What software is Christies International Real Estate required to have?
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.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 26–33)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Christies International Real Estate's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to have an internet connection, email, a laptop or desktop computer, a printer, a scanner, along with basic editing and spreadsheet software. Additionally, franchisees may be required to use Christies International Real Estate's web-based proprietary software to operate their real estate brokerage business, for which they must pay a fee. This proprietary software is a suite of integrated technology applications designed for end-to-end management of client relationships and real estate transactions. Core applications include a CRM, DMS (Deal Management System), internal communications app, marketing tools, a Digital CMA (Comparative Market Analysis), open house management software, and a web-based presentations app. Franchisees must also use anti-virus protection on their computers, though a specific vendor is not currently mandated. Franchisees must also provide an approved data feed from their MLS(s).
Christies International Real Estate may offer additional technology tools or systems that could require franchisees to contract with third-party service providers for additional fees. Similarly, third-party technology systems and services may be integrated into Christies International Real Estate's software, potentially requiring franchisees to contract with these providers and pay additional fees. The capabilities of the services offered via the proprietary software may vary based on MLS rules, data feed restrictions, and state and local laws.
Prospective Christies International Real Estate franchisees should consider the costs associated with these technology requirements. The initial purchase of computer systems and software can range from approximately $2,500 to $10,000, depending on existing equipment and needs. Furthermore, the estimated annual cost of optional or required maintenance, updates, upgrades, or support contracts for computer systems is approximately $1,000. Franchisees should also factor in potential initial fees ranging from $250 to $10,000 and ongoing fees between $100 and $2,500 for the MLS data feed. These technology-related expenses can significantly impact the overall investment and operational costs of the franchise.