Code of Ethics: Article 17
In the event of contractual disputes or specific non-contractual disputes as defined in Standard of Practice 17-4 between REALTORS® (principals) associated with different firms, arising out of their relationship as REALTORS®, the REALTORS® shall mediate the dispute if the Board requires its members to mediate. If the dispute is not resolved through mediation, or if mediation is not required, REALTORS® shall submit the dispute to arbitration in accordance with the policies of the Board rather than litigate the matter.
In the event clients of REALTORS® wish to mediate or arbitrate contractual disputes arising out of real estate transactions, REALTORS® shall mediate or arbitrate those disputes in accordance with the policies of the Board, provided the clients agree to be bound by any resulting agreement or award.
The obligation to participate in mediation and arbitration contemplated by this Article includes the obligation of REALTORS® (principals) to cause their firms to mediate and arbitrate and be bound by any resulting agreement or award.
Filing a Request for Arbitration
The Roanoke Valley Association of REALTORS® is a participant in the Virginia REALTORS® (VAR) Statewide Professional Cooperative. VAR’s team of attorneys and trained staff handles all aspects of arbitration requests and related arbitration hearings, if warranted.
If you have questions, you may contact VAR’s Professional Standards Department at 804-249-5714 or email VAR at prostandards@virginiarealtors.org.
Click here to access VAR’s arbitration resources, which includes the form to file an arbitration request.
Rev. 1/2026