Realty World franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The Realty World franchise fee is $18,000 and the total initial investment ranges from $34,200 to $195,000, 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 Realty World FDD.
What are the Realty World franchise fees and investment?
The Realty World franchise requires a franchise fee of $18,000 and a total initial investment of $34,200 to $195,000. 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) | $18,000 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $34,200 to $195,000 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $15,000 |
| US locations | 142 |
| Industry | Real Estate (Brokerage) |
| Headquarters | Newport Beach, California |
| Founded | 1973 |
| Franchising since | 2000 |
How does the Realty World investment compare with other real estate franchises?
Realty World's minimum investment of $34,200 is at or below the median minimum investment of $97,161 across the 116 real estate franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 94 of the other 115 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $18,000 compares with an industry median of $34,750.
By minimum investment, Realty World belongs with franchises under $50,000.
What should you verify in the Realty World FDD?
Verify six parts of the Realty World 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 Realty World 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 Realty World?
These real estate franchises have the closest minimum investment to Realty World:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| ERA Real Estate | $0 to $25,000 | $33,370 to $259,800 |
| Real Living Real Estate | $20,000 | $33,145 to $198,821 |
| Lakefront Living | $25,000 | $33,065 to $40,505 |
| MLS4owners | $20,000 | $31,750 to $55,400 |
| SnapHouss | $9,900 to $99,900 | $31,300 to $129,650 |
See every brand in real estate franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Realty World franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a Realty World franchise ranges from $34,200 to $195,000, including a franchise fee of $18,000, 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 Realty World franchise?
Realty World 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 Realty World locations are there?
Realty World reported 142 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 Realty World been franchising?
Realty World started offering franchises in 2000 after the company was founded in 1973.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. Realty World and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by Realty World. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.