Law & Ethics
  • Code of Ethics

    • Arbitration

    The Code of Ethics was adopted by the National Association of REALTORS® in 1913. Since then, REALTORS® everywhere have agreed to meet its high standards. Enforcement of the Code of Ethics is a very important part of the REALTOR® organization and helps to ensure honorable, faithful and competent service to clients, customers, other members of the public and fellow REALTORS®. This brochure was prepared to help you understand the process of arbitration.

    Click here to download Arbitration Form A-1

    Steps for Filing an Arbitration Request

    1. The obligation to participate in arbitration contemplated by the Article 17 of the Code of Ethics includes the obligation of REALTOR® principals to cause their firms to arbitrate and be bound by any award.
    2. Please read the Arbitrable Issues and print the Request and Agreement to Arbitrate Form A-1 to file an Arbitration Request.
    3. To file an Arbitration Request by mail – please CLICK HERE
      To file an Arbitration Request by online – please CLICK HERE
    4. Pay the $250 Arbitration Fee. Your arbitration request cannot be reviewed until payment is received. Payment can be made online or by mail following the instructions provided by reviewing step 3 above.
    5. Once your Arbitration request and fee have been received, you will be notified by email. The Georgia REALTORS® has at least one scheduled Grievance meeting per month. You will be updated on the findings and the next step in the process within 48 hours of the meeting being held.
    6. If the Grievance Panel pushes the arbitration request forward to a hearing, then the parties are required to attempt mediation through the Georgia REALTORS®. If the parties are unable to resolve the dispute through mediation, then the dispute will be scheduled for hearing.
    7. If the circumstances giving rise to the arbitration request are subject of civil litigation, the request will be held in abeyance until these matters have been resolved.
    8. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Professional Standards Administrator via email at
    Arbitration Requests

    Arbitration, a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), is a legal technique for the resolution of disputes outside the courts. The parties to a dispute refer it to one or more persons (the “arbitrators”, “arbiters,” or “arbitral tribunal”), whose decision (the “award”) they agree to be bound. It is a settlement technique in which a third party reviews the case and imposes a decision that is legally binding for both sides.

    A Request for Arbitration must be filed: 1) after the real estate transaction giving rise to the dispute has been completed; 2) within six months after the facts constituting the Arbitration matter could have been known in the exercise of reasonable diligence; 3) by the broker of a real estate agency.

    Mediation vs. Arbitration