How to File a Complaint

Issues of alleged violations of the Code of Ethics, commission disputes and even interpersonal conflicts can be addressed with the assistance of the Greater Syracuse Association of REALTORS (GSAR). To decide how to proceed, please read through the information provided below. If you have any qeustions, call Katie DeAnthony, at (315) 457-5979 x27.

A formal grievance process assists members and the public in handling disputes of alleged violations of the Code of Ethics and/or disputes arising our of a claim for commission. GSAR staff acts as intermediaries between members of the public and REALTORS and assists in the filing and pursuit of a written complaint.

WHO CAN FILE AN ETHICS COMPLAINT AGAINST A REALTORS?
Any person having reason to believe that a member of the Greater Syracuse Association of REALTORS is guilty of violating one or more of the articles of the Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS. Formal complaints must be made in writing to the Professional Standards Coordinator at the Greater Syracuse Association of REALTORS, stating the facts on which the complaint is based, providing the complaint is filed within 180 days after the facts constituting the matter complained of could have been know in the exercise of reasonable diligence. The proper forms must accompany the complaint, see attachments below.

BASIS FOR FILING A COMPLAINT
The basis for filing an ethical complaint against a REALTOR should be an allegation by the complainant that a REALTOR violated one or more of the Articles of the Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS. A charge of violating the law or the real estate regulations of the state is not a matter that can be considered by the GSAR.

REQUEST FOR A REALTOR'S LICENSE TO BE SUSPENDED
We do not have the authority to suspend licenses. GRAR only deals with violations of the Code of Ethics.

MY PROPERTY IS LISTED WITH A REALTOR AND I WANT IT TAKEN OUT OF THE MLS. CAN YOU REMOVE MY LISTING?
We are not able to remove listings from the Multiple Listing Service. You will need to request a Withdrawl Form from your listing agent. It has to be signed by you, the owner, and the broker/owner of the firm with whom you listed your property. 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ETHICS COMPLAINT AND AN ARBITRATION REQUEST?
An Ethics complaint is filed if you believe one of our REALTOR members violated one or more articles in the REALTOR Code of Ethics. An arbitration request is filed if you feel you are due money from an Agent/Broker. Most arbitrations are between Brokers for commission disputes. For more information on either complaint, read the link below, Ethics, Arbitration, and Mediation guide.

I AM NOT HAPPY WITH THE BEHAVIOR OF REALTOR A. WHAT DO I DO?
We encourage you to file an Ethics complaint, if you feel that REALTOR A has violated an article(s) of the Code of Ethics. However, if this is a situation that needs immediate relief, this will not be the answer. If you have not already, we would recommend talking to the Broker or Office Manager of the company that you are involved with. If this is a legal matter, having to do with contracts for example, please consult with your real estate attorney. If you do not have one, you may want to consider hiring one to represent you throughout this transaction, or any future transaction if this one does not work out. We do not give legal advice.

For complete details and instructions on ethics, arbitration and mediation please download and read the below "Ethics, Arbitration, and Mediation Guide".

Click document below to download.