For a Better Homes And Gardens Real Estate franchise, who must complete the Orientation?
Better_Homes_And_Gardens_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
) Workshop | | | | | TOTAL – ALL TRAINING | 10.5 | 0 | |
Notes to Training Program table above:
[1] We are only offering Orientation virtually in 2025. However, if an in-person Orientation is offered, it will be at our Headquarters in New Jersey; although, we may elect to conduct courses at your Main Office or at The Better Retreat location (locations vary). Many of our courses are also available via webinar.
We will provide you with learning materials during Orientation, which may include printed handouts, manuals, talent attraction information, access to recorded content online and other related materials. These learning materials are and will remain our sole property. We do not provide any on-the-job training. We have the right to change, discontinue or add any education program for the Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate System at any time.
If you are converting an existing real estate office, we estimate that the typical time between the earlier of your signing your Standard Franchise Agreement or paying the initial franchise fee and your opening your Office will be within 45 days. The factors that affect this time are mostly within your control or the control of suppliers you select.
During the operation of your Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate Office(s), we will provide continuing assistance to you with respect to improvements and changes to the System. The guidance may be in the form of bulletins or other written materials, electronic communication, consultation by telephone or in person at your Office(s), or by other means. (Franchise Agreement, Section 6.1.3.)
We also will conduct ongoing educational courses, seminars or conferences either online, at our corporate office, in your area or elsewhere, although we have the right to determine if and when these courses may be offered, as well as their duration and content. You must pay any fees we charge and all your costs of transportation, lodging, meals and other expenses. Except as otherwise set forth in this disclosure document or the Franchise Agreement, your attendance is voluntary (Franchise Agreement, Sections 6.1.2 and 6.2). Through our learning platform, we also intend to provide professional certification programs which we encourage you and your independent sales associates to complete.
Source: Item 15 — OBLIGATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRANCHISE BUSINESS (FDD pages 61–62)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the FDD does not specify who is required to complete the Orientation program for a Better Homes And Gardens Real Estate franchise. The document mentions that Better Homes And Gardens Real Estate offers an Orientation program, which in 2025 is being offered virtually. The FDD also states that the franchisor will provide learning materials during Orientation, such as printed handouts, manuals, and access to online content.
Better Homes And Gardens Real Estate also conducts ongoing educational courses, seminars, or conferences online, at their corporate office, or in the franchisee's area. While attendance is generally voluntary, franchisees must pay any fees charged by the franchisor, as well as cover their own transportation, lodging, meals, and other expenses. The FDD also mentions professional certification programs available through their learning platform, which they encourage franchisees and their independent sales associates to complete.
Because the FDD does not specify who is required to complete the Orientation, prospective franchisees should directly ask the franchisor about the mandatory attendees for the Orientation program. Understanding who is required to attend and the content covered will help in planning and budgeting for the initial training and ongoing professional development of staff.