We are happy to share that as of 1/1/2023, we have entered into an agreement with the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS so that they may handle the administration of our professional standards hearing process. The benefits are many! First, we know that the complex process will be exclusively handled by legal staff that are working for other Massachusetts boards in this capacity.  To help make this transition and to ensure the state is “staffed up” and ready to handle this new service, they have hired Kate Berard, our new Director of Professional Standards & Associate Counsel at MAR.  She will the our go-to point of contact for this process.  Please note: MSL matters, questions about complaints, mediation and ombudsman services will still be handled locally – this is just when a formal complaint is filed and on its way to a hearing – whether ethics or arbitration – will the state handle the process.  Sue O’Brien and Sandy Carroll will maintain their Professional Administrator Certifications so that we can continue to advise locally, but paperwork and formal processes will be governed by the state.

We will be setting up local mediation and ombudsman training, hoping to have more members volunteering to help resolve disputes before it gets to the state level – and we will also be looking for volunteers who will work on the state Grievance, hearing and appeal panels so they are truly representative.

Congratulations and welcome aboard to Kate and we are happy to answer any questions you might have!