Real estate might not be the first thing that comes to mind if you’re thinking about franchising, but it should be. The real estate market not only kept the economy afloat during one of the most devastating economic downturns in recent history, it is historically one of the most stable, low-risk, high-profit industries to invest in.

Whether residential or commercial, for sale or rental, there will always be demand for real estate, even in times of crisis. Owning your own real estate brokerage is a time-tested path to building wealth — and investing in a real estate franchise is a great way to do it.

Among the benefits of buying a real estate franchise are marketing, training and operational support that allow you to grow your business faster. But the true value that a real estate franchise offers is brand name awareness, which will bring you clients, agents and even buyers if you decide to sell.

Here are some of the top names in real estate franchising right now:

Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate

Buy-in cost: $35,000
Agent split: 70%
Good for: Agents who want top-notch training

A trusted source in real estate for more than 90 years, Better Homes & Gardens offers best-in-class marketing tools and tech support, online training through its Be Better University, licensing and post-licensing support and a national lead strategy that includes paid search, SEO, social media and video.

Century 21

Buy-in cost: $25,000
Agent split: 50%
Good for: Agents looking for a supportive workplace culture

With more brand awareness than almost any other real estate brand, Century 21 offers comprehensive training, marketing support and the scale and power of a true global partner to its more than 8,000 franchise owners across 80 countries.

Coldwell Banker International

Buy-in cost: $25,000
Agent split: 60%
Good for: New agents who want expert guidance and resources

One of the most respected names in real estate, Coldwell Banker was the first full-service real estate brand to launch a national website, stream listing videos online, create a mobile friendly site and more recently continue its commitment to innovation with an industry-first Smart Home Staging Kit.

Keller Williams

Buy-in cost: $35,000
Agent split: 70%
Good for: Agents looking for a team-oriented culture

With more than 170,000 agents, Keller Williams’ formula for success was created by studying its most successful agents and teaching every agent the same strategies and tactics. Founded by Gary Keller and Joe Williams in 1983 and franchising since 1987, Keller Williams boasts more than 1,000 locations worldwide.

RE/MAX

Buy-in cost: $12,500-$35,000
Agent split: 95%
Good for: Agents who want to work solo

One of the most successful franchises across all industries, RE/MAX’s model allows individual agents to run their own businesses while sharing office and administrative expenses. Founded in 1973 and franchising since 1975, RE/MAX agents — more than 120,000 worldwide — sell more real estate than any other brokerage.

Sotheby's International Realty

Buy-in cost: $25,000
Agent split: 70%
Good for: Agents who want to focus on luxury listings

Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a marketing and referral program for luxury listings, Sotheby's International Realty supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby's auction house.

6 Real Estate Franchises To Buy In 2021

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Kerrie Kennedy

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