Communication breakdowns are a common cause of disputes. In many cases, initiating a conversation, such as a simple phone call to express concerns, can help resolve misunderstandings. However, when direct communication is not preferred or effective, the Sun Valley Board of REALTOR® Association offers professional mediation and ombudsman services to assist members and members of the public in resolving conflicts constructively.

Mediation Services
Mediation provides an opportunity for both parties to engage in a structured conversation facilitated by a neutral third party. The mediator's role is to guide the dialogue, de-escalate emotional tensions, and assist participants in working toward a mutually acceptable resolution. Mediators do not render judgments or determine who is “right,” but rather support productive communication. Mediation is a free and voluntary service; participation from all parties is required.

Ombudsman Services
Ombudsman services offer a less formal alternative to mediation. The ombudsman may independently contact the individuals involved to gather information and better understand the nature of the dispute. While not a decision-maker, the ombudsman can help clarify issues and share relevant insights with the parties, often facilitating resolution through improved understanding. This service is also free and voluntary.

For more information or to request assistance, please contact our Ombudsmans.

Debra Hall

Jim Figge

Sandra Caulkins

If the problem rises to the level of deliberate misconduct, negligence, or incompetence, the Association has a more formal route to resolution.

In order to become a REALTOR®, a real estate licensee agrees to subscribe to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. This Code of Ethics holds the REALTOR® to a higher level of professionalism, and if they violate or “break” one of the “rules”, there are consequences. The result of an ethical violation may be a fine, mandatory education, a letter of reprimand, and/or suspension from the REALTOR® organizations.

The Association does not have the ability to cause the REALTOR® to pay “reparations” as a result of unethical behavior, and any financial compensation sought must be done through a court of competent jurisdiction (e.g. small claims)

Filing an ethics complaint is fairly simple. We have a required form for you to fill 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. If you cite several articles as having been violated, explain how each one was violated. Also, attach any supporting documentation that you might have. This will strengthen your position and helps us to understand the issue fully.

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 a court hearing of sorts where the issue at hand is the behavior of the REALTOR®.

To get started, review the complaint form and the Code of Ethics below:

• 2025 Code of Ethics
• File an Ethics Complaint
• File an Arbitration

To learn more about the professional standards enforcement procedures, you can visit the National Association of REALTORS®.