What is the Christies International Real Estate franchisee acknowledging regarding their ability as an independent businessperson?
Christies_International_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You acknowledge and agree that by executing this Agreement you are agreeing to establish and operate an independent CHRISTIE'S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE business, the success of which depends on, among other things, your individual ability to operate your business, attract and retain qualified agents and other personnel, and otherwise operate all phases of an independent business over which you will have substantial control.
As an independent business owner, you agree that: (i) the relationship created by this Agreement is not a relationship between principal and agent, or that it is a fiduciary relationship; (ii) you are not our employee and will not earn any wages, nor be eligible for or receive any of the other benefits normally provided to employees, but rather your income will solely be the profits you earn from the operation of your Business; (iii) we are not the employer or coemployer of any employee that you hire; (iv) except as set forth herein, all management, personnel, and training requirements are at your discretion and are your responsibility; (v) you are responsible for ensuring that your Business operates in accordance with the law of the state, county, city, and town in which you operate; (vi) you alone are permitted to contract with your customers and you are required to sign all contracts and agreements, including purchase agreements, using your independent business name; (vii) you are free to set the prices you charge your customers, so long as those charges comply with any and all mandatory policies we prescribe in the Operations Manual relating to maximum or minimum charges; and (viii) we shall not be liable for damages to any person or property arising directly or indirectly out of your operation of your Business nor shall we be liable for any taxes, assessments, fines or penalties levied upon you or your Business arising out of your Business.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 54–177)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Christies International Real Estate Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees acknowledge that their success as an independent business owner depends on their individual capabilities. This includes their ability to operate the business effectively, attract and retain qualified agents and personnel, and manage all aspects of the business. Christies International Real Estate emphasizes that franchisees have substantial control over their business operations.
Christies International Real Estate specifies that the relationship between the franchisor and franchisee is not that of principal and agent, nor is it a fiduciary relationship. Franchisees are not considered employees and will not receive wages or employee benefits. Instead, their income will be derived solely from the profits generated by their business. Franchisees are responsible for all management, personnel, and training requirements, ensuring their business complies with all applicable laws.
Furthermore, Christies International Real Estate franchisees are permitted to contract directly with their customers, using their independent business name on all agreements. They also have the autonomy to set their own prices, provided they adhere to any mandatory policies outlined in the Operations Manual regarding maximum or minimum charges. Christies International Real Estate will not be liable for damages arising from the franchisee's business operations or for any taxes, assessments, fines, or penalties incurred by the franchisee's business.