Professional standards

Not all real estate agents are REALTORS®. REALTORS® are obligated to abide by the standards of the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics and Standards of Practices. These outline duties that REALTORS® have to clients and customers, the public and other REALTORS®. For more information about the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, visit https://www.nar.realtor/about-nar/policies/code-of-ethics-and-professional-standards

If a REALTOR® has failed to meet these standards, you can file a complaint. First, you must determine* if the person is a REALTOR® and, thus, bound by the Code of Ethics. Then you have the following options to resolve your dispute:

Contact the Broker

Contact the REALTORS® broker to inform him or her about what happened. Many problems come from a lack of communication. Speaking directly with the broker could lead to a quick resolution. 

• Look up the broker's contact information

Use the Ombudsman Program

A volunteer from the Texas REALTORS® Professional Standards Committee can act as a third-party mediator, explain possible resolutions, and answer questions.

• Request an ombudsman

File an Ethics Complaint

If contacting the broker and talking to an ombudsman doesn't resolve the problem, you can file a formal complaint.

• Learn more and file a complaint

Arbitration

This process is used when you think you're owed money based on an agreement.

• File arbitration request

*If your agent is not a REALTOR®, you will need to contact the Texas Real Estate Commission.

National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics

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