Where can I find the specific location designated as the 'Approved Location' for my Engel & Volkers franchise?
Engel_Volkers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Generally, you will receive the right to operate an Engel & Völkers Residential Real Estate Brokerage at a specific location as specified in Appendix 1 of your Franchise Agreement ("Approved Location"). You will have exclusivity with regard to your Engel & Völkers Residential Real Estate Brokerage in a specific area called the "Protected Area", which will be an area defined by US postal zip codes. By "Exclusivity" we mean that we will not open or grant to anyone else the right to open another Engel & Völkers Residential Real Estate Brokerage in your Protected Area during the term of your Franchise Agreement. "Exclusivity" does not mean that we, our affiliates, or other franchisees are prevented from soliciting clients, marketing our residential real estate brokerage services, or concluding real estate transactions in your Protected Area.
You will operate only from one Approved Location and you must receive our written consent before relocating. You may not open an Engel & Völkers Residential Real Estate Brokerage outside your Protected Area. Nothing prevents you from advertising your Residential Real Estate Brokerage services in
the U.S. (including property listings in the U.S.) for which you are registered for under applicable state law, in any national or international publications or via the internet, etc. Likewise, Franchisor and other franchisees are permitted to advertise inside of Franchisee's Protected Area. Before advertising or otherwise soliciting or providing Real Estate Brokerage services outside of the U.S. for any property listings (buyer or seller side) Franchisee must obtain Franchisor's written consent, which Franchisor may grant or withhold in its sole discretion. If you refer a customer or property to another master franchisee or franchisee, or receive a referral from another master franchisee or franchisee and the transaction closes, you will receive or will pay a referral fee when permitted by applicable law.
Source: Item 12 — TERRITORY (FDD pages 54–56)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Engel & Volkers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the specific location for your Engel & Volkers Residential Real Estate Brokerage, referred to as the "Approved Location," is detailed in Appendix 1 of your Franchise Agreement. You are granted the right to operate your Engel & Volkers franchise at this specified location. Furthermore, Engel & Volkers grants you exclusivity within a defined area known as the "Protected Area," which is determined by U.S. postal zip codes. This exclusivity means that Engel & Volkers will not establish or authorize anyone else to establish another Engel & Volkers Residential Real Estate Brokerage within your Protected Area during the term of your Franchise Agreement. However, this exclusivity does not prevent Engel & Volkers, its affiliates, or other franchisees from soliciting clients, marketing services, or conducting real estate transactions within your Protected Area.
The FDD also clarifies that you are permitted to operate only from one Approved Location unless you receive written consent from Engel & Volkers to relocate. Operating outside your Protected Area is prohibited. However, you are allowed to advertise your services, including property listings, throughout the U.S. and internationally, provided you comply with applicable state laws and obtain written consent from Engel & Volkers before advertising or soliciting services outside the U.S. for any property listings.
It's important to note the distinction between an Approved Location and a Limited Purpose Location. A Limited Purpose Location, as described in Item 12 of the FDD, does not replace your Approved Location. It is typically used for administrative staff or sales advisors working on specific development projects and requires separate approval from Engel & Volkers. You should not incur any expenses or liabilities for a Limited Purpose Location before an addendum for the proposed location is executed. The Approved Location is the primary site of your franchise operations, as defined in your Franchise Agreement, and any changes to this location require the franchisor's explicit consent.