Can the services offered by Christies International Real Estate vary based on MLS rules?
Christies_International_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 21.6. "Gross Revenues" means the aggregate dollar amount from all sales of goods or services made, provided by, or in connection with the Business or the Marks, whether for cash or credit or non-cash payments or consideration at fair market value, regardless of collection in the case of credit, before the deductions of any fees, costs, or expenses you incur.
Gross Revenue includes, without limitation, the total commissions earned from each transaction before any deductions, including without limitation, MLS fees.
- 21.10. "MLS Feed" means the local multiple listing service ("MLS") feed(s) obtained by you from one or more MLSs for selected geographic areas, in order to enable display of real estate listings for such areas.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 54–177)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Christies International Real Estate's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the definition of "Gross Revenues" includes total commissions earned from each transaction before any deductions, including MLS fees. The document also defines "MLS Feed" as the local multiple listing service feeds obtained by the franchisee from one or more MLSs for selected geographic areas, in order to enable display of real estate listings for such areas. However, the FDD does not explicitly state whether the services offered can vary based on MLS rules.
While the FDD defines MLS feed and includes MLS fees in the definition of Gross Revenues, it does not elaborate on how MLS rules might impact the services a franchisee can offer. The document focuses more on the franchisee's obligation to comply with operational standards and the franchisor's right to modify territorial policies.
Therefore, a prospective Christies International Real Estate franchisee should directly ask the franchisor about the extent to which local MLS rules and regulations might affect their business operations, service offerings, and compliance requirements. Understanding this interaction is crucial for ensuring smooth operations and avoiding potential conflicts with local real estate practices.