Mediation & Ombudsman Services
Mediation Services
Mediation is a voluntary service offered by Central Mississippi REALTORS® to REALTOR Principals from different offices with a contractual dispute as described in Article 17 of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. If Mediation is agreed upon by the two Principals and the Principals agree to abide by the decision they reach, the attempt is then made for the trained Mediator to assist the Principals in reaching an agreement together to avoid the complex procedures of an arbitration hearing. The Principals are offered mediation at the time the Request for Arbitration is filed, at the time the hearing is being scheduled and again just prior to the hearing.
For more information on Mediation Services contact the Association’s Professional Standards Administrator, David Ostrander at (601) 948-1300.
Ombudsman Service
Central Mississippi REALTORS’s® Ombudsman Program offers both REALTOR® members and members of the public the opportunity to resolve disputes in an informal manner before they reach the level of filing an official complaint. The REALTOR® member or a member of the public can contact the Association’s Professional Standards Administrator, who is also an ombudsman, and describe their dispute or issue. The member or consumer may then request a REALTOR® ombudsman or accept the services of the staff ombudsman. The ombudsman will offer to talk informally on the phone, or by email, and offer to contact the REALTOR® involved in an attempt to diffuse the situation. The ombudsmen act as mediators providing interpretation of the Code of Ethics, policies and procedures in an attempt to correct misunderstandings between parties and ward off official complaints.
To request Ombudsman Services, contact Jo Usry, Professional Standards Administrator and Ombudsman, at 601.345.2740.
