When is the initial fee due to Christies International Real Estate?
Christies_International_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
[Item 11: FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING]
We have the right to require, in our discretion, that your Designated Owner, Office Broker, Marketing Director, and Training/Agent Support Director of the Main and Additional Offices (hereinafter referred to as "Trainees") attend and complete, to our satisfaction, our then-current initial training program. We do not charge for the Trainees to attend initial training, but you are responsible for travel, lodging, transportation, meal costs, and your employees' wages to attend initial training. The Trainees must successfully complete the initial training program to our satisfaction before you may open your Business.
We reserve the right to require any additional personnel to addend our initial training program, at our then-current additional training fee (which is currently $500 per day per attendee).
We will advise you after initial training if you have successfully completed the course.
Additional Training or Seminars. We also will conduct ongoing education courses, seminars or conferences either online, at our corporate office, in your area or elsewhere, although we have the right to determine if and when these courses may be offered, as well as their duration and content. You must pay for any fees we charge per our then current schedule of charges, which can vary over time (which is currently $500 per day per attendee). You must also pay your costs of transportation, lodging, meals and other expenses. Your attendance at these courses is voluntary. Through our learning platform, we also intend to provide programs which we encourage you and your independent sales associates to complete. We may make available, online learning materials for your use.
Annual Conference. You must attend any annual conference or conference that we sponsor or designate. You must pay to us our then-current Annual Conference Fee and you are responsible for all travel and living expenses. If you fail to attend the annual conference without our prior written consent, you must pay our then-current fee for two people for failing to attend the conference.
Source: Item 5 — INITIAL FEES (FDD pages 13–14)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Christies International Real Estate does not charge an initial training fee for the Designated Owner, Office Broker, Marketing Director, and Training/Agent Support Director to attend the initial training program. However, the franchisee is responsible for covering the costs associated with travel, lodging, transportation, meals, and wages for their employees during the training period. The FDD also states that Christie's International Real Estate reserves the right to charge a training fee for any additional individuals required to attend initial training.
While there isn't a direct 'initial fee' for training, these associated costs can be significant for a new Christies International Real Estate franchisee. The number of personnel required to attend training and the duration of the training program will directly impact these expenses. Franchisees should factor in these costs when budgeting for the initial investment.
Furthermore, the FDD mentions additional training or seminars that Christie's International Real Estate may conduct, for which fees may be charged, along with the franchisee's responsibility for covering transportation, lodging, and meal expenses. Attendance at the annual conference is also mandatory, requiring payment of the then-current Annual Conference Fee and associated travel and living expenses. Therefore, franchisees should clarify the frequency and costs of these ongoing training requirements to accurately assess the financial commitment involved in operating a Christies International Real Estate franchise.