How the Complaint Process Works

How the Complaint process works

First, you will need to review the Code of Ethics and determine which Article you believe the REALTOR® to have violated. You can use the Standards of Practice to support your allegation, but you must list a particular Article(s).

After you have reviewed the Code, complete the Ethics Complaint Form #E-1, provide a written explanation that includes the facts on which the alleged violation(s) is based, cite the appropriate Article(s), and include all documentation you feel is pertinent to your complaint.

Send the completed form and documents to info@jbornc.com, or mail or drop off at the Jacksonville Board of REALTORS®, 200 Preston Rd., Ste 100, Jacksonville NC 28540.

The professional standards administrator staff will send the paperwork to the grievance committee;

The committee, in reviewing the complaint, will determine:

a. If the facts alleged are taken as true on their face, is it possible that a violation of the Code of Ethics occurred;

b. Dismiss the complaint for lack of evidence, if the allegation(s) taken as true on their face, could constitute a violation of the Code;

c. Determine if the complaint meets the criteria for an Article 12 citation;

d. Refer this matter to an ethics mediator.

If all relevant questions have been answered to the satisfaction of the grievance committee, and the allegations, if taken as true, could constitute a violation of the Code, the matter will be referred for a hearing by an ethics Hearing Panel.

1. If the matter is referred to a hearing panel, the professional standards administrator will notice the respondent and request a reply.

2. Both parties will receive notice of potential members of the hearing panel and a tentative date of the hearing;

3. The parties will be officially noticed of the date and time of the hearing, the panel members, and an Outline of Procedure for Ethics Hearing.

4. Either party may be witnesses or counsel, so long as it is noticed in the proper time.

5. Both parties will have the opportunity to present their case and be cross-examined.

6. The panel will make a determination on the allegations of the Article(s) after the hearing is concluded.

7. All parties will receive the decision of the hearing panel; have the right to appeal based only on lack of due process.