COMMISSION EXPRESS is a financial services franchise providing commission advances to real estate professionals, offering quick and reliable access to earned commissions.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
38
+
-7%
-7%
Franchise fee
?
$10,000 to $50,000
Investment
?
$172,000 - $302,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$0
+
n.a.
n.a.
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Commission Express is a leading real estate commission advance franchise founded in 1992. It was established in the Washington, DC metro area by two experienced real estate brokers.
Initially operating as a corporate entity, the business began offering franchising opportunities in 1996, making it the first and only exclusively franchised commission advance company for realtors.
Headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, Commission Express provides real estate professionals immediate access to earned but unsettled commissions—typically within two days, often the same day. Since its inception, the company has advanced over $800 million in funds nationwide.
The franchise network features local, independent offices that purchase agents' future commission receivables at a discount—usually ranging from 6% to 16%, depending on the projected settlement date. This swift cash-flow service helps real estate professionals manage day-to-day expenses without waiting 30 to 90 days post-closing.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a COMMISSION EXPRESS franchise is
$172,000 - $302,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial franchise fee
$10,000 - $50,000
Leasehold improvements
$0 - $2,000
Leasehold deposit
$0 - $500
1st month’s rent
$0 - $500
Office equipment
$0 - $500
Furniture
$0 - $5,000
Opening inventory (capital pool) (for 1st year)
$150,000 - $200,000
1 computer accounting package (QUICKBOOKS)
$100 - $200
1 computer system
$0 - $3,000
1 fax machine
$0 - $3,000
1 telephone system
$0 - $1,000
1 copier
$0 - $3,000
Travel, lodging and meals for initial training
$800 - $1,600
Supplies (stationery, brochures, banners, etc.)
$1,100 - $1,300
Business licenses, permits (for 1st year)
$200 - $400
Insurance (for 1st year)
$500 - $800
Pre-opening advertising
$1,500 - $2,500
Local real estate association membership
$100 - $200
Professional fees
$1,000 - $1,000
Additional funds (for 12 months)
$7,000 - $25,000
Estimated Initial Investment
$172,300 - $301,500
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial franchise fee
$10,000 - $50,000
Leasehold improvements
$0 - $2,000
Leasehold deposit
$0 - $500
1st month’s rent
$0 - $500
Office equipment
$0 - $500
Furniture
$0 - $5,000
Opening inventory (capital pool) (for 1st year)
$150,000 - $200,000
1 computer accounting package (QUICKBOOKS)
$100 - $200
1 computer system
$0 - $3,000
1 fax machine
$0 - $3,000
1 telephone system
$0 - $1,000
1 copier
$0 - $3,000
Travel, lodging and meals for initial training
$800 - $1,600
Supplies (stationery, brochures, banners, etc.)
$1,100 - $1,300
Business licenses, permits (for 1st year)
$200 - $400
Insurance (for 1st year)
$500 - $800
Pre-opening advertising
$1,500 - $2,500
Local real estate association membership
$100 - $200
Professional fees
$1,000 - $1,000
Additional funds (for 12 months)
$7,000 - $25,000
Estimated Initial Investment
$172,300 - $301,500
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is COMMISSION EXPRESS's 2023 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
COMMISSION EXPRESS had 39 total units in 2023, of which 38 were franchised-owned and 1 company-owned.
The franchise Commission Express provides several training programs to ensure franchisees and their staff meet operational standards. Here is a summary of the training provided:
Initial Training for First Development Territory Commission Express provides about five days of initial training for the franchisee or their managing principal and the original Manager. This training must be completed successfully before the business opens. The franchisor covers the cost of the training and materials, while the franchisee covers travel, lodging, meals, wages, and benefits for the trainees.
Initial Training for Additional Territories For each additional Development Territory, initial training is required. If it's a protected territory, the original Manager must complete training provided by the franchisor at a designated location. If it's an open market territory, training is conducted by the franchisee. Replacement Managers also must complete initial training.
Annual Conference Training An annual conference may be held to introduce and review new business, marketing, and technology strategies. Attendance is mandatory for the franchisee or their managing principal. Missing two out of three consecutive conferences is considered a material breach of contract.
Territory Protection
Commission Express offers franchisees the option of operating within a protected development territory. In such cases, the franchisor commits not to operate or grant any other party the right to operate a competing business within that designated area under the same or different trademarks.
The territory is typically defined by the boundaries of one or more local real estate associations or Multiple Listing Services (MLS), ensuring a clear and exclusive market area for the franchisee.
A franchisee with a protected territory must establish an approved office within the territory and maintain certain performance standards, including meeting gross income quotas.
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