Gail Hiebert

Good question. I am a certified Mediator- Conflict Resolution expert. The difference between a Mediator and a Arbitrator is the character of the action. A Meidator is a trained person (usually) who acts as a third party between to people with differing points of view, who at the core of things are sincere about resolving their difference without court action. An Arbitrator is usually an attorney (trained in Arbitration) who is hired or assigned by the courts to provide a Binding solution to a legal problem instead of going through the court system. The final decision of the Arbitrator is Binding through and like a court decision. The final arrangements determined by the parties of Mediation is flexible and based upon honor, honesty and good will and generally works because the parties sincerely wish for a solution. The real estate industry is moving more and more toward Mediation for the settlement of disputes between the parties involved in a real estate issue. It is fast, less expensive and each party is part of the solution. Hope this helps...GH - Sun Mar 9 2008, 16:22