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Ethics


The 17 articles of the Code of Ethics represents a promise of performance and professionalism by all who become REALTORS®. Enforcement of the Code supports the REALTORS®' commitment to protecting the public and preserving a competitive marketplace.

Lehigh Valley Association of REALTORS® Association provides its members and consumers with multiple opportunities to resolve issues of potentially unethical conduct. Claims of unethical conduct may be resolved through a full due process hearing or by use of the ombudsman.

Should you have any questions about the Code of Ethics, please do not hesitate to contact Gina Perotti or call (484) 821-0506.

Forms for Ethics

Arbitration


In the event of monetary disputes between REALTORS® arising out of their relationship as REALTORS®, the Association provides Arbitration to settle the dispute. The Arbitration process is a mandatory requirement of membership for REALTORS® of different firms.

A majority of Arbitration requests are to determine the procuring cause of a sale or lease. Although the process can also be used to determine the amount of a commission when there is no dispute over procuring cause. Procuring Cause is defined as the uninterrupted series of events that leads to a successful transaction. Many factors go in to determining procuring cause and it is important to understand that the decision does not hinge on just one factor.

A request for arbitration must be filed within 180 days after the closing of the transaction, if any, or within 180 days after the facts constituting the matter could have been known in the exercise of reasonable diligence, whichever is later.

Should you have any questions about procuring cause or the arbitration process, contact Gina Perotti or call (484) 821-0506.

Forms for Arbitration

Dispute Resolution System (Between Buyers and Sellers)


From time to time, buyers and sellers will disagree. Typically these disputes are settled easily and informally. When the dispute escalates and emotions take over, thoughts turn to litigation. The Home Seller/Home Buyer Dispute Resolution (mediation) System (DRS) gives buyers and sellers a method to resolve disputes without litigation

The focus of mediation is on resolving the conflict by looking at the parties’ true interests. The mediator helps diffuse the emotions so that real communication can take place. 85% of mediation conferences result in a settlement. A settlement can only occur with both parties’ agreement. The mediator’s goal is to help the parties resolve the dispute themselves

Like neighboring Berks County, Lehigh and Northampton counties have been experiencing a steady growth. Pennsylvania in general is growing moderatly with the Lehigh Valley, the state's third largest urban area, running a bit above the rest of the state.

Part of the reason is due to the valley's location. Served by Interstate 78, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Conrail and the Lehigh Valley International Airport, the region is within 500 miles of 40 percent of the U.S. Population and 60 percent of Canada's Population.