If mediation fails to resolve escrow disputes within the 90-day period, what must the broker do next?

• A. Restart mediation
• B. Wait another 90 days
• C. Close the case and release funds
• D. Employ another authorized procedure

Answer: (D)

When there’s an escrow dispute, mediation is the initial step and you have a 90-day window to try to resolve it. If mediation doesn’t settle the matter within that period, you must move to another authorized method for dispute resolution, such as arbitration or filing a claim in court. This keeps funds protected and ensures the dispute is handled through a legally recognized process.

Restating why the other options aren’t appropriate: continuing to mediate after the 90 days wouldn’t align with the required timeline, delaying beyond the allotted window isn’t allowed, and releasing funds or closing the case without using an approved procedure would ignore the unresolved dispute. The correct next step is to pursue an alternate authorized procedure.