{"id":7253,"date":"2026-02-23T08:47:15","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T13:47:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/?p=7253"},"modified":"2026-02-23T08:47:17","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T13:47:17","slug":"wrongdoing-by-your-real-estate-agent-five-steps-to-file-a-complaint","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/wrongdoing-by-your-real-estate-agent-five-steps-to-file-a-complaint\/","title":{"rendered":"Wrongdoing by Your Real Estate Agent? Five Steps to File a Complaint"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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A Deeds.com Quick-Start Guide<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have you suffered a loss that you believe was the fault of your agent? Do you believe there was a lapse in professionalism? Perhaps even unethical conduct on the part of an agent<\/a>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a quick-start guide to addressing the situation, in five steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Step 1: Speak With the Agent Directly.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps you\u2019ve hired an agent who is slow to respond to you or to other key parties. Or perhaps the agent said or did something offensive or unfair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your first response might involve going to the agent and explaining the problem from your perspective. Then see if the agent will make an apology, attempt to right the wrong, or explain the problem in a different light, so that you can arrive at some understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you cannot repair the client-agent relationship, it might be best to find a different agent. In most states, agent contracts allow the client and broker to terminate the agreement early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But before you try to cut ties, note the next level of recourse available to you. That would be going to the broker that your agent is affiliated with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: Speak With the Broker Who Employs the Agent.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Schedule a call with the company\u2019s principal broker. Explain the instance(s) of unprofessionalism from your point of view. It\u2019s possible that a frank discussion can clear up misunderstandings and resolve the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The broker would also be empowered to end the contract through which you hired your agent, if you want that to happen and the agent hasn\u2019t done so at your request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alternatively, the broker may be able to substitute a different agent for the one you\u2019ve been working with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will there be accountability? Yes. If the broker determines that the action or inaction of your agent failed to measure up to company standards of professionalism, the agent will likely receive a negative letter or reprimand. Companies are concerned about lawsuits and want to correct or make up for any problem the agent might have caused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3: Speak With the Agent\u2019s Trade Association.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Did the agent\u2019s action or inaction rise beyond mere unprofessionalism? Could it have possibly violated ethical standards? There\u2019s a professional association that deals with such things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The National Association of REALTORS\u00ae (NAR) maintains local real estate boards. If your agent belongs to the agent\u2019s association, this is an appropriate recipient of an ethics complaint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you believe a Realtor\u00ae has violated any Articles of the Code of Ethics, you can file an ethics complaint within 180 days from the time you knew or should have known about the unethical conduct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But how do you know if your agent has actually offended the ethics code? You can look at the\u00a0NAR Code of Ethics<\/a>. The local association branch can officially determine that it\u2019s been violated, and issue penalties. Each state and branch has its own procedures for taking complaints. For example, here\u2019s the Pennsylvania REALTOR\u00ae code of Ethics & Standards<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eyes glazing over? There\u2019s help! The local branches of NAR maintain Grievance Committees, and they can offer help with a complaint so it meets form and content standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dealing with an association is a slower process than going right to the broker involved. What goes on to make it a longer process? The preparation for being heard. First, anyone wanting to file an ethics complaint with NAR must point to a specific article out of the 17 articles of the REALTOR\u00ae code. Refer to NAR\u2019s Standards of Practice<\/a> for more on these articles. This will support your preparation for an ethics hearing to determine whether your complaint is well founded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ultimately the agent could be fined, reprimanded, and\/or compelled to (re)take professional ethics courses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What kinds of resolution must the local association not<\/em> offer? A local board or branch may not<\/em>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n