Is a scanner a required piece of computer hardware for a Christies International Real Estate franchise?
Christies_International_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
al year ending December 31, 2024, we did not collect or spend any Advertising Fund Fees.
Computer Systems:
We require you to have an internet connection, email, a laptop or desktop computer, a printer, a scanner, along with basic editing and spreadsheet software. You may be required to use our webbased proprietary software to operate your real estate brokerage business, and you must pay us for the use of the proprietary software.
Our proprietary software consists of a proprietary suite of integrated technology applications that enable end-to-end management of the client relationship and real estate transaction for agents. Core applications within proprietary software include a CRM; DMS (Deal Management System); internal communications app; marketing tools for e-mail, social media, print collateral, signage and digital advertising; a Digital CMA (Comparative Market Analysis); an open house management software; and a web-based presentations app with back-end analytics for presenting and following up on offers and other critical communications.
You must ensure that any technology you use in connection with the Business, includes and maintains appropriate data security controls, and complies with our data security policies, which may be designated in our Operations Manual or otherwise by us from time to time, which include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) authentication mechanisms designed so that they cannot be bypassed to gain unauthorized access to systems, (ii) encryption; and (iii) undertaking password protection measures, such as protecting the form in which they are stored and complexity of character classes and password length.
You are required to provide us with an approved data feed from your MLS(s) that enables us, our affiliates, you and your agents to display listings on the internet for consumers to view online.
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 FDD, franchisees are required to have specific computer hardware to operate their business. As part of the required computer systems, franchisees must have an internet connection, email, a laptop or desktop computer, a printer, and a scanner. In addition to the hardware, franchisees must also have basic editing and spreadsheet software.
Christies International Real Estate may require franchisees to use their web-based proprietary software, and franchisees must pay for the use of this software. This proprietary software is a suite of integrated technology applications designed for end-to-end management of client relationships and real estate transactions. It includes tools such as a CRM, DMS (Deal Management System), internal communications app, marketing tools, a Digital CMA, open house management software, and a web-based presentations app.
Prospective Christies International Real Estate franchisees should consider the costs associated with acquiring and maintaining the required computer systems. The FDD estimates that purchasing these items can range from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on existing equipment and specific needs. Additionally, the estimated annual cost for optional or required maintenance, updates, upgrades, or support contracts for these computer systems is approximately $1,000. Franchisees must also use anti-virus protection on their computers, though a specific vendor is not currently mandated.