Christie's International Real Estate Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$64,475 - $443,125
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Min Cash Required
$5,000
Total US Locations
36
Business Summary
Christie's International Real Estate offers franchises for operating a full-service residential real estate brokerage business. Franchisees use the Christie's International Real Estate brand, system, and marketing techniques. The business primarily focuses on luxury residential real estate, assisting consumers in buying and selling properties. Christie's International Real Estate expects most franchisees to be established real estate brokerage businesses converting to operate under the Christie's International Real Estate brand.
Corporate History
Christie's International Real Estate, LLC was incorporated as a corporation on June 2, 1995, initially operating under the name Christie's Great Estates Inc. The company changed its name to Christie's International Real Estate, Inc. in 2011 and converted to a limited liability company in December 2021. Christie's International Real Estate began offering franchises for its residential real estate brokerage businesses in March 2022. The company was acquired by At World Properties, LLC in December 2021, and its ultimate parent was later acquired by Compass, Inc. in January 2025.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$64,475 - $443,125
Franchise Fee (Low)
$35,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$35,000
Minimum Cash Required
$5,000
Royalty %
4.5%
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
The audited financial statements for Christie's International Real Estate Management, LLC indicate no business activity other than initial capitalization since its inception in 2016. Its balance sheets consistently show $100,000 in cash and partners' equity across 2022, 2023, and 2024, with no cash flow from operating activities. This minimal operational history and limited assets lead Christie's International Real Estate to state that its financial condition calls into question its financial ability to provide services and support to franchisees.
Financing Details
Christie's International Real Estate does not offer any direct or indirect financing options to its franchisees. The company also does not guarantee any franchisee notes, leases, or other obligations.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
36
Franchised Units
33
Corporate Units
3
Avg Square Footage
5,500
Franchising Since
2022
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
Yes
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Count
10
Litigation Summary
Christie's International Real Estate and its parent company, At World Properties, LLC, are currently involved in six antitrust class action lawsuits filed in late 2023 and early 2024. These cases allege anticompetitive real estate listing policies. Most of these cases are currently stayed, with one having a settlement framework in place and another receiving final settlement approval in November 2024. Additionally, Christie's International Real Estate is involved in four other pending actions. One lawsuit, originally filed in 2018 against an affiliate and Christie's International Real Estate, alleges breach of fiduciary duty and misrepresentation, with a settlement agreement pending bankruptcy court approval. Another case, initially filed in 2017 against the parent and affiliates, involved allegations of fraud and misrepresentation in a real estate sale, which was appealed, repleaded in February 2024, and ultimately settled by the parent for $10,000. Two other lawsuits, filed in 2023 against the parent and affiliates, allege failure to disclose zoning issues and misrepresentation of property use, and fraud related to property configuration, respectively. Christie's International Real Estate's parent company intends to vigorously defend against these claims.
Bankruptcy History
Christie's International Real Estate has no bankruptcy history to report.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew, Christie's International Real Estate franchisees must be in good standing and still be offering licenses under the brand's system. They need to meet the current standards for new affiliates and provide at least 365 days' written notice of their intent to renew. A renewal fee of $1,000 is required, and franchisees must sign the then-current broker affiliate license agreement, which may have different terms and fees. Additionally, the franchisee and each principal owner must sign a general release of all claims against Christie's International Real Estate.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Christie's International Real Estate provides franchisees with assistance both before and after they open their business. Before opening, the brand offers initial training, reviews and approves office leases, and provides access to its confidential Operations Manual, which includes mandatory brand guidelines and a list of pre-approved suppliers. During operations, Christie's International Real Estate offers ongoing operational support, reviews marketing materials, helps secure appropriate Multiple Listing Service (MLS) data feeds, and provides additional training sessions and conferences. The brand also offers optional ancillary services like title and mortgage services and updates the Operations Manual periodically.
Initial Training Hours
13
Training Location
Corporate headquarters in Chicago, IL, or virtually over the internet
Ongoing Support
After opening, Christie's International Real Estate provides ongoing operational support to franchisees for any problems they encounter. The brand offers to review marketing materials and specifies required software and computer systems, including assistance with MLS data feeds. Franchisees also receive additional optional and mandatory training, seminars, and conferences, and the Operations Manual is updated periodically. Mandatory attendance at an annual conference is required for franchisees.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Christie's International Real Estate seeks franchisees who are already experienced operators of real estate brokerage businesses and are knowledgeable about the real estate industry. Ideal candidates typically run established real estate companies with around 50 affiliated real estate agents and intend to convert their existing business to operate under the Christie's International Real Estate brand. Franchisees must designate a Principal Owner as the 'Designated Owner' who is the primary contact, has authority, and operates the business full-time as a licensed Responsible Broker.
Industry Experience Required
Yes
Management Experience Required
Yes
Sales Experience Required
Yes
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Commercial
Owner Participation
Full-Time
Territory Type
Protected
Staff Count
3
Territory Size Requirements
Christie's International Real Estate territories are typically defined by a list of counties, zip codes, or other geographical designations agreed upon in the License Agreement.
Staffing Notes
Christie's International Real Estate requires specific key roles for the business. A 'Designated Owner' who is also the 'Responsible Broker' must operate the business full-time, holding all necessary real estate licenses and supervising all real estate activities. An 'Office Broker' is required for on-premises supervision of the Main Office and any Additional Offices. This role can be filled by the Designated Owner or a different individual. An 'Office Manager' is also needed, which can be the same person as the Responsible Broker and/or Office Broker. All these key personnel, along with the Marketing Director and Agent Support Director, must attend initial training and sign a confidentiality agreement.