1st Class Real Estate franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The 1st Class Real Estate franchise fee is $25,000 and the total initial investment ranges from $49,950 to $159,450, with about $15,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the 1st Class Real Estate FDD.
What are the 1st Class Real Estate franchise fees and investment?
The 1st Class Real Estate franchise requires a franchise fee of $25,000 and a total initial investment of $49,950 to $159,450. The franchise fee is one line inside the total investment, which also covers location, equipment, opening inventory and working capital.
| Franchise fee (FDD Item 5) | $25,000 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $49,950 to $159,450 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $15,000 |
| US locations | 101 |
| Industry | Real Estate (Brokerage) |
| Headquarters | Sarasota, Florida |
| Founded | 2012 |
| Franchising since | 2018 |
How does the 1st Class Real Estate investment compare with other real estate franchises?
1st Class Real Estate's minimum investment of $49,950 is at or below the median minimum investment of $97,161 across the 116 real estate franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 80 of the other 115 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $25,000 compares with an industry median of $34,750.
By minimum investment, 1st Class Real Estate belongs with franchises under $50,000.
What should you verify in the 1st Class Real Estate FDD?
Verify six parts of the 1st Class Real Estate Franchise Disclosure Document before you sign, because figures change with every annual FDD:
- Item 5 and Item 6: the current franchise fee, royalty, marketing fund and technology fees.
- Item 7: the full investment range by expense line, including working capital.
- Item 19: whether 1st Class Real Estate discloses financial performance data, and which units it covers.
- Item 20: openings, closures and transfers, plus contacts for current and former franchisees.
- Item 21: the franchisor's audited financial statements.
- Item 12: whether your territory is protected.
The full list of Items is in the FDD guide. You must receive the FDD at least 14 calendar days before you sign a binding agreement or pay any money.
Which franchises are similar to 1st Class Real Estate?
These real estate franchises have the closest minimum investment to 1st Class Real Estate:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| Watters International Realty | $15,000 to $35,000 | $49,350 to $200,750 |
| Showhomes | $19,995 | $48,895 to $158,095 |
| SVN | $30,000 | $48,500 to $124,150 |
| Realty One Group | $19,000 to $25,000 | $47,250 to $227,500 |
| Realty Executives | $35,000 | $52,700 to $430,500 |
See every brand in real estate franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 1st Class Real Estate franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a 1st Class Real Estate franchise ranges from $49,950 to $159,450, including a franchise fee of $25,000, according to franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. The exact amount depends on location, build-out and working capital, as shown in Item 7 of the FDD.
How much cash do you need to open a 1st Class Real Estate franchise?
1st Class Real Estate lists a minimum of about $15,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many 1st Class Real Estate locations are there?
1st Class Real Estate reported 101 US locations in the data compiled in October 2026. Item 20 of the FDD shows openings, closures and transfers for the last three years.
How long has 1st Class Real Estate been franchising?
1st Class Real Estate started offering franchises in 2018 after the company was founded in 2012.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. 1st Class Real Estate and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by 1st Class Real Estate. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.