Franchise Deep Dive: 1st Class Real Estate Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

This full-service real estate company, with over 100 locations nationwide, offers franchisees everything they need to be successful in real estate.

By Victoria CampisiStaff Writer

12:12PM • 10/06/23

LAST UPDATED: October 2023

FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://www.1stclassrealestate.com/own_a_franchise

NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 100+

REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $32K–$207K,

REPORTED ROI (Item 19): N/A

1st Class Real Estate is a full-service real estate company that desires to help clients grow their businesses through software, systems, procedures and support staff.

How Many 1st Class Real Estate Locations Are There?

Founded in 2013 by CEO Rhyan Finch, 1st Class Real Estate started with only a handful of agents and has rapidly grown to over 100 locations in states nationwide. In 2005, Finch became a licensed real estate agent with a nationally known franchise firm in Virginia Beach. The firm grew quickly, and Finch became certified in distressed properties, short sales and foreclosures.

In 2008, Finch started his own real estate team: the Rhyan Finch Real Estate Team. His team grew to five agents within just a few months. At the time, Finch saw what was going on with the real estate market and became an expert on distressed properties. Within five years, he took his newfound real estate career in a crashing market and turned it into the number one team in Hampton Roads, Virginia.

In 2012, the team grew to selling over 900 homes and was ranked the number seven “Real Estate Team in the U.S.” by the Wall Street Journal and number one in “Platinum Mega Team In Hampton Roads” by the Realtor Association. Finch decided it was time for the team to branch out and founded 1st Class Real Estate, an independent real estate firm located in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Now, as CEO and principal broker of 1st Class Real Estate, he has led the company to rank in the top 4% of real estate companies in the Hampton Roads area with over 1,000 agents.

What Is the 1st Class Real Estate Business Model?

1st Class Real Estate is a full-service real estate company. As a franchisee, owners will receive access to:

Leads: Leads, as well as tools to generate their own leads
Technology: Supplies needed to run the operation, including a custom-built customer relationship management platform and transaction management system
Back-office support: 11,560 square foot Resource Center houses all essential staff, resources and supplies for business needs
1st Class University: Necessary education in real estate
1st Class Swag Store: Branded and customizable signs, swag and office essentials
Marketing Department: Free, pre-made, customizable content
Agent Mobile App: App includes the “best real estate search experience on the market”
Growth Plans: Focus on personal productivity, sales skills and career development
Location Assistance: Affordable options that provide exposure, foot traffic and maintain brand image

How Much Can 1st Class Real Estate Franchise Owners Make?

Earnings for 1st Class Real Estate franchise owners are not publicly available.

How Much Does It Cost to Open a 1st Class Real Estate?

The total cost to open a 1st Class Real Estate franchise ranges from $32K to $207K, according to Entrepreneur.

What Is the Franchise Fee for 1st Class Real Estate?

The franchise fee is $25K, according to Entrepreneur.

Who Is the Leadership of 1st Class Real Estate?

Rhyan Finch — Owner and CEO
Faith Kraft — President of Operations
Dora Cuyler — Franchise Development Specialist

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More About 1st Class Real Estate?

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