Sotheby's International Realty franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The Sotheby's International Realty franchise fee is $0 to $25,000 and the total initial investment ranges from $46,150 to $324,850, with about $25,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the Sotheby's International Realty FDD.
What are the Sotheby's International Realty franchise fees and investment?
The Sotheby's International Realty franchise requires a franchise fee of $0 to $25,000 and a total initial investment of $46,150 to $324,850. 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) | $0 to $25,000 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $46,150 to $324,850 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $25,000 |
| US locations | 710 |
| Industry | Real Estate (Brokerage) |
| Headquarters | Madison, New Jersey |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Franchising since | 2004 |
How does the Sotheby's International Realty investment compare with other real estate franchises?
Sotheby's International Realty's minimum investment of $46,150 is at or below the median minimum investment of $97,161 across the 116 real estate franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 85 of the other 115 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $0 compares with an industry median of $34,750.
By minimum investment, Sotheby's International Realty belongs with franchises under $50,000.
What should you verify in the Sotheby's International Realty FDD?
Verify six parts of the Sotheby's International Realty 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 Sotheby's International Realty 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 Sotheby's International Realty?
These real estate franchises have the closest minimum investment to Sotheby's International Realty:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices | $25,000 | $45,300 to $90,375 |
| Brickleys Property Solutions | $7,500 | $45,300 to $85,100 |
| Realty One Group | $19,000 to $25,000 | $47,250 to $227,500 |
| Howard Hanna Real Estate | $25,000 | $45,000 to $258,500 |
| REMAX | $17,500 to $37,500 | $45,000 to $245,500 |
See every brand in real estate franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Sotheby's International Realty franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a Sotheby's International Realty franchise ranges from $46,150 to $324,850, including a franchise fee of $0 to $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 Sotheby's International Realty franchise?
Sotheby's International Realty lists a minimum of about $25,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many Sotheby's International Realty locations are there?
Sotheby's International Realty reported 710 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 Sotheby's International Realty been franchising?
Sotheby's International Realty started offering franchises in 2004 after the company was founded in 2004.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. Sotheby's International Realty and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by Sotheby's International Realty. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.