Can Counselor Realty require franchisees to utilize specific technology related tools?
Counselor_Realty Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
. Counselor may provide you with or require you to utilize such technology related tools (including, but not limited to, mobile applications and other internet or software-based applications) and services relating to the Business as its determines from time to time in its sole discretion. See Item 11. You will be obligated to pay Counselor fees associated with such technology related tools and services that Counselor may decide to provide in
such amounts, and at such times, as Counselor shall determine from time to time in its sole discretion. Counselor may provide you with or require you to utilize such nontechnology related tools and services relating to the Business as it determines from time to time in its sole discretion. See Item 11. You will be obligated to pay Counselor fees associated with such non-technology related tools and services that Counselor may decide to provide in such amounts, and at such times, as Counselor shall determine from time to time in its sole discretion.
- H. Counselor will charge you interest on any amount due to Counselor not paid when due, from the date due until paid, at a rate of the lower of eight percent (8%) per year or the maximum contract rate of interest allowed by law in the state where your Business is operated. If Counselor commences suit to collect amounts due, it is entitled to recover its costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees, in addition to its other recoveries. Interest and late payments are not refundable. Your failure to pay amounts owing constitutes good cause for Counselor to terminate the Franchise Agreement. See Item 17.
- I. If any of your payments to Counselor are returned for any reason, you will pay us an additional fee for the amount charged by Counselor's bank.
- J. At your request, Counselor will provide you and up to two of your key personnel initial training (the amount of such initial training shall be as determined by Counselor) at a "Counselor"
Source: Item 6 — OTHER FEES (FDD pages 9–13)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Counselor Realty's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Counselor Realty can require franchisees to utilize specific technology-related tools. The FDD states that Counselor Realty may provide or require franchisees to use technology-related tools and services for the business as it determines. These tools include mobile applications and other internet or software-based applications.
Franchisees are obligated to pay fees associated with these technology-related tools and services. The amounts and payment schedules for these fees are determined by Counselor Realty at its sole discretion. The FDD also mentions that Counselor Realty may provide or require franchisees to utilize non-technology related tools and services, with franchisees also obligated to pay fees for these services.
One specific technology tool mentioned is a mobile app. Mobile App setup is optional for most franchisees, but is required for franchisees with office locations in the 11-county metropolitan area of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota (including the Counties of Scott, Wright, Isanti, Dakota, Anoka, Hennepin, Washington, Carver, Ramsey, Sherburne and Chisago). Franchisees in these locations, or those who elect to use the Mobile App, must pay a Mobile App Fee equal to the costs incurred by Counselor to initiate and continue the Mobile App service, including one-time setup fees and monthly data/phone fees. The amount of the Mobile App Fee may be increased during the term of the franchise by Counselor from time to time in its sole discretion.