Real estate disputes do not have to mean court. PSAR partners with the California Association of REALTORS® to resolve disputes and enforce ethics through trained, neutral experts who understand real estate. Whether you are a consumer, a REALTOR® member, or a broker, the right path starts here.
Courts are slow and expensive, and judges rarely have deep knowledge of real estate law, practice, or commission structures. Attorneys add cost and adversarial energy to situations that often have practical, industry-specific solutions. These processes exist to protect consumers, hold REALTOR® members accountable, and resolve disputes fairly and affordably. Mediation costs a fraction of litigation. Arbitration decisions are binding and final. Ethics complaints carry real consequences. And because PSAR brokers hear cases from outside San Diego, you get genuine neutrality combined with genuine expertise.
Select the option that best describes your situation.
Select the situation that best applies.
Start with the least formal option and escalate only as needed.
C.A.R. Ombudsmen are REALTORS® who volunteer their time to answer non-legal questions and resolve non-legal disputes. The Ombudsman Hotline is a free service. An ombudsman is not an attorney and cannot give legal advice or answer legal questions.
For consumers: If you are involved in an active transaction with a REALTOR®, an ombudsman can answer questions about your transaction or help resolve a minor dispute. To request assistance you will provide your name, email, and telephone number; the license number of the agent representing you; the license number of the other party; and the topic. The ombudsman will not contact the REALTOR® involved unless you ask them to.
If you believe a REALTOR® who is a member of the Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® has violated the NAR Code of Ethics, anyone can file a formal complaint through PSAR. PSAR now partners with the California Association of REALTORS® to administer the program. Ethics complaints do not award money to the complainant. They result in disciplinary action against the REALTOR® if a violation is found, and any fine imposed is paid directly to C.A.R.
Complaints are filed through the local association where the REALTOR® holds membership. Review the Before You File brochure first, and if needed search for the member's local affiliation.
For money disputes C.A.R.'s Dispute Resolution Center offers expert mediation and arbitration. It is faster and far less expensive than court. Expert mediators with real estate-focused training facilitate confidential, neutral sessions, and most disputes resolve at mediation.
PSAR provides this service and contracts with the California Association of REALTORS® to administer it. You get neutral, expert mediation that is faster and far less expensive than court.
Expert mediators with real estate-focused training facilitate confidential, neutral sessions. Although most matters settle in mediation, an arbitration referral program is available for disputes that do not resolve.
These confidential resources can answer questions and resolve issues before any formal filing. Members only.
C.A.R. assigns a trained volunteer to help you determine whether conduct may constitute a Code of Ethics violation. Volunteers are REALTOR® members with ethics training. This is not legal advice.
Get professional, confidential legal guidance from C.A.R. attorneys on real estate law and your rights. Broker-owners and Designated REALTORS® have a dedicated direct line.
C.A.R. Ombudsmen are REALTORS® who volunteer their time to answer non-legal questions and resolve non-legal disputes. If you have a concern about another member's professional conduct, an issue with a transaction, or you just need advice from a peer, an ombudsman can help informally before a formal filing. To request assistance you will provide your name, email, and telephone number; your license number; the license number of the other party; and the topic. The ombudsman will not contact the REALTOR® involved unless you ask them to.
Select the type of formal proceeding. Member disputes use a separate process from consumer disputes.
Ethics complaints result in disciplinary action, not money awards. Use the advisory resources first if you have not already.
Once filed, the Grievance Committee reviews the complaint and determines if a Professional Standards hearing is warranted. The committee evaluates the complaint on its face and does not decide guilt or innocence. If referred to a hearing, the Professional Standards Committee panel hears evidence and determines whether a violation occurred and what disciplinary action is appropriate. Any fine imposed is paid directly to PSAR.
Review the Before You File brochure first, and if needed search for the member's local association to confirm where to file.
Member commission disputes follow the PSAR Professional Standards process. Start with mediation and escalate to arbitration if unresolved.
A mediator works with both parties toward a mutually acceptable resolution. It is less adversarial than arbitration, and most disputes resolve here within two months. If unresolved, arbitration may be sought.
If mediation fails, arbitration produces a binding decision on who is entitled to the disputed money. A formal hearing is conducted by the Professional Standards Committee, and the panel rules 100% in favor of one party. Decisions are final unless a review is requested from PSAR's Board of Directors, which carries a $500 review fee.
MLS rules are governed and enforced directly by CRMLS, independent of PSAR. Choose the resource that fits your situation.
The current CRMLS citation policy, including the rule categories and fine schedule.
If you received a citation and want to dispute it, the Citation Review FAQs explain the review process and how to request one.
Violation reports are filed directly with CRMLS. PSAR does not administer MLS enforcement. Reports are kept confidential, and your identity is not shared with the reported party unless you authorize it.
The complete CRMLS rulebook governing listings, conduct, and compliance.
This NAR-mandated policy requires a listing broker to submit a publicly marketed exclusive listing to the MLS within one business day. The rules around Coming Soon status, exclusions, and what counts as public marketing change frequently, so always check the current policy before marketing off-MLS.
Not sure where to start? PSAR staff can help you identify the right process and the correct association to file with. Contact us directly and we will point you in the right direction.
C.A.R. Professional Standards background and Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual
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