factual

What are the general obligations of an Engel & Volkers franchisee under the franchise agreement?

Engel_Volkers Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

entation that Franchisor will enter into any Systemwide Supply Contracts or other exclusive supply arrangements or, if Franchisor does so, that Franchisee would not otherwise be able to purchase the same programs, products and/or services at a lower price from another supplier. Franchisee agrees that, as between the parties hereto, Franchisor may add to, modify, substitute or discontinue Systemwide Supply Contracts or exclusive supply arrangements in the exercise of Franchisor's business judgment.

6. General Obligations of Franchisee

  • 6.1 Independent Contractor: Franchisee is and shall be an independent contractor and nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to create a partnership, joint venture, agency, fiduciary, or employment relationship of any kind between the parties. Franchisee does not have the authority to bind or obligate Franchisor in any way by any promise or representation, except as specifically and expressly authorized by Franchisor in writing. Franchisee will exercise full and complete control over and have full responsibility for its franchised Business. Any education, support, advice or resources Franchisor provides to Franchisee in connection with the franchised Business is solely for the purpose of protecting the ENGEL & VÖLKERS System, including the Trademarks, and goodwill associated with the ENGEL & VÖLKERS System and assisting Franchisee in the operation of the franchised Business, and not for the purpose of controlling or in any way exercising or exerting control over Franchisee's decisions or the day-to-day operation of the franchised Business, including Franchisee's personnel-related decisions.
  • 6.2 Personnel: Franchisee hereby agrees to employ only qualified personnel with background, experience and credentials customary under best practices and standards in the real estate brokerage industry. Franchisee and, if an entity, at least one of its officers, partners and/or managers, must be licensed as a real estate broker, and every employee, contractor, or Sales Advisor who is involved in real estate activities for Franchisee shall have a real estate broker, salesperson or other appropriate license, if and as required by applicable law, rules or regulations. These employees, contractors, and Sales Advisors must have attended an appropriate training course conducted by Franchisor and have passed related tests. Franchisee is responsible for ensuring that its real estate brokerage is open during local normal business hours for residential real estate brokerages. Franchisee shall be responsible for ensuring that its obligations under this Agreement are observed by its employees,

contractors, and Sales Advisors. Franchisee understands and agrees that Franchisor is not a party to Franchisee's employment contracts (neither as sole, nor as a joint employer) with its own staff and Sales Advisors, and Franchisee shall be solely liable for fulfillment of these contracts in every respect (e.g., deduction and remittance of income taxes, social security contributions, etc.). None of Franchisee's employees, contractors or Sales Advisors will be considered to be Franchisor's employees and Franchisee acknowledges that Franchisor is not in a position to exercise control over Franchisee's employees, contractors or Sales Advisors. Neither Franchisee nor any of its employees, contractors or Sales Advisors whose compensation it pays may in any way, directly or indirectly, expressly or by implication, be construed to be Franchisor's employee for any purpose, including with respect to any mandated or other insurance coverage, tax or contributions, or requirements pertaining to withholdings, levied or fixed by any city, state or federal governmental agency. Franchisee expressly agrees, and will never contend otherwise, that Franchisor's authority under this Agreement to certify certain of Franchisee's employees, contractors or Sales Advisors for qualification to perform certain functions for Franchisee's franchised Business does not directly or indirectly vest in Franchisor the power to hire, fire or control any such employee, contractor or Sales Advisor.

  • 6.3 Franchisee acknowledges and agrees, and will never contend otherwise, that Franchisee alone will exercise day-to-day control over all operations, activities and elements of its franchised Business hereunder and that under no circumstance shall Franchisor do so or be deemed to do so. Franchisee further acknowledges and agrees, and will never contend otherwise, that the various requirements, restrictions, prohibitions, specifications and procedures of the ENGEL & VÖLKERS System which Franchisee is required to comply with under this Agreement, whether set forth in the System Documentation or otherwise, do not directly or indirectly constitute, suggest, infer or imply that Franchisor controls any aspect or element of the day-to-day operations of Franchisee's franchised Business, which Franchisee alone controls, but only constitute standards Franchisee must adhere to when exercising Franchisee's control of the day-to-day operations of its franchised Business.

Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 88)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Engel & Volkers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees have several general obligations. As independent contractors, Engel & Volkers franchisees are responsible for the full control and responsibility of their franchised business. They must employ qualified personnel with the necessary background, experience, and credentials that align with the real estate brokerage industry's best practices. Franchisees themselves, or at least one officer/manager if the franchisee is an entity, must be licensed as a real estate broker. All employees, contractors, and sales advisors involved in real estate activities must also hold the appropriate licenses as required by law. Furthermore, these personnel must complete training courses and pass related tests conducted by Engel & Volkers. The franchisee must ensure their brokerage remains open during normal business hours.

Engel & Volkers franchisees are expected to uphold professional standards and a code of ethics to protect the brand's reputation and trademarks. This includes adhering to best practices outlined in the Engel & Volkers System Documentation and maintaining high professional standards in all interactions. Franchisees must promptly and fairly resolve any disputes or complaints involving staff, clients, or other franchisees. If Engel & Volkers determines that a franchisee's actions or inactions have put the brand's reputation at risk, the franchisee must provide all requested information and take corrective actions as directed by Engel & Volkers.

Additionally, Engel & Volkers franchisees must provide operational information to assist Engel & Volkers in preparing its Franchise Disclosure Document. Franchisees are also responsible for promptly paying all taxes, accounts, liabilities, and other obligations related to their Residential Real Estate Brokerage. This includes income taxes, general business taxes, and any sales, use, or gross receipts taxes on their revenues. Franchisees must also ensure that all representations and warranties made in the franchise agreement remain complete, correct, and accurate throughout the agreement's term, even after termination or expiration.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.