How do I Report a real Estate Agent ? Step by Step Guide

Real Estate is in the ascending order in the market place both internationally. amidst the misconduct of some agents. How do I know if my real real estate agent is lying to me and how do I report a real estate agent to the authorities. Unlike non-member licensees, REALTORS agree to a strict Code of operation and Ethics. If you think by any chance that a REALTOR has broken one or more of the Articles of the Code of Ethics, you can file a complaint with the local REALTOR association where the REALTOR is a member or participates in a REALTOR association-owned/operated. Here, you can find information about local ties.

As part of their membership, REALTORS are required by Article 17 of the NAR Code of Ethics to use arbitration for both contractual and non-contractual disputes. Make sure you have the forms from the REALTORS in your area.

Before filling a report; you are required to know the rules guiding Real Estate / Realtors in your country. Below is a rundown of the rules governing both the owners and customers in Nigeria.

 

Rules Guiding Realtors According to the Code of Conduct

1. In attempt to secure a listing, realtors shall not deliberately mislead the owner as to market value / incentives.
2. Cannot rep both Landlord/Seller or Tenant/buyer unless they consent to it.
3.  Realtors are not allowed to use confidential information of clients for their personal interest even after terminating agreements with such client.
4. They are charged by the law to protect the properties of of clients from damage in every circumstance.
5. Always give full details pertaining any transaction.
6. Advice clients about policies governing any transaction.
7. Realtors should not be parties to false naming of property.
8. REALTORS® cannot reject cooperation based on a broker’s race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial position, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
9. shall not buy or present offers from themselves, family members, or firms
10. REALTORS® must offer written disclosures before contract signing. See the full law here

Should a realtor Violate any of the listed laws below follow this procedure to report them to the appropriate authority

 

How to report a real estate agent in Nigeria

Reporting an agent without a concrete evidence will attract more loss to you. Before suing or reporting any real estate agent make sure you have gone through the code of conduct and have a concrete evidence. Below is a practical procedure to report an agent.

Method 1

1. Have a face to face conversion with the agent. This ascertain his/her reasons for their act which you find violative. ( You shouldn’t reveal your intention to them at this stage)
2. Talk to his parent Organization – Most real estate agents work under realty organizations; therefore if your realtor belongs to one. Report him to the appropriate authorities in his firm.
3. If the response of his organization is not satisfying, Locate the regional realty association and lay a complaint.
4. Proceed To Court – If your complaints are not met and responded to, you can proceed to a law court.

 

Method 2 – Informing consumer agencies

1. Visit the Better Business Bureau. The BBB is the most well-known organization in the U.S. that helps protect consumers. You can use their website to file a report.
2. Fill Form for online complaints. The complaint will ask for your contact information and that of the business, as well as details about the complaint.
   You will be asked questions about your complaint (car, cell phone, business product or service) and whether you are a retired or active service member or a DoD civilian employee.
3. Give the broker instructions on what to do. You can still communicate with the agent about the issue, even if you don’t want to discuss it with the agent’s manager or broker. The BBB is going to forward the complaint to them in approximately two weeks’ time.
   If you have already spoken with the broker but have not received the assistance you required, the Better Business Bureau is the next place you should go.

 

Common Reasons to Report a Real Estate Agent

There are Divers Reasons why many Property owners report Real estate agents.
If you had a problem with the way the real estate agent did their job, you could sue them. Here are some of the most common reasons to file a lawsuit against a real estate agent:
Dishonesty (deliberate or negligent misrepresentation) (deliberate or negligent misrepresentation) (intentional or negligent misrepresentation)

• Not telling about a flaw in a property
• Failing to keep personal data safe or abusing data
• Real estate deals that aren’t finished
• There was no review or advice about land surveys.
• Contracts that aren’t written well
• The deposit money was a waste because there was no title review.

 

What is the most common complaint filed against REALTORS?

Legal actions taken against real estate professionals typically center on allegations of negligence or “Breach Of Duty”. That’s because customers put a lot of faith in their agents, and those agents have a responsibility to work in the customers’ best interests.

 

What exactly does it mean to be unethical in real estate?

This means that Realtors® are not permitted by law to: Market to specific types of buyers (e.g., “This house would be ideal for families!”). People should not be treated differently by professionals based on their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, family situation, or disability.

 

Meaning  of Unethical conduct in real estate?

One common question asked frequently in the realtor industry is “What exactly does it mean to be unethical in real estate“?
This means that Realtors® are not permitted by law to: Market to specific types of buyers (e.g., “This house would be ideal for families!”). People should not be treated differently by professionals based on their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, family situation, or disability.

 

In Conclusion,

Before filling any report, you should thoroughly study the code of conduct listed above in order to ascertain your position and chances of winning any hearing. The Best solution is to always have a cordial relationship with your agent. Now that you know the basic things about filling a complaint, The question now shouldn’t be how can I report a real estate agent rather you should be asking. is it the right time to file a complaint?