Code of Ethics
The foundation of the REALTOR® association rules
is the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice detailing the
ethical obligations of REALTOR® members. Click the link
below to download copies of our Code of Ethics in English, Spanish,
Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese or Tanalog. Why
do we have a Code of Ethics?
Lockbox Rules
The NVAR Entrycard Rules and Regulations provide guidelines
to regulate the use of the lockbox system used by our REALTOR®
and Affiliate members. Anyone who wishes to receive access to
the system must agree to abide by the regulations that have
been developed by NVAR to govern access to this system. Click
here to learn more information about the NVAR Entrycard Rules
and Regulations.
NVAR Bylaws
NVAR Bylaws are the rules that govern the operation and management
of your association. It covers the fundamental governance issues
regarding the objectives of our association, qualifications
for membership, election procedures for our Board of Directors,
and other important topics. Click
here to view the NVAR Bylaws.
Complaint Process
NVAR's formal complaint process allows REALTORS®, clients,
and members of the public (including those not directly related
to a specific transaction or event) to file a complaint if they
believe a REALTOR® has violated association rules. This
process has been developed to ensure that the rights of all
parties are protected in the hearing process.
Complaints are reviewed by the Grievance Committee to determine
if the events or issues apply to the rules and is either dismissed
or forwarded to a Professional Standards Hearing Panel. All
parties are given a fair and impartial hearing of the case,
and may be represented by counsel, call witnesses, introduce
evidence, and argue their case before the Professional Standards
Hearing Panel. For a flow chart of the process, click
here.
NVAR is required to ensure that any member accused of violating
our rules receives a fair hearing in accord with Virginia's
due process rights. However, we understand the importance of
enforcing these rules and will take action whenever Hearing
Panels find sufficient evidence to prove a violation of the
rules. This process may seem complicated but is designed to
protect everyone's rights, and to ensure that everyone has an
opportunity to be heard, present evidence, and receive a fair
hearing before an impartial panel.
How to File a Complaint
Contact the Professional Services Department at 703/207-3214
or spetcher@nvar.com
to obtain a copy of the appropriate complaint forms. We will
need to verify that the individual who is accused of violating
our rules is a REALTOR® member of NVAR. Our association
is a strictly voluntary organization and some real estate agents
are not members of NVAR. In cases when the individual is not
a member of NVAR, we can usually determine if the individual
is a member of another local association of REALTORS®. If
this is the case, we can provide you the appropriate contact
information to file your complaint with the individual's local
association of REALTORS®. When the complaint involves a
REALTOR® member of NVAR, we will provide you with the appropriate
forms and instructions for filing the complaint.
Hearing Procedures
The following is a brief summary of the procedures
for a Disciplinary Hearing. These are the procedures that apply
to the actual Hearing once the case has been classified and
forwarded by the Grievance Committee for a formal hearing. Outline
of Procedures - Ethics
Disciplinary Sanctions
If the Professional Standards Hearing Panel determines
there is clear, strong, and convincing evidence of a violation
of the rules, the panel will recommend disciplinary sanctions
to the Board of Directors for final approval. The following
links provide additional information on the disciplinary sanctions
available to the Hearing Panels.
Disciplinary
Sanctions - Ethics and Membership Duties
Disciplinary
Sanctions - Entrycards
What NVAR Cannot Do for a Complainant
NVAR is a voluntary membership trade association and
has legal limits on its authority. For instance we can not hold
a trial to determine criminal violations of state law or award
monetary damages to an injured party in a case. These are powers
that are reserved to the courts. We also do not have the power
to revoke an individual's real estate license since we do not
have the power to license real estate agents or brokers. This
power is only within the authority of the courts and the Virginia
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.
Contact
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to
call 703/207-3214 or e-mail spetcher@nvar.com.
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