What professional standards are Engel & Volkers franchisees and their staff members expected to uphold when operating the Residential Real Estate Brokerage?
Engel_Volkers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 6.10 Professional Standards and Code of Ethics: When providing real estate brokerage services for the types of property covered by this Agreement and otherwise in the operation of the Residential Real Estate Brokerage, Franchisee and its staff members and Sales Advisors will protect the reputation and value of the ENGEL & VÖLKERS System and Trademarks.
Franchisee and its staff members and Sales Advisors shall observe any best practices stipulated in the ENGEL & VÖLKERS System Documentation, including, but not limited to, any Code of Ethics Franchisor may develop and will provide real estate brokerage services and will interact with its customers, the general public, other franchisees and Franchisor and its affiliates in accordance with the highest professional standards.
Should for any reason disputes or complaints arise between Franchisee and its Sales Advisors, its staff members, its clients or other franchisees, Franchisee will respond to and resolve such disputes or complaints without delay, professionally and fairly.
Where Franchisor determines in its sole discretion that Franchisee's action and/or inaction has put the ENGEL & VÖLKERS brand reputation at risk, Franchisee will provide all information requested by Franchisor regarding that risk and take all actions directed by Franchisor to mitigate that risk.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 88)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Engel & Volkers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees, their staff, and Sales Advisors must protect the reputation and value of the Engel & Volkers system and trademarks when providing real estate brokerage services. They are expected to adhere to best practices stipulated in the Engel & Volkers System Documentation, including any Code of Ethics the franchisor develops. Engel & Volkers expects its franchisees to deliver real estate brokerage services and interact with customers, the public, other franchisees, and the franchisor with the highest professional standards.
Engel & Volkers requires franchisees to respond to and resolve disputes or complaints from Sales Advisors, staff, clients, or other franchisees without delay, professionally, and fairly. 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 actions directed by the franchisor to mitigate that risk.
To maintain uniform standards and the brand's reputation, Engel & Volkers franchisees must operate their Residential Real Estate Brokerage in accordance with the mandatory instructions within the System Documentation, which may be amended or modified. Franchisees must also ensure their brokerage location and exterior designs comply with the Engel & Volkers system and System Documentation. Franchisees must also follow all federal, state, and local laws and regulations applicable to their location and business operations, including maintaining required licenses and permits. Engel & Volkers also recommends that franchisees use standard contract terms consistent with local law when providing residential real estate broker services.