There are times when you and your agent have a disagreement that you cannot resolve by yourselves. Maybe the agent did a poor job or misrepresented something. Maybe your agent was really doing their job correctly, but you did not understand. Perhaps the agent will have a dispute with you.

The listing contract specifies what methods will be used to settle such disputes. You can choose to accept binding arbitration, which is usually cheaper than hiring a lawyer and going to court. Usually, matters that can be dealt with in a small claims court are excluded from having to go to binding arbitration.

You are not required to sign or initial the binding arbitration clause.  This would leave you free to hire an attorney and pursue disputes in civil court instead of binding arbitration.  However, we are not recommending one choice or the other, as giving legal advice is not part of the services we offer at RealEstate ABC.

copyright 2000 by Terry Light and RealEstate ABC, revised 2002