Does Christies International Real Estate have an obligation to provide upgrades or updates for computer systems?
Christies_International_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
number and type of equipment you will need, these items can be purchased for approximately $2,500 to $10,000.
Neither we nor our affiliates or any third-party have any obligation to provide ongoing maintenance, repairs, upgrades or updates. You must maintain your computer systems in good working order and must replace, update or upgrade your hardware systems as we require. The estimated annual cost of optional or required maintenance, updating, upgrading, or support contracts to your computer systems is approximately $1,000.
Since technology, particularly in the real estate brokerage business is changing, we reserve the right to require businesses operating under the System and Marks, including your Business, to change technology systems, or implement new or changed technologies, and you would be required to pay the initial, convers
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 26–33)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Christies International Real Estate Franchise Disclosure Document, neither Christies International Real Estate, its affiliates, nor any third party has any obligation to provide ongoing maintenance, repairs, upgrades, or updates to the franchisee's computer systems. The franchisee is solely responsible for maintaining their computer systems in good working order and must replace, update, or upgrade their hardware systems as required by Christies International Real Estate. The estimated annual cost for these maintenance, updates, upgrades, or support contracts is approximately $1,000.
This means that as a Christies International Real Estate franchisee, you are responsible for all costs associated with keeping your computer systems operational and compliant with Christies International Real Estate's requirements. This includes not only the initial purchase and setup of the systems, which can range from $2,500 to $10,000, but also the ongoing costs of maintenance, updates, and upgrades. Failing to maintain your systems as required could potentially put you in breach of the franchise agreement.
Christies International Real Estate also reserves the right to require franchisees to change technology systems or implement new technologies, and the franchisee is responsible for all associated costs, which may be paid to Christies International Real Estate or to third parties. Given the rapidly changing nature of technology, especially in the real estate industry, this could represent a significant and recurring expense for franchisees. Franchisees should factor these potential costs into their financial planning and due diligence.
It is common in franchising for the franchisee to bear the costs of technology maintenance and upgrades, but the specific terms can vary widely. Prospective Christies International Real Estate franchisees should carefully consider the potential financial burden of these technology requirements and discuss with existing franchisees how they manage these costs.