First, determine whether this is an ethics matter or an arbitration of a business dispute. In an ethics complaint, you are alleging that a REALTOR® violated one or more Articles of the Code of Ethics. Remember, not all real estate agents are REALTORS®; only those who belong to their local Association of REALTORS® (in this case, HRRA) and have agreed, as a condition of membership, to abide by a strict, enforceable Code of Ethics.
Arbitration is the process for resolving a business dispute about a real estate transaction that the parties have been unable to solve themselves. An arbitration request usually involves one REALTOR® in disagreement with another over distribution of a commission. In certain circumstances, however, it can be used to resolve a dispute between a member of the public and a REALTOR®.
If your situation concerns both ethics and arbitration, the Association will handle the arbitration first. The ethics complaint, if filed, is considered after final judgment is rendered in the arbitration.