Can the Designated Owner and Office Broker for a Christies International Real Estate franchise be the same individual?
Christies_International_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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ITEM 15 OBLIGATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRANCHISE BUSINESS
We recommend that you operate as a business entity.
You must designate one Principal Owner as the "Designated Owner" who: (i) is the primary Principal Owner responsible for your Business communications with us; (ii) has authority over all transactions and dealings related to your Business; and (iii) has the power to create binding agreements with us. The Designated Owner must operate the Business on a full-time basis.
The Designated Owner must be a broker to hold all necessary real estate licenses and to supervise all real estate activities and transactions handled by the Business (also known as the "Responsible Broker").
Source: Item 15 — OBLIGATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRANCHISE BUSINESS (FDD pages 41–43)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Christies International Real Estate Franchise Disclosure Document, the Designated Owner and the Office Broker can be the same person. The Designated Owner is the primary point of contact with the franchisor, has authority over all business transactions, and must operate the business full-time.
In addition, Christies International Real Estate requires a franchisee to appoint an Office Broker who is responsible for the on-premises supervision of the Main Office. If the business operates Additional Offices, an Office Broker must be appointed for each Additional Office.
Importantly, the FDD states explicitly that the Designated Owner and an Office Broker may be the same individual. This provides flexibility for franchisees, especially in smaller operations where having different individuals in these roles may not be feasible or cost-effective. This individual does not need to own any interest in the franchisee's company.