Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$64,350 - $433,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total US Locations
44
Business Summary
@properties offers franchisees the opportunity to develop and operate a full-service residential real estate brokerage business. @properties businesses assist consumers in buying and selling residential properties and offer related services like relocation, aiming to serve homeowners, prospective homeowners, landlords, and Homeowner Associations.
Corporate History
At World Franchising, LLC, which operates as @properties, was formed in Delaware on July 7, 2020, and began offering franchises in August 2020. Its direct parent company, At World Properties, LLC, an Illinois limited liability company, was formed earlier on March 17, 2000, operating as a real estate brokerage. The ultimate parent entity, At World Properties Holdings, LLC, was formed in 2018. In January 2025, Compass, Inc., a real estate brokerage firm, acquired control of At World Properties Holdings, LLC. @properties also has several affiliates, including Proper Title LLC (title insurance), Proper Rate, LLC (mortgage services), At Properties Developer Services, LLC (development consulting), and Suburban Jungle, LLC (lead generation), which support the real estate industry but do not offer franchises in the same line of business. As of December 31, 2024, @properties affiliates operate 41 company-owned locations across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. @properties' parent company is also the direct parent of Christie's International Real Estate, LLC, which offers luxury residential real estate brokerage franchises.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$64,350 - $433,000
Franchise Fee (Low)
$35,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$35,000
Equipment Costs (Low)
$7,500
Equipment Costs (High)
$200,000
Working Capital
$47,500
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
@properties' financial statements have received an unqualified opinion from independent auditors, indicating that its financial position is presented fairly in all material respects. As of December 31, 2024, @properties had no cash directly, with funds automatically swept into a parent company operating cash account as part of a cash pooling arrangement implemented in 2024. This arrangement requires the parent company to fund @properties' operating account when payments are due, resulting in a 'due from related parties' balance of $2,085,666. A significant subsequent event is the acquisition of @properties' ultimate parent, At World Properties Holdings, LLC, by Compass, Inc., which closed on January 13, 2025.
Financing Details
@properties does not offer any direct or indirect financing options to its franchisees. Franchisees are responsible for securing their own loans, leases, and other financial obligations, as the franchisor does not guarantee them.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
44
Franchised Units
3
Corporate Units
41
Avg Square Footage
5,500
Franchising Since
2020
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
Yes
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Count
10
Litigation Summary
@properties has disclosed ten litigation cases. Six of these are putative class action lawsuits filed in late 2023 and early 2024 against national real estate brokerage and sales companies, including @properties and its parent company. These lawsuits allege anticompetitive practices related to real estate listing policies. Some of these cases have reached a settlement framework or are stayed pending appeals. For example, Tuccori v. At World Properties, LLC, filed in January 2024, is currently stayed as parties work towards a settlement. Older cases include Stuart v. HK Lane Palm Desert, Inc. (filed 2018), and Kjarsgaard v. Reilly, et al. (filed 2017), which have been settled or dismissed. More recently, in 2023, Aratlakov v. Lost Island, et. al. and Lyons vs. Wilson, et al. were filed against @properties' parent and affiliates, alleging failure to disclose zoning and property misrepresentation in real estate sales. @properties intends to vigorously defend against these charges.
Bankruptcy History
@properties has no bankruptcy history to report for itself or its key personnel, as stated in Item 4 of its Franchise Disclosure Document.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their franchise agreement, @properties franchisees must meet several conditions. They need to be in good standing, meaning they are in full compliance with the current franchise agreement and all their financial obligations to @properties and its affiliates. Franchisees must provide written notice of their intent to renew at least 180 days before their current term ends. A renewal fee of $1,000 is required, and they must complete any necessary refresher training programs. Additionally, franchisees will be required to sign @properties' then-current franchise agreement, which may have different terms and fees. Finally, the franchisee and all Principal Owners must sign a general release of all claims against @properties and its related parties.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
@properties provides a range of support to its franchisees. Before opening, @properties offers initial training, reviews and consents to proposed leases, approves office layouts, and provides a list of pre-approved suppliers. Once operational, ongoing support includes general operational assistance and access to ancillary services offered by @properties or its affiliates, such as title, mortgage, development, and relocation services. @properties also provides marketing support by reviewing franchisee-proposed materials, specifies computer and software systems (including assistance with MLS data feeds), and offers optional and mandatory additional training and conferences. The Operations Manual is regularly updated with new standards and procedures.
Initial Training Hours
13
Training Location
Corporate headquarters in Chicago, IL or virtually online
Ongoing Support
After opening, @properties offers ongoing operational support by providing guidance for problems and issues franchisees may encounter. They may also offer ancillary services such as title, mortgage, new development, and relocation services, though these may incur additional fees. Franchisees receive marketing support through review of their materials, and @properties specifies required software and computer systems, including assistance with MLS data feeds. Additional optional and mandatory training courses, seminars, and conferences are conducted periodically, either online or in person. @properties also maintains and updates the Operations Manual regularly to provide ongoing guidance. Franchisees or a senior representative are required to attend any annual franchise conferences sponsored by @properties, and fees may apply.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
@properties seeks individuals or existing real estate brokerage companies for its franchise opportunities. Ideal candidates for @properties are experienced operators of real estate brokerage businesses, knowledgeable about both the real estate industry and its operations. A Designated Owner, who must be a licensed real estate broker, is required to operate the franchised business on a full-time basis, supervising all real estate activities. Franchisees must also appoint an Office Broker for each office location to provide on-premises supervision. For transferees, @properties requires demonstration of educational, managerial, and business standards, good moral character, business reputation, credit rating, aptitude, ability to conduct the business, and adequate financial resources.
Industry Experience Required
Yes
Management Experience Required
Yes
Sales Experience Required
Yes
Technical Skills Required
Yes
Operational Details
Location Type
retail
Owner Participation
full-time
Territory Type
Protected
Staffing Notes
@properties requires franchisees to designate specific key roles for their business operations. A Principal Owner must be appointed as the 'Designated Owner,' who is responsible for communications with @properties, has authority over all business transactions, and can create binding agreements. This Designated Owner must also serve as the 'Responsible Broker,' a licensed real estate broker operating the business full-time and supervising all real estate activities. Additionally, an 'Office Broker' is required for on-premises supervision of each Main Office and any Additional Offices. An 'Office Manager' is also required, who may be the same individual as the Responsible Broker or Office Broker. All these key personnel, along with any other employees or affiliates having access to confidential information, must sign a confidentiality agreement. Franchisees are responsible for ensuring they have a sufficient staff of trained employees and agents who maintain all required licenses and certifications.