Notice to the Members & Public
These processes apply to CARNM members and members of the public who have concerns regarding a real estate transaction, questions regarding a REALTOR® member’s unethical conduct, or a monetary dispute.
Control your integrity and contact the confidential hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone: 833-602-7950
Desktop: carnmconcerns.ethicspoint.com
Mobile: carnmconcernsmobile.ethicspoint.com
This is a new and more confidential way for CARNM members to report issues and concerns regarding a real estate transaction, unethical conduct or a monetary dispute. EthicsPoint (hosted by a third-party provider) is a hotline where you can place anonymous reports in confidence. CARNM is committed to an environment where open, honest communications are the expectation, not the exception.
NMAR Legal Hotline:
Ombudsman
CARNM Ombuds Principles:
✓ Confidential ✓ Impartial ✓ Informal ✓ Independent
The word “ombudsman” comes from the Swedish language, and literally means “representative.” The primary duties of an organizational ombudsman are (1) to work with individuals to explore and assist them in determining options for resolving conflicts, problematic issues or concerns; and (2) to bring systemic concerns to the attention of the organization for resolution. An organizational ombudsman operates in a manner to preserve the confidentiality of those seeking services, maintains a neutral/impartial position with respect to the concerns raised, works at an informal level of the organizational system, and is independent of formal organizational structures.
Ombudsmen are available to communicate with REALTOR® members, clients or customers of REALTOR® members, or with members of the public regarding issues or concerns they may have related to a real estate transaction. The ombudsman will explore approaches and available resources to address concerns or to resolve a dispute.
Ombudsman services are available on a voluntary, no cost and timely basis. Ombudsmen are REALTOR® members and staff members trained in the roles and responsibilities of an ombudsman. They hold memberships with the International Ombudsman Association (IOA). Ombudsmen are thoroughly familiar with the IOA and NAR Codes of Ethics and Standards of Practices, state real estate rules and regulations, and current real estate practices.
Professional Standards/Code of Ethics
The Professional Standards Office assists CARNM’s Board of Directors in enforcing the NAR Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice and other membership duties as set forth in the CARNM Bylaws.
Ethics Complaints may be filed by any person alleging violation(s) of the NAR Code of Ethics by one of our REALTOR® members. There is no fee to file an Ethics Complaint.
Arbitration is available to resolve disputes over entitlement to a monetary transaction (e.g., a commission). A customer, client, or REALTOR® principal can request arbitration. An arbitration filing fee of $250 is required by both the complainant and the respondent in an arbitration matter.
Mediation is also available at $150 per party as a less formal and more timely means of resolving arbitration and ethical concerns.
The NAR Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual and the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice are the source material and governing documents for CARNM’s professional standards policies and procedures.
