Which Real Estate Companies Are Franchises?

Real estate agencies like Century 21, Sotheby's, RE/MAX and Coldwell Banker International are all franchises with a national presence. A network of franchisees has allowed each of these brands to grow with national outreach, unlike other independent firms that can only specialize in certain areas.

Real estate companies rely on a rich network of face-to-face interaction, as the industry often involves showings, negotiations and many drafted agreements. This calls for direct insights from a team of trusted, often local, individuals, which is why a franchise model is ideal for business operations.

A reputable brand comes with a trustworthy history; this is often why homeowners will pursue real estate companies with a national presence. This is another reason why franchised real estate companies are often seen with high regard – a franchisee can still run a business as a personable and assistive operation, but a higher authority is in place to give homeowners peace of mind when it comes to being taken care of.

Real estate franchises follow the same protocols as other franchises; a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is finalized for a new owner, a territory is often mapped out and franchisees are able to take on a team of employees just like any franchised business.

It looks a little different when it means hiring licensed real estate agents instead of general employees, but the principles of franchise operations remain the same.

A corporate team of executives can ensure that each independent franchise receives the support they need for success in new territories, which is a difficult task for non-franchise businesses to complete on their own. A corporate team can expedite the legal process involved with representing new territories, which can allow real estate professionals to direct their attention toward the actual act of selling homes.