What is the approval process for third-party charges incurred by Christies International Real Estate on my behalf?
Christies_International_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
med a joint employer with you for any reason.
- 4.5. Special Assistance Fee. Intentionally deleted.
- 4.6. Additional Training, Founder Mentoring, Designated Programming. Intentionally deleted.
- 4.7. Ancillary Services. We or our affiliates may offer other ancillary services, directly or indirectly, to assist you in operating your Business. However, you are not required to use ancillary services. Ancillary services may include title services, mortgage services, new development services, warranty services, and relocation services and similar products or services related to a real estate brokerage operation. These services may not be available in all markets, and we have the right to add, change or discontinue any ancillary service at any time, and we reserve the right to charge our then-current fees for such ancillary services.
- 4.8. Annual Conference. In order to stay current on all programs, processes, procedures and other information relating to the operation of your CHRISTIE'S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE business, you or a senior representative from your leadership team of whom we approve must attend any annual affiliate conference or other conference that we sponsor or designate.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 54–177)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document does not specify a process for approval of third-party charges incurred by Christies International Real Estate on behalf of the franchisee. However, the FDD does mention ancillary services that Christies International Real Estate or its affiliates may offer to assist franchisees in operating their businesses. These services, which are not mandatory, may include title, mortgage, new development, warranty, and relocation services. Christies International Real Estate reserves the right to charge its then-current fees for these ancillary services.
Additionally, the FDD states that franchisees must attend any annual affiliate conference or other conference that Christies International Real Estate sponsors or designates. Franchisees are responsible for paying the then-current conference fee, as well as all travel and living expenses for themselves, their owners, brokers, agents, and employees. Failure to attend the annual conference without prior written consent results in a fee equivalent to the cost for two people to attend.
While the FDD outlines fees for specific situations like conferences and mentions potential charges for optional ancillary services, it lacks a general procedure for approving third-party charges incurred by Christies International Real Estate on a franchisee's behalf. A prospective franchisee should seek clarification from Christies International Real Estate regarding what types of third-party charges could be incurred, under what circumstances these charges would arise, and what approval process would be followed to ensure transparency and agreement on these costs.