If mediation fails to settle, what must the broker do next?

• A. File another mediation request
• B. Take no action
• C. Return funds to the seller
• D. Employ another authorized procedure

Answer: (D)

When mediation doesn’t produce a settlement, the next step is to pursue another dispute-resolution method that is authorized by the contract or by law. Mediation aims to reach a voluntary agreement, but if it fails, a binding resolution is needed, which is achieved through an alternative procedure such as arbitration or litigation. So the broker should move forward with another permitted method rather than retrying mediation, doing nothing, or returning funds as a remedy.