File a Complaint
Ethics Complaints
An Ethics Complaint charges that a REALTOR® has violated an Article(s) of the Code of Ethics. The Brunswick County Association of REALTORS® is responsible for enforcing the Code of Ethics.
Many difficulties between real estate professionals result from miscommunication. If you have a problem with a real estate professional, you may want to speak with them or with a principal broker in the firm. Open, constructive discussion often resolves questions or differences, eliminating the need for further action.
Before you file an Ethics Complaint, please read the following:
Only REALTORS® are subject to the Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS®. If the real estate professional you are dealing with is not a REALTOR®, your only resource may be the state incensing authority or the courts.
The Brunswick County Association of REALTORS® will determine whether the Code of Ethics has been violated - not whether the law or real estate regulations have been broken. Only the licensing authorities or the courts can make those decisions.
The Brunswick County Association of REALTORS® can discipline REALTORS® for violating the Code of Ethics. Typical forms of discipline include attendance at courses and seminar designed to increase the understanding of their ethical duties or other responsibilities. REALTORS® may also be reprimanded, fined or their membership can be suspended or terminated for serious and repeated violations. "Punitive Damages" cannot be awarded for violations of the Code, nor can suspension/termination of a real estate professional's license.
A complaint must be filed within 180 days after all facts could be known.
All complaints will be referred to BCAR's Executive Officer or the chairperson of the Grievance Committee. If the Grievance Committee finds the matter submitted to warrant a hearing, it will be referred to the chairman of the Professional Standards Committee to arrange a hearing. If the matter submitted is not found to constitute a proper cause of action, it will be returned to you with the decision of the Grievance Committee with information advising you of the procedures by which the Grievance Committee's decision may be appealed directly to the Board of Directors.
If a hearing is scheduled, the respondent to the complaint will have 15 days to reply. The date for the hearing will be set and all parties will be notified of the date and place of hearing at least 21 days in advance.