Under what name must a Christies International Real Estate franchisee sign all contracts and agreements?
Christies_International_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
As an independent business owner, you agree that: (i) the relationship created by this Agreement is not a relationship between principal and agent, or that it is a fiduciary relationship; (ii) you are not our employee and will not earn any wages, nor be eligible for or receive any of the other benefits normally provided to employees, but rather your income will solely be the profits you earn from the operation of your Business; (iii) we are not the employer or coemployer of any employee that you hire; (iv) except as set forth herein, all management, personnel, and training requirements are at your discretion and are your responsibility; (v) you are responsible for ensuring that your Business operates in accordance with the law of the state, county, city, and town in which you operate; (vi) you alone are permitted to contract with your customers and you are required to sign all contracts and agreements, including purchase agreements, using your independent business name; (vii) you are free to set the prices you charge your customers, so long as those charges comply with any and all mandatory policies we prescribe in the Operations Manual relating to maximum or minimum charges; and (viii) we shall not be liable for damages to any person or property arising directly or indirectly out of your operation of your Business nor shall we be liable for any taxes, assessments, fines or penalties levied upon you or your Business arising out of your Business.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 54–177)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Christies International Real Estate's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, as an independent business owner, a franchisee is required to sign all contracts and agreements, including purchase agreements, using their independent business name. This means that while franchisees operate under the Christies International Real Estate brand, they must legally represent themselves as a separate entity in all contractual matters.
This requirement underscores the franchisee's role as an independent contractor rather than an agent or employee of Christies International Real Estate. It clarifies that the franchisee has the authority and responsibility to manage their business operations and customer relationships directly. This independence extends to setting prices, provided they comply with any mandatory policies outlined in the Operations Manual regarding maximum or minimum charges.
By mandating the use of the franchisee's independent business name on all contracts, Christies International Real Estate ensures that customers and other parties are aware that they are dealing with an independently owned and operated business. This distinction is further reinforced by the requirement to display a disclaimer stating "EACH OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED" at the office entrance and on various materials. This clear separation of legal identities protects both the franchisee and Christies International Real Estate from potential liabilities arising from the other party's actions.