Legal Resources
Since its inception, Pennsylvania REALTORS® have placed more than 25,000 calls to the PAR Legal Hotline, making this one of the most popular member services offered by PAR. After all, where else can you get free expert assistance provided by some of the state’s most experienced real estate attorneys?
Fair Housing
April marks National Fair Housing month. Why do we believe it’s important? Because the American dream of owning a home isn’t limited to some people. It’s a dream that brings many people to our country. They dream of owning property, which may not be possible in their land of origin. Fair housing laws help ensure that purchasing a home can be a goal that everyone, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, can hope to achieve. Download the Fair Housing Guidelines booklet.
As members of the National Association of REALTORS®, the members of R-BAR agree to abide by the Code of Ethics. Article 17 of the Code of Ethics states, "In the event of contractual disputes or specific non-contractual disputes . . . . between REALTORS® (principals) associated with different firms, arising out of their relationship as REALTORS®, the REALTORS® shall submit the dispute to arbitration in accordance with the regulations of their Board . . rather than litigate the matter."
As a requirement of REALTOR® membership in the Reading-Berks Association of REALTORS®, the real estate licensee agrees to abide by the Code of Ethics. Anyone may file a complaint of unethical conduct against a REALTOR® if they feel the agent's actions may have violated the Code. If it is determined that the complaint could be a violation of the Code, 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 range 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.
Mediation - Home Sellers/Home Buyers Dispute Resolution System (DRS)
Although the vast majority of real estate transactions close without incident, the possibility that a problem or dispute will occur cannot be eliminated. Generally these difficulties are successfully resolved through normal channels of communication and negotiation. Your real estate broker or agent can provide valuable assistance in this regard. Occasionally, a dispute arises which cannot be resolved through negotiation. In the past, when negotiations failed, parties took their cases to court.
Court costs, attorney's fees, and long delays have made traditional litigation an unattractive method of resolving disputes. These problems can be avoided through use of the Home Sellers/Home Buyers Dispute Resolution System.