26-WC-0304 - Notice of Final Action to WCBR Membership

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August 20th, 2026

Notice of Final Action - Ethics Hearings

Dear Washington County Board of REALTORS® Members,

As provided in the National Association of REALTORS Code of Ethics & Arbitration Manual, Boards are permitted to publish the results of ethics hearings that result in formal discipline. The names of the parties may only be disclosed when the discipline includes suspension or expulsion of Board and/or MLS membership. Because the discipline in this matter did not include suspension or expulsion, the decision is being shared with the parties' names redacted. This information is distributed through official Board communications to promote member awareness, reinforce ethical standards, and provide educational opportunities for the benefit of the membership.

At its August 19, 2026 meeting, the Board of Directors reviewed and affirmed the findings, conclusions, and disciplinary action recommended by the Professional Standards Hearing Panel in the following ethics matter. 

Case Summary 
Following a full ethics hearing, the Hearing Panel found that the Respondent violated Articles 1 and 3 of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, as well as Article VI, Section 6 of the Washington County Board of REALTORS® Bylaws. 

Article 1 of the Code of Ethics reads: When representing a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant, or other client as an agent, REALTORS® pledge themselves to protect and promote the interests of their client. This obligation to the client is primary, but it does not relieve REALTORS® of their obligation to treat all parties honestly. 

Article 3 of the Code of Ethics reads: REALTORS® shall cooperate with other brokers except when cooperation is not in the client’s best interest. 

Article VI Section 6 of the WCBR Bylaws reads: It shall be the duty and responsibility of every REALTOR® member of this association to safeguard and promote the standards, interests, and welfare of the association and the real estate profession, and to protect against conduct that may cause a lack of public confidence in the real estate profession or in REALTORS®.

The matter involved communication and conduct surrounding competing offers on a listed property. The Hearing Panel found that the Respondent did not communicate honestly and cooperatively with another REALTOR® regarding the status of an offer and failed to adequately keep the other REALTOR® informed of developments that could affect their clients’ opportunity to submit an offer.

The Hearing Panel also considered the Respondent’s duties to the sellers. Because the Respondent was representing both buyers and sellers under a limited agency agreement, the Panel found that the Respondent did not fully promote the sellers’ best interests by failing to disclose the potential for additional competing offers before the sellers accepted another offer.

The Hearing Panel concluded that the Respondent’s conduct failed to meet the obligations imposed by Articles 1 and 3 of the Code of Ethics and the membership duties established by Article VI, Section 6 of the Board’s Bylaws.

In determining the appropriate discipline, the Hearing Panel considered the seriousness of the conduct, the Respondent’s experience in the real estate industry, and the Panel’s findings regarding the Respondent’s actions during the transaction. 

The following discipline was imposed:

The Hearing Panel required the Respondent to complete five (5) hours of continuing education within six (6) months, consisting of three (3) hours of NAR Code of Ethics training and two (2) hours of education on agency.

The Hearing Panel also imposed the financial penalties totaling $2,500 which were to be paid within ninety (90) days of the Respondent’s receipt of the official notice of discipline.

The Washington County Board of REALTORS is committed to administering the Professional Standards process in a fair, impartial, and consistent manner while protecting the due process rights of all parties. The case summaries above are provided solely for educational purposes to help members better understand their ethical obligations and to promote professionalism throughout the real estate industry.

Sincerely,

Emily Merkley, CEO

Washington County Board of REALTORS, and is Multiple Listing Service