Windermere Real Estate franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The Windermere Real Estate franchise fee is $25,000 and the total initial investment ranges from $271,000 to $1,171,000, with about $100,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the Windermere Real Estate FDD.
What are the Windermere Real Estate franchise fees and investment?
The Windermere Real Estate franchise requires a franchise fee of $25,000 and a total initial investment of $271,000 to $1,171,000. 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) | $25,000 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $271,000 to $1,171,000 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $100,000 |
| US locations | 299 |
| Industry | Real Estate (Brokerage) |
| Headquarters | Seattle, Washington |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Franchising since | 1983 |
How does the Windermere Real Estate investment compare with other real estate franchises?
Windermere Real Estate's minimum investment of $271,000 is above the median minimum investment of $97,161 across the 116 real estate franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 23 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, Windermere Real Estate belongs with franchises from $250,000 to $500,000.
What should you verify in the Windermere Real Estate FDD?
Verify six parts of the Windermere 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 Windermere 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 Windermere Real Estate?
These real estate franchises have the closest minimum investment to Windermere Real Estate:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Authority | $69,000 | $298,000 to $9,517,000 |
| Integra Realty Resources | $40,000 | $236,000 to $308,000 |
| Fsbohomes.Com | $30,000 to $35,000 | $229,150 to $478,500 |
| The Intelligent Office Centers | $49,500 | $228,000 to $1,520,498 |
| Le Village Cowork | $38,000 to $46,000 | $213,500 to $326,100 |
See every brand in real estate franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Windermere Real Estate franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a Windermere Real Estate franchise ranges from $271,000 to $1,171,000, 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 Windermere Real Estate franchise?
Windermere Real Estate lists a minimum of about $100,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many Windermere Real Estate locations are there?
Windermere Real Estate reported 299 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 Windermere Real Estate been franchising?
Windermere Real Estate started offering franchises in 1983 after the company was founded in 1983.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. Windermere Real Estate and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by Windermere Real Estate. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.