It looks as though promised industry changes at prominent brokerages won’t be happening anytime soon as a buyer has filed a second appeal in less than a month to challenge the multi-million dollar settlements. Buyer James Mullis filed the appeal with the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals this week, seeking to overturn a decision from Judge Stephen Bough’s granting the settlement approvals for RE/MAX, Keller Williams and Anywhere, arguing that the approvals could negatively impact separate claims.
Mullis is also a named plaintiff in the Batton 1 case, which seeks class-action status in a claim against Anywhere, RE/MAX and Keller Williams, in addition to the National Association of Realtors.
Buyers made a similar claim as Mullis last month, seeking an injunction against the aforementioned settlements. That request was denied.
If the court sides with Mullis, it could not only delay the settlement approvals but also the promised business practice changes. Additionally, no one in the settlement classes who has made a claim will receive payment until any appeals have been resolved.