Agent Resources

This amazing program, initiated by Forrest Stodghill, grants REALTORS the opportunity to get involved in and give back to their community. REALTORS sign up to read to students once a week at our pilot school, Royal Heights Elementary in Joplin. Area schools interested in implementing this program, REALTORS who wish to get involved, or for more information; please contact Kimberly Cox at the OGAR Board office - 417-782-6161 or Forrest Stodghill at 417-483-0149.

Unlicensed Assistants

The Missouri Real Estate Commission published an article in October 1991 setting forth its position on the permissible and impermissible activities of unlicensed assistants.

According to the Commission, an unlicensed assistant may not:

1. Host open houses, kiosks, home show booths or fairs, or hand out materials

2. Prepare promotional materials or ads without the review and approval of licensee and supervising broker

3. Show property

4. Answer any questions on listings, title, financing, closing, etc.

5. Discuss or explain a contract, listing, lease, agreement, or other real estate document with anyone outside the firm

6. Work as a licensee/secretary in one firm and do real estate-related activities with that firm, while licensed with another firm

7. Be paid on the basis of real estate activity, such as a percentage of commission, or any amount based on listings, sales, etc.

8. Negotiate or agree to any commission, commission split, management fee, or referral fee on behalf of a licensee

Reprinted from the National Association of Realtors® www.realtor.org

Realtor University

REALTOR® University (RU) is the National Association of REALTORS® exclusive provider of online courses leading to NAR's official family of designations and certifications. In addition to its professional development offerings, RU boasts a large catalogue of live and on-demand webinars (recorded, available anytime). OCAR is striving to offer flexible learning opportunities for your busy schedule.

Webinar Center

New webinars and useful guides are added regularly on topics like blogging, Facebook, Twitter, connecting with the next generation, mobile apps, cryptocurrencies, marketing, REALTOR® safety, and more.

All Courses

Under the courses menu, a variety of NAR's professional designations and certifications are available in an online format. Plus, choose from professional development courses on commercial real estate, auctions, staging, and more.

*Courses and webinars require payment and registration directly through REALTOR® University. For cancellation or refund information, members should visit the REALTOR® University website at: www.learninglibrary.com/realtoruniversity or call (877) 762 9322.

Missouri REALTORS® Legal Line Resource:

The Missouri Association of REALTORS®’ LEGAL LINE is a “members only” service benefit that allows all Missouri REALTORS® (both brokers and agents) direct access to an experienced real estate attorney who can provide information on a variety of real estate law topics.

LEGAL LINE is available 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 573-447-5278. Designated Brokers who wish to limit their agents’ access to LEGAL LINE must sign an Opt-Out Request, available at www.MissouriRealtor.org

LEGAL LINE calls are free for all participants. For more information and FAQs regarding the new LEGAL LINE, visit www.MissouriRealtor.org and click on Member Resources > Risk Management Tools.

Today's Real Estate Industry News

RIS Media (www.rismedia.com)

RealtyTimes® (www.realtytimes.com)

Inman News (www.inman.com)

Missouri REALTORS® (www.missourirealtor.org)

National Association of REALTORS® (www.realtor.org/news-and-commentary)

Appraisal Insight (www.appraisalinsight.blogs.realtor.org)

Code of Ethics, Complaints & Arbitration

One of the most important things that sets REALTORS® apart from other real estate practitioners is their acceptance and adherence to the Code of Ethics. But even with the best of intentions, occasional disagreements arise between REALTORS® and/or between REALTORS® and their clients or customers. Any person, whether a member or not, having reason to believe that an OGAR REALTOR® member or MLS participant or subscriber is in violation of any conduct subject to disciplinary action, may file a complaint. Adherence to the Code of Ethics is monitored through a Professional Standards process that helps to resolve disputes through ethics proceedings, mediation and arbitration.

Click here to view a copy of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual which governs the policies of the Ozark Gateway Association of REALTORS®: http://www.realtor.org/code-of-ethics-and-arbitration-manual

Ethics Complaint Process

If you wish to file an ethics complaint, you will want to review the Code of Ethics. The Code is the standard by which the Grievance Committee of the Board reviews allegations of potential violations. The Articles in the Code of Ethics are the specific obligations that can subject the member to disciplinary action after a due process hearing. After carefully reading the Code, complete the ethics complaint form, including an explanation of why you believe a specific Article (or Articles) has been violated (e.g., "I feel that Article ____ was violated because..."). Any ethics complaint must cite an Article since that is the standard by which REALTORS®' conduct is judged; a Standard of Practice may only be cited in support of a charge that an Article was violated. You must also include the date you became aware there was a potential violation.

When we receive an ethics complaint request, we will forward it to the Grievance Committee which will review the matter and decide if there are sufficient grounds for a hearing(s) by the Professional Standards Committee.

Please understand that requests for ethics complaints must be filed within one hundred eighty (180) calendar days after the facts constituting the matter complained of was known, or could have been known, in the exercise of reasonable diligence.

If you any questions or concerns regarding filing an ethics complaint, please e-mail kim@theogar.com