GAAR’s Ombuds Program is wrapping up its recruitment period for 2016 volunteers.

This critical program is a GAAR member-benefit that provides you and the public with a confidential low-level conflict resolution service. The Ombuds service is free of charge and has successfully assisted ‘visitors’ to the program (REALTORS® or the consumer) by:

• Offering a non-escalating, off-the-record resource that gives timely answers to general real estate-related questions; and 
• Exploring options, approaches, and alternatives available to help visitors resolve matters without resorting to more formal channels.
• An Ombuds is a REALTOR® in good standing who volunteers their time & skills for the betterment of the REALTOR® community.

While they aren’t advocates, legal counsel or judges, an Ombuds is a highly trained impartial facilitator who assists visitors in problem-solving. Instead of judging or dictating a situation, they work towards ‘win-win’ outcomes that can keep a ‘deal’ alive, re-store communication, salvage relationships and can stop minor disputes from becoming lawsuits or formal ethics complaints. 

• Volunteers serve on a rotating, weekly schedule for about 2 to 4 hours per assigned week and will receive comprehensive Ombuds training.
• Nominees must be GAAR members in good standing for 5 years and commit to training from October 26-29, 2015.

If this sounds like you click here to complete your application. Please feel free to forward this email to a REALTOR® you know that would make a great Ombud.

For questions about the Ombuds program, please contact GAAR's Professional Standards Manager, Melody Mar Johnson by phone at 505-724-3466 or by email at melody@gaar.com.