The franchise fee of $75,000 is nearly double the typical range for Real Estate Services franchises ($20,000-$40,000). What specific additional services, territory size, or support justifies this premium initial investment?
#1
Your technology fee of $625/month exceeds the typical range ($53.75-$393.75). What systems and services are included, and is this fee subject to annual increases?
#2
The Investment Costs score is 0/100, significantly below typical (70-78). What specific information is missing or concerning about the investment structure that resulted in this score?
#3
All 6 litigation cases in the past 3 years were filed against the franchisor. Can you detail the nature of these cases, the outcomes, and what operational or contractual changes were implemented as a result?
#4
Your renewal conditions state the franchise terminates upon completion of the development project with zero renewal options available. How do franchisees plan for long-term business sustainability if the initial project completion marks franchise termination?
#5
2023 saw 10 unit closures while 2024 had only 1. What specific operational or market changes drove this improvement, and is this trend expected to continue?
#6
The non-renewal rate is 6.1% while termination rate is only 2.4%, suggesting franchisees are choosing not to renew rather than being terminated. What are the primary reasons franchisees elect not to renew?
#7
Median gross sales of $559,554 significantly exceed the typical range for Real Estate Services franchises ($84,476-$324,443). Is this figure based on all reporting units, and what percentage of franchisees achieve this level?
#8
What are the specific definitions of the 8 curable defaults and 11 non-curable defaults in the termination clause, particularly regarding the 10-day cure period for law compliance failures?
#9
Binding arbitration is required in Columbus, Ohio with no right of appeal. How many disputes have gone to arbitration in the past 3 years, and what were the outcomes?
#10
Personal guarantees are required from all principals and spouses when they have ownership interest. If a spouse has passive ownership, are they still subject to personal guarantee obligations?
#11
The territory is exclusive with encroachment protection. Have there been any disputes or complaints from franchisees regarding territory definitions or encroachment violations?
#12
With a 2-year/10-mile non-compete, can franchisees operate in adjacent markets or related real estate service categories after franchise termination?
#13
What percentage of the 101 current units have completed their development projects, and what happens to these units after project completion if the franchise automatically terminates?
#14
The system grew from 84 units (3 years ago) to 101 units (current), yet 'Ceased Other' category shows significant numbers (12, 4, and 5 units respectively). What does 'Ceased Other' include, and why is this exit category separate from closures and terminations?
#15
Can you provide a breakdown of the 6 litigation cases by type (franchisee disputes, regulatory, employment, breach of contract, etc.) and the settlement or judgment amounts?
#16
What is the typical development timeline for a Epcon Communities franchise, and what happens to franchisees who do not complete development within the specified timeframe?
#17
Are there any franchisees currently operating beyond their initial term despite the 'no renewal' policy, and if so, under what circumstances?
#18