Batton plaintiffs allege reverse auction in Anywhere settlement

"In their motion to intervene, the Batton plaintiffs claim that Anywhere picked the most ineffectual class lawyers to negotiate a settlement with in the hope that the district court will approve a weak settlement that will preclude other claims against the defendant. The questionable settlement amount here further underscores Plaintiffs' counsel's inadequate representation of homebuyer claims against Anywhere."

"Those looking to opt-in to the Tuccori settlement must pay at least 25% of what they paid in the Sitzer/Burnett suit, which for Anywhere was $83.5 million. The filing notes that the $20 million Keller Williams paid to settle the homebuyer claims with the Batton plaintiffs was over 28% of what the firm paid in its Sitzer/Burnett settlement."

"The Batton plaintiffs claim that by intervening they are helping to ensure efficient prosecution of homebuying claims against Anywhere for both the parties and the Court. As part of these efforts, the Batton plaintiffs are asking the court to not grant preliminary approval to Anywhere's settlement."

Batton plaintiffs are attempting to intervene in Anywhere's Tuccori settlement negotiations, claiming the company deliberately selected weak class counsel to achieve a substandard settlement. The sealed settlement amount is reportedly less than $10.78 million, falling below the 25% threshold of Anywhere's $83.5 million Sitzer/Burnett settlement. By comparison, Keller Williams paid $20 million to settle homebuyer claims with Batton plaintiffs, exceeding 28% of its prior settlement obligation. The Batton plaintiffs argue intervention is necessary to ensure efficient prosecution of homebuying claims and are requesting the court deny preliminary approval of Anywhere's settlement. They warn of potential appeals and plan to seek a preliminary injunction if their intervention motion succeeds.

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