Professional Standards Administrator: Lori Santellan

The West Michigan Lakeshore Association of REALTORS® (WMLAR) is committed to maintaining the highest level of professionalism and ethical conduct in the real estate industry.

All REALTOR® members agree to abide by the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, which establishes standards of practice and professional behavior designed to protect the public and promote cooperation among real estate professionals.

Our Professional Standards process provides a fair and impartial system for reviewing alleged violations of the Code of Ethics and resolving certain disputes between REALTORS®.

Filing an Ethics Complaint

If you believe a REALTOR® has violated the Code of Ethics, you may submit a formal complaint for review. Before filing a complaint, we encourage you to review the resources below to better understand the process and determine whether an ethics complaint is the appropriate course of action.

Steps to File a Complaint

Review the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice clicking HERE.
Download and complete the WMLAR Code of Ethics Complaint Form HERE.
Include any supporting documentation relevant to the complaint.
Submit the completed form and materials to the Professional Standards Administrator.

Professional Standards Administrator
Lori Santellan
West Michigan Lakeshore Association of REALTORS®
PH: 616-846-6240 x102

Once received, the complaint will be reviewed through the formal procedures established by the National Association of REALTORS®.

Arbitration Requests

Arbitration is used to resolve certain disputes between REALTORS®, typically involving commissions or compensation.

Members requesting arbitration must complete the Request and Agreement to Arbitrate form and submit it to the Professional Standards Administrator along with supporting documentation.

CODE of ETHICS
Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interests of the nation and its citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing, the building of functioning cities, the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment.
Such interests impose obligations beyond those of ordinary commerce. They impose grave social responsibility and a patriotic duty to which REALTORS® should dedicate themselves, and for which they should be diligent in preparing themselves. REALTORS®, therefore, are zealous to maintain and improve the standards of their calling and share with their fellow REALTORS® a common responsibility for its integrity and honor...
The term REALTOR® has come to connote competency, fairness, and high integrity resulting from adherence to a lofty ideal of moral conduct in business relations.
No inducement of profit and no instruction from clients ever can justify departure
from this ideal.
In the interpretation of this obligation, REALTORS® can take no safer guide than that which has been handed down through the centuries, embodied in
the Golden Rule: "Whatsoever ye would that others should do to you, do ye even so to them." National Association of REALTORS

Professional Standards Process

All ethics complaints and arbitration requests are handled according to the procedures outlined in the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual of the National Association of REALTORS®, as amended to conform with Michigan law by the legal counsel of the Michigan REALTORS®.

The process is designed to ensure: Fairness, due process, impartial review, and confidentiality.

Committees

Grievance Committee (REALTORS® Only)

The Grievance Committee reviews ethics complaints and arbitration requests to determine whether the matter should proceed to a hearing before a Professional Standards tribunal.

This committee performs an initial screening and evaluation of submitted materials.

Committee members are expected to be mature, experienced, and knowledgeable individuals with a judicial temperament.

Eligibility Requirements

Must be a REALTOR® member for at least two years
Completion of specialized Professional Standards training

Professional Standards Committee (REALTORS® Only)

The Professional Standards Committee conducts hearings related to:

Alleged violations of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics
Arbitration disputes between REALTORS®

The committee provides a structured hearing process that ensures due process for all parties involved.