What is the Christies International Real Estate franchisee obligated to do before beginning to operate their business?
Christies_International_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Marks (our "Brand Guidelines"). We may add to, delete from, and otherwise modify the Operations Manual from time to time as we deem necessary or appropriate. The master copy of the Operations Manual that we maintain electronically or at our principal office and make available to you will control if there is a dispute involving the contents of the Operations Manual.
5. DEVELOPMENT AND OPENING THE BUSINESS
- 5.1. Development of the Business. Before you begin operating the Business, you will:
- (a) purchase an opening inventory of all signage (including all "for sale" signs), products, supplies, materials, and equipment we require for the Business. You must begin using yard signs containing our Marks within ninety (90) days from the Effective Date;
- (b) have a working Computer System;
- (c) procure all state or local licenses, permits, and certifications required by applicable law to operate your Business; and
- (d) establish filing, accounting and inventory control systems complying with our requirements.
5.2. Site Selection and Build Out.
- (a) Site Selection. You must select a site for the operation of your Business. We may provide you with site selection guidelines in the Operations Manual or otherwise in writing. You agree to obtain our written consent for your proposed site. You may operate the Business only from the accepted site. If you fail to secure a site of which we approve, we may terminate this Agreement.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 54–177)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Christies International Real Estate's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, before commencing operations, a franchisee must fulfill several key requirements. First, they must purchase an opening inventory of all required signage, products, supplies, materials, and equipment, including using yard signs containing Christies International Real Estate's Marks within 90 days of the agreement's effective date. They also need to have a working Computer System in place.
Additionally, the franchisee is responsible for procuring all necessary state and local licenses, permits, and certifications to legally operate the business. They must also establish filing, accounting, and inventory control systems that comply with Christies International Real Estate's requirements. Furthermore, the franchisee must select a site for their business, and obtain written consent from Christies International Real Estate for the proposed site, and may only operate from the accepted site.
Finally, the franchisee cannot commence business operations until they receive prior written approval from Christies International Real Estate. These stipulations ensure that each franchise location is properly equipped, legally compliant, and aligned with the brand's operational standards before opening to the public. Franchisees must also operate under a trade name or DBA "CHRISTIE'S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE" with a suffix or prefix that uniquely identifies their Office as approved by Christies International Real Estate before opening their Business.