Mediation is a process by which disputing parties attempt to resolve their disagreements with the help of an impartial, trained third party. The mediator does not render decisions but functions only to help the parties identify their differences and reach agreement on how to resolve them. If a mutually acceptable agreement cannot be reached, parties are free to arbitrate or litigate the matter through the courts. DRS services are actually facilitated by local attorneys who have developed mediation skills.

(Please note that mediation is not arbitration. In the arbitration of disputes, a decision is rendered by someone authorized to impose a solution. Our mediation system only requires the parties to discuss the matter with a trained neutral facilitator and attempt to reach a resolution between themselves. Over the past 10 years, a majority of the cases referred to mediation have been successful in resolving financial disputes without the need for court action.)

For further information describing the Mediation system or for forms to initiate a case, e-mail RAYAC staff and include your legal name and full mailing address.

Ethics Complaint - As members of the National Association of REALTORS, RAYAC's members agree to abide by a Code of Ethics and a system to enforce it. In formal complaints, a panel from our Professional Standards Committee is selected to hear the matter. If, as a result of the hearing, the panel believes that an Article in the Code of Ethics has been violated by a REALTOR, they will be disciplined. A menu of disciplines, from reprimands to fines to membership suspension, is available to the panel. The ethics process does not provide damages to the initiating party but is designed to help ensure honest and professional behavior among our members. For full text of the Code of Ethics click here. For the forms necessary to initiate an Ethics Complaint, e-mail our Executive Officer and include your name and full mailing address (please note, a specific Article in the Code of Ethics must be cited).