Business Details
Your Trusted Real Estate Professionals in Elkhorn, WI
Founded to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in real estate, Lakes Area REALTORS Association (LARA) serves as a regional advocate for REALTORS and property owners rights. Our organization is built on the principles of the Realtor Code of Ethics, ensuring our members adhere to strict moral and professional conduct. With over 600 members, we act as a local chapter of the Wisconsin REALTORS Association and the National Association of REALTORS, providing critical resources and advocacy. Our core mission focuses on three pillars: Serve, Educate, and Advocate. We offer specialized programs like the Ombudsman Program to resolve disputes before formal complaints, ensuring fair and efficient conflict resolution.Our ethics complaint and arbitration processes uphold accountability, allowing clients and members to address violations of ethical standards or contractual disputes. Through continuous education and professional development opportunities, we empower our members to excel in a dynamic industry. Our commitment to transparency and integrity has made us a trusted leader in Walworth County and surrounding areas. We actively promote collaboration among REALTORS while safeguarding the interests of property owners. By maintaining rigorous standards and fostering a culture of excellence, LARA remains dedicated to advancing the real estate profession and serving our community with distinction.
Services
Ethics Complaints
Arbitration Requests
Ombudsman Program
Professional Standards
Member Education
Highlights and features
- We uphold the Realtor Code of Ethics, ensuring the highest professional standards.
- Our Ombudsman Program resolves disputes efficiently before formal processes begin.
- We provide transparent ethics complaint and arbitration procedures for accountability.
- With 600+ members, we represent a strong network of local real estate professionals.
- Our team offers specialized education and advocacy tailored to Walworth County needs.
Associations and certifications
- National Association of REALTORS
- Wisconsin REALTORS Association
Services
Ethics Complaints
We handle formal complaints alleging violations of the Realtor Code of Ethics by member REALTORS. Our process ensures fair investigations and peer-reviewed decisions. Clients and members can submit complaints through our CasePro system for resolution.
Arbitration Requests
Our arbitration service resolves contractual conflicts between REALTORS, clients, and transaction parties. This includes disputes over commission splits, procuring cause, and agreement terms. Panels review evidence to deliver binding decisions.
Ombudsman Program
This program provides early-stage mediation for real estate disputes. Ombudsmen facilitate communication between parties to resolve issues informally before formal processes. Available to both members and consumers in ethical or transactional matters.
Professional Standards
We promote adherence to professional standards through education and resources. Members access training on ethical practices, contract management, and dispute prevention to maintain industry excellence and client trust.
Member Education
We offer continuing education programs and professional development resources for REALTORS. Courses cover legal updates, ethical practices, and market trends to enhance member expertise and client service quality.
People
Denise Schultz
Chief Executive Officer
Denise Schultz leads Lakes Area REALTORS Association as CEO, overseeing operations and strategic initiatives. With RCE-C2EX-PSAT-ePro certifications, she brings extensive real estate industry expertise to drive organizational growth and member support.
Questions
What does the Lakes Area REALTORS Association do?
We advocate for real estate professionals and property owners, enforce ethical standards, and provide dispute resolution services in Walworth County.
How can I file an ethics complaint against a REALTOR?
Submit an ethics complaint through our website or contact the Wisconsin REALTORS Association for guidance on the formal process.
What is the Ombudsman Program?
Our Ombudsman Program offers informal dispute resolution before formal complaints, addressing ethical or transactional issues with a REALTOR.
Do you offer arbitration for real estate contract disputes?
Yes, we provide arbitration services to resolve contractual disagreements between REALTORS, clients, and transaction parties.
How many members does LARA have?
We serve over 600 real estate professionals across Walworth County and surrounding areas.