OMBUDS SERVICES
WHAT IS THE GPBOR OMBUDSPERSON PROGRAM?
The Greater Providence Board of REALTORS® (GPBOR) is a chartered member of the National Association of REALTORS®. As such, we have adopted Ombuds Procedures, which are intended to provide enhanced communications and initial problem-solving capacity to the professional standards process.
GPBOR is charged with the responsibility of receiving and resolving ethics complaints, and hearing arbitration disputes filed against its‘ members. The Ombuds person can respond to general questions regarding real estate, listen to transaction details, review the REALTOR® Association‘s Code of Ethics and enforcement issues.
TELL ME MORE…
Many complaints do not expressly allege violations of articles of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and are not necessarily related the Code. Some complaints are transactional, technical, and procedural questions that can be readily responded to. Some complaints arise strictly due to lack of communication. These types of issues may be appropriate for the Ombuds program.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Contact the Board office. A staff member will first check to see that the individual you are contacting us about is a member of the Greater Providence Board of REALTORS®. If they are not, staff will determine whether the individual is a member of another REALTOR® Association, whether inside or outside of Rhode Island in order to refer you to the appropriate Board. GPBOR is only able to assist if the individual you are contacting us about is a member.
WHAT INFORMATION WILL BE DISCUSSED WITH THE OMBUDSPERSON IN OUR CALL?
- Name, phone number and your role
(or you a seller, buyer, broker) - Name, office, phone number and role of the individual you are complaining against
- Date(s) activity occurred and nature of the activity
- What you are attempting to accomplish
The GPBOR Ombudsperson will make all necessary contacts in an attempt to resolve the complaint. If the Ombudsperson‘s efforts are effective, there is no further action necessary. If the efforts are not successful in resolving the Complainant‘s issue, the Ombudsperson will advise the Complainant about the next step(s) in the complaint process.
WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF THE OMBUDS PROGRAM?
You can receive non-judgmental real estate related information in a timely manner and at no cost.
WHO IS THE GPBOR OMBUDSPERSON?
Suzanne Silva, CAE, RCE, Chief Executive Officer
Greater Providence Board of REALTORS®
(401) 274-8383 or ssilva@gprealtors.org
The ombudsperson is an objective individual who has participated in the the National Association of REALTORS® training program, posseses extensive knowledge of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and has 35 years of experience with the REALTOR® Association.
www.gpbor.realtor
GPBOR’s mission:
To cultivate professionalism in our real estate businesses and communities through collaboration, resources and advocacy.