I had the honor and privilege to be part of a 3 day training program sponsored by NAR in Chicago this last week on Mediator/ Mediation Training.  All I can say is WOW! what an eye opener, what an experience, and what great instructors and coach's we had for this program of dispute resolution process that will be sweeping the nation for Realtor Boards in the coming months and years ahead. Unlike arbitration, and litigation, mediation is a voluntary process in which a neutral party (Mediator) helps people resolve conflicts. The heart of mediation is getting two or more people with a problem to talk to each other.

Mediation is a confidential settlement process that honors the principle of self determination from the parties involved. This is something that as a broker-owner over the years I can relate with through settling disputes between agents, buyers and sellers and mediating last minute closing disputes. Most Realtors with experience in listing and selling homes, have the natural genes to become good mediators if they understand the process. However, I must admit, although I have nearly thirty years of handling almost everything you could think of, there is more to the mediation process than meets the eye.

My goal here is to bring your attention to the idea that has came to life and will be very beneficial to our industry for years to come.  I encourage you as a Realtor to learn what you can about the process, attend the training provided by NAR, and get behind the campaign for mediation to be an alternative to arbitration at your local board for agent to agent disputes.

Watch for more on this subject in the near future.

"Expect the Best"
Mike