MLS/Professional Standards
As a member of Guam Association of REALTORS®, we automatically become members of the National Association of REALTORS® and are required to abide by a strict code of ethics. This Code ensures that consumers are always prioritized, mandating REALTORS® to cooperate with one another in order to further the best interests of their clients.
Professional standards at the Guam Association of REALTORS® (GAR) refers to the ethical and procedural framework that guides members' conduct in real estate practice. At the core is the Code of Ethics established by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), which emphasizes principles like:
- Loyalty to clients
- Cooperation with competitors
- Truthfulness in advertising
- Fiduciary duty and respect for exclusive relationships
GAR enforces these standards through structured processes for handling ethics complaints, arbitration requests, and mediation. In short, professional standards ensure REALTORS® uphold integrity, fairness, and professionalism in every transaction.
If you believe a REALTOR® has violated one or more Articles of the Code of Ethics, filing a complaint may be an option. The Code of Ethics is designed to ensure REALTORS® uphold the highest standards of professionalism, honesty, and integrity. Any member of the public—or another REALTOR®—may file a complaint if they believe a violation has occurred.
When a complaint is filed, it will be reviewed through an established process by the association’s Professional Standards Committee. This ensures that each case is evaluated fairly, confidentially, and in accordance with the National Association of REALTORS® guidelines. Filing a complaint is not about resolving a business dispute or awarding damages, but rather about holding REALTORS® accountable to the ethical standards of the profession.
Contact the GAR office for more information.
Traditionally, disputes in the real estate industry have been handled through direct negotiation between the parties involved. When those negotiations break down and an agreement cannot be reached, the next step is often costly and time-consuming litigation.
Mediation offers an alternative path. It brings in a neutral third-party professional who is trained to facilitate constructive communication and guide the parties toward a mutually acceptable resolution. Unlike litigation, mediation focuses on collaboration rather than confrontation, helping to preserve business relationships while resolving conflicts more efficiently.
On Guam, we partner with Inafa’ Maolek Conciliation to provide mediation services. Their experienced team helps REALTORS®, clients, and other parties navigate disputes in a way that is respectful, culturally grounded, and solution-focused.
Contact the GAR office for more information.
REALTORS® agree as a condition of membership to arbitrate contractual disputes and specific non-contractual disputes as provided for in Article 17 of the NAR Code of Ethics. For more information, please contact the GAR office.
The Guam Association of REALTORS® subscribes to an electronic information system that is available for the Participants and Subscribers for use in the listing, selling of properties and other MLS activies.