colorado Association of Realtors' initiative to create a statewide network of locally trained Ombuds for Realtors and the public. The CAR program is meant to serve as an intermediary informal step for individuals with concerns about real estate transactions. 

The 2015 Ombuds Blog Annual Top Ten List, Part IV

The fifth annual survey of the top Organizational Ombuds stories concludes with the final three entries.