REALTOR® issues can be resolved by our association if the issue breaks the Code of Ethics. Learn more about the Code of Ethics to determine if your issue can be adjudicated by our association.

 The Sun Valley Board of REALTORS® does NOT oversee licensing in the state of Idaho, that is done by the state governing body, the Idaho Real Estate Commission (IREC). IREC also enforces the Idaho real estate license law, so if you believe an agent has broken licensing laws, please contact IREC’s Enforcement Department.

If it does appear an ethical violation took place, please go on to Step 2.

If you do not believe your issue violates the Code of Ethics, but you do believe there was a professionalism issue that you want to discuss with the REALTOR®, you can also potentially utilize Step 2.

Many problems arise because of poor communication, and the first step in our resolution process is to open up a dialogue about the issue. You are welcome to reach out to the REALTOR® party directly, but if you would prefer a neutral party to assist, the REALTOR® Association offers ombudsman services.

Ombudsman

Ombudsman services allow a neutral third party to guide the discussion between you and the party with whom you have issue. Our ombudsman also has “investigative” authorities, where she can interview the parties involved in the transaction to gain a better understanding of the events that transpired. The ombudsman will not decide who is “right”, but will gather all the facts and present them to the disputing parties. Oftentimes, this provides information that you weren’t aware of before and can help to guide a discussion towards a resolution. Ombudsman services are free and voluntary.

Click here to contact our Ombudsman (link to Debra Hall’s email address)

If the Ombudsman is unable to resolve the issue, the next step is to file a formal complaint.

Complaint Form: There is a required form to be filled out that tells us who the complaint is about and which article of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics that you believe they violated. You will want to attach an explanation of what happened to your complaint so that we can understand why you feel that the Code of Ethics was violated. You need to specifically cite which Article of the Code of Ethics was violated in your complaint, and if you cite several articles as having been violated, explain how each one was violated. You should also attach any supporting documentation related to the issue.

Arbitrable Issues: If your complaint relates to Article 17 of the Code of Ethics, you will need to submit a Request to Arbitrate rather than a complaint form. If you are unsure of whether your issue constitutes an arbitrable issue, please click here for more information on the NAR website. If you are not a member of the Sun Valley Board of REALTORS®, make sure you select the “Nonmember” version of the Request to Arbitrate.

Process: Your complaint will be sent to the Grievance Committee (who acts like a grand jury) to determine if there is any basis for a hearing. If the Grievance Committee determines that there has potentially been a violation, they will send the complaint onto the Professional Standards Committee for a hearing. The Professional Standards Committee will hold an official hearing to review the potential violation and come to a determination.

To get started, review the Code of Ethics and complete the appropriate form below.