What is the dependency for a Christies International Real Estate franchisee to commence operations of their Business?
Christies_International_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
. You must obtain our prior written consent to the physical address of your Business ("Main Office") before you can commence operations of your Business. Under the License Agreement, you will be permitted to use our marketing, business development, and advertising techniques; operating procedures; brand standards; business methods; and other expertise we may supply to you (collectively, the "System"). It will be your sole responsibility to operate your Business in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, as required under the License Agreement, and as outlined in the Operations Manual, which includes the Brand Guidelines that pertain to the use of the Marks. Under the License Agreement, you may only operate the Business from the Main Office. If you desire to operate the Business at multiple locations, you must obtain our prior written consent, and sign our "Additional Office Addendum" or "AOA."
At the time you sign the License Agreement, you will identify one individual who will operate the Business on a full-time basis (the "Responsible Broker"). The Responsible Broker must be a licensed real estate broker in all jurisdictions you will operate the Business.
We expect that most, if not all, License Agreements that we sign with Affiliates will be with established real estate brokerage businesses who will be converting to our system and will operate using the Marks.
Laws and Regulations
You must comply with all applicable laws and regulations that apply to your Business, including those governing the operations of real estate brokerages. Additionally, you, your Business, and/or your Responsible Broker must be a licensed real estate broker in every jurisdiction you operate the Business. Each real estate broker and real estate agent must obtain and maintain the required applicable licenses and permits required within the jurisdictions the Business will operate. You are solely responsible for investigating and complying with all applicable laws and regulations.
In addition to your compliance with applicable laws, you must comply with the rules and regulations of the state and local boards of realtors within the geographic area you operate the Business, however, you are not required to comply with any codes, standards, rules, or regulations should they potentially violate any state or federal antitrust or unfair competition laws.
Competition
The general market for real estate brokerage services is well developed.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR, AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 7–11)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Christies International Real Estate Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must obtain the franchisor's prior written consent to the physical address of their Business's Main Office before commencing operations. This requirement ensures that the location meets the franchisor's standards and is suitable for representing the brand.
Additionally, the Responsible Broker, who is identified at the time of signing the License Agreement, must be a licensed real estate broker in all jurisdictions where the Business will operate. The franchisee, their Business, and/or their Responsible Broker must also be a licensed real estate broker in every jurisdiction they operate. Each real estate broker and real estate agent must obtain and maintain the required applicable licenses and permits required within the jurisdictions the Business will operate. This is critical for legal compliance and maintaining the integrity of real estate transactions.
Christies International Real Estate expects that most new franchisees will be established real estate brokerage businesses converting to their system. Franchisees must also operate the Business in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, as outlined in the Operations Manual, including the Brand Guidelines for using the Marks. Franchisees are solely responsible for investigating and complying with all applicable laws and regulations. Franchisees must also comply with the rules and regulations of state and local boards of realtors within their operating area, unless those rules violate state or federal antitrust or unfair competition laws.