Ethics Complaints and Buyer-Seller Mediation Information

Complaints arising out of a real estate transaction generally fall into one of the following areas:

1. Consumer Complaints

2. Disputes between Buyers and Sellers

1. Consumer Complaints

These complaints are initiated by consumers alleging that a member of The Greater Baltimore Board of REALTORS®, Inc. (GBBR) violated one or more of the provisions of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics is the tie that binds all real estate professionals that call themselves REALTORS®. All REALTORS® pledge to abide by a strict code of professional conduct. This conduct is outlined in the National Association of REALTORS®' Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.  GBBR members found to be in violation of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics may be subject to a fine, suspension of membership or expulsion from the association.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT CONSUMER COMPLAINTS:

THE GREATER BALTIMORE BOARD OF REALTORS^® (GBBR) IS A PRIVATE MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATION. GBBR IS NOT PART OF THE STATE OR CITY/COUNTY GOVERNMENT AND DOES NOT HAVE JURISDICTION OVER AN INDIVIDUAL'S REAL ESTATE LICENSE. IN ADDITION, GBBR CANNOT PROCESS ANY CLAIMS FOR MONETARY DAMAGES.

The Maryland Real Estate Commission is the government agency responsible for issuing real estate licenses and regulating licensees. The Commission handles claims against the Maryland Real Estate Guaranty Fund for monetary damages as a result of fraud, misrepresentation, or failure to fulfill fiduciary duties on the part of a real estate licensee. To reach the Maryland Real Estate Commission visit their website or call 410-230-6230.  THE COMMISSION HANDLES CLAIMS FOR MONETARY DAMAGES AS A RESULT OF FRAUD, MISREPRESENTATION, ETC. BY A REAL ESTATE LICENSEE.

If you have already filed a complaint with the Maryland Real Estate Commission, GBBR cannot proceed with an Ethics Complaint until the Commission has closed the case. Likewise, if you have filed a legal action through the courts, GBBR cannot consider the Complaint until the legal action has been resolved.

 

To view and/or print a copy of the latest version of the REALTORS® Code of Ethics, click here. If you wish to file an ethics complaint with The Greater Baltimore Board of REALTORS®, Inc. against a member of GBBR, you must complete and return the Ethics Complaint Form, citing the article(s) of the code of ethics you allege were violated and attach a written statement of facts.

The Ethics Complaint Form is available in two formats, one is a Microsoft Word® document, and other is Adobe Acrobat PDF® that can be filled out electronically, either version can be returned via e-mail or US Mail, as you choose.

PLEASE NOTE:  IF YOU HAVE ALREADY FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MARYLAND REAL ESTATE COMMISSION, GBBR CANNOT PROCEED WITH AN ETHICS COMPLAINT UNTIL THE COMMISSION HAS CLOSED THE CASE. LIKEWISE, IF YOU HAVE FILED A LEGAL ACTION THROUGH THE COURTS, GBBR CANNOT CONSIDER THE COMPLAINT UNTIL THE LEGAL ACTION HAS BEEN RESOLVED.

Complaints against a GBBR member must be filed within 180 days after the facts were known.  Once your complaint has been received, it will be forwarded to the Grievance Committee for its review and determination as to whether the matter warrants a formal hearing. You will be notified of the Grievance Committee's action, and if the committee finds a hearing is warranted, steps will be taken to schedule the hearing. Should you have any questions, please contact Barbara Hardesty, Director of Administration and Professional Standards at (410) 337-7200.

The Mediation Process provides a means of resolving disputes between buyers and sellers out of court with the assistance of a neutral mediator.  This process is handled by an independent service provider.  For more information go to: Mediation Services

For information on Arbitration services, visit GBBR's Arbitration page.