The Ombuds program offers confidential conflict resolution services to REALTOR® Members and the public (customers & clients). It's a free service to provide timely answers to real estate-related questions and explore options to resolve disputes without escalation.

What is an Ombuds?

An Ombuds is a REALTOR® in good standing who volunteers to assist the REALTOR® community. They provide impartial facilitation, aim for 'win-win' outcomes, and prevent minor disputes from escalating.

The Ombuds Program supplements existing resolution processes and offers a less formal, expedited means of resolving real estate-related issues between members, members and their clients, or public-to-public disputes (buyer-seller disputes). Download the Ombuds brochure.

Ombuds Position 

REALTOR® Ombuds are neutral facilitators (informal mediators) who serve as an independent resource offering potential resolution options and general information on real estate transactions. Volunteer Ombuds are assigned ‘cases’ and assist parties in a dispute. After an Ombuds completes the required training they may be assigned 1 or 2 cases a month (typically 1-2 hours per case). 

This statewide program provided by NMAR and GAAR is designed to train NM REALTORS® to serve their local Associations and is limited to 24 participants. Transportation and lodging are not covered. If you must travel to attend the training, check with your local association about possible reimbursement. 

Ombuds Qualifications

1. Must be a New Mexico Real Estate Licensee and REALTOR® Member for the past five (5) years.
2. Must have no ethics or NMREC violations in the past three (3) years.
3. Possess thorough knowledge of state real estate laws, regulations, and practices.
4. Familiarity with NAR’s Code of Ethics and Professional Standards processes.
5. Reliable and responsive, with good follow-through.
6. Communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing.
7. Maintain impartiality and confidentiality and adhere to Professional Codes of Conduct.

Additional Desired Skills

1. Prior training or experience as an Ombudsman, Mediator, or other form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
2. Ability to remain neutral, actively listen, empathize with all parties, facilitate discussions, and help find mutually acceptable solutions.
3. Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Application Process

1. Submit the online application by Thursday, April 4th
2. Selected applicants will be required to attend orientation and the 2-day training sessions
3. Applicants will begin volunteer practice with an assigned mentor

Mandatory Training Schedule

Orientation via Zoom 

• Thursday, April 25th from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

In-Person Only Training 

• Monday, April 29th from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
• Tuesday, April 30th from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Location: GAAR REALTOR® Building, 1635 University Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Questions

Melody Mar, GAAR Director of Professional Standards
505-724-3466 / melody@gaar.com.