What utilities, permits, and licenses are Counselor Realty franchisees responsible for obtaining?
Counselor_Realty Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 7.1 Standards. Your Business and Office (including any Additional Office and Extension Office) must:
- (a) be and remain equipped and furnished by competent contractors in accordance with System standards. You are responsible for obtaining necessary utilities, permits, licenses and other legal or architectural requirements;
- (b) be maintained in a clean, orderly and safe manner, in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, codes and the Franchise Policy Guidelines, including any standards we set that may exceed those established by law. You must repair or replace defective or obsolete equipment, signage or fixtures. You must at all times possess a
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 32)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Counselor Realty's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are responsible for obtaining the necessary utilities, permits, and licenses for their business and office, including any Additional Office and Extension Office. This encompasses all legal and architectural requirements needed to equip and furnish the office in accordance with Counselor Realty's System standards.
In addition to these general requirements, franchisees must also possess a bona fide real estate broker's license in good standing under the laws of the state where the business is located. If the franchisee is a partnership, corporation, or other entity, they must be legally authorized to do business in that state. Furthermore, franchisees are responsible for ensuring that all employees and licensed real estate agents are qualified and trained in conformity with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
This means a prospective Counselor Realty franchisee needs to budget not only for the costs of the franchise itself, but also for all the ongoing operational licenses and permits required to legally run a real estate brokerage. They should consult with local authorities to determine the specific requirements in their area and factor those costs into their financial projections. Failing to obtain the correct licenses and permits could result in fines, penalties, or even the closure of the business.