Does Engel & Volkers allow franchisees to independently negotiate terms with their clients?

According to Engel & Volkers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees have the autonomy to negotiate terms with their clients. The FDD specifies that Engel & Volkers franchisees will independently negotiate and agree with each of their clients on terms for each real estate transaction in which it represents such client. This indicates that franchisees are not bound by pre-set terms dictated by the franchisor but can tailor agreements to suit individual client needs and local market conditions.

This independence in negotiation allows Engel & Volkers franchisees to be competitive and responsive to their local markets. Franchisees can adapt their service offerings and pricing strategies to attract clients and close deals effectively. This flexibility can be a significant advantage in diverse real estate markets where standardized terms may not always be appropriate.

However, franchisees must ensure that these independently negotiated terms comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Additionally, Engel & Volkers recommends that franchisees use standard contract terms consistent with local law when providing residential real estate broker services. While franchisees have negotiation power, they must also uphold professional standards and protect the reputation and value of the Engel & Volkers system and trademarks.