Professional Standards

Ethics

Missouri REALTORS^® are held to the standards of the National Association of REALTORS^® Code of Ethics. REALTORS^® must complete at least 2.5 hours of Code of Ethics training within an established four-year period. Failure to complete this requirement means membership suspension or even termination of membership. NAR offers a free online class. This option is perfect for busy professionals, with the ability to save coursework and return to it later. Proof of completion is provided by email.

There is a professional standards process that handles ethics complaints alleging violations of the Code of Ethics. If you believe that a REALTOR^® has violated the Code of Ethics, you may file a complaint. An ethics complaint must cite which articles of the Code of Ethics you believe the REALTOR^® has violated. Some of the possible disciplines, if found in violation of the Code, include relevant education classes and fines. We cannot require an apology, impact the REALTOR^®’s license, or get you out of the contract. 

If you do not want to file a formal complaint but would like some assistance to work out an issue between you and a REALTOR®, you may choose to have an ombudsman work with you and the REALTOR^® to facilitate communication and help you in coming to a resolution. Complete this form if you are interested in having an ombudsman contact you.

Arbitration

From time to time, a REALTOR^® may become involved in a commission dispute with another REALTOR^®. The professional standards process also offers an Arbitration procedure for resolving such disputes. Missouri REALTORS^® recommends that you try Mediation first because it’s a superior means of resolving commission disputes. Unlike arbitration, mediation is FREE, faster, keeps relationships intact, and allows for creative solutions. Send an email to opal@morealtor.com if you are interested in mediating your dispute. Decisions arrived at by arbitration and mediation are binding and enforceable by law.

MREC

The Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC) is the state governing body overseeing real estate rules, regulations and licensing for the state of Missouri.

The MREC performs duties necessary to carry out the provisions of the real estate license law and has its own complaint procedure, which is completely separate from the Missouri REALTORS^®. Other responsibilities of the MREC include investigating complaints generated by consumers against the acts of a real estate licensee. The Commission also approves all real estate prelicensing and continuing education courses. Visit their website or call 573-751-2628 for more information.

If you have questions regarding Professional Standards and the Code of Ethics contact Opal Evans at 800-403-0101 ext. 122.