Can a Counselor Realty franchisee operate any other business at an Extension Office?
Counselor_Realty Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Counselor requires you to confine your Business to the operation of a full service residential and/or commercial real estate brokerage business. You may not conduct any other business or activity at the Office (or any Additional Office or Extension Office), and you may not offer or sell any product or service from the Business except those authorized by Counselor. Your Business may be identified only by the Marks designated by Counselor. Your Business must operate in full compliance with all applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations. The Franchise Agreement also contains certain covenants restricting your freedom to engage in certain competitive activities, and requires you to indemnify Counselor and its affiliates for all claims and losses related to the operation of your Business. See Items 9(p) and 17, and Exhibit B.
Source: Item 16 — RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT THE FRANCHISEE MAY SELL (FDD page 25)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Counselor Realty's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee is restricted to operating solely a full-service residential and/or commercial real estate brokerage business at their office, including any Extension Office. Franchisees are explicitly prohibited from conducting any other business or activity at the Office (or any Additional Office or Extension Office) or offering or selling any product or service from the Business except those authorized by Counselor Realty. The business must also be identified only by the marks designated by Counselor Realty and operate in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
This restriction ensures that the Counselor Realty brand maintains a consistent image and focus. By preventing franchisees from diversifying into other business ventures at their Counselor Realty locations, the company aims to ensure that the franchisee's resources and attention are dedicated to providing real estate brokerage services. This focus is intended to uphold the quality and reputation of the Counselor Realty brand.
For a prospective franchisee, this means they cannot operate any side businesses or offer unrelated products or services from their Counselor Realty office. This limitation should be carefully considered, especially for individuals who may have existing business interests or plans to supplement their income through other ventures. The franchisee must be prepared to commit fully to the real estate brokerage business as defined and authorized by Counselor Realty.