Counselor Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Counselor Realty is a real estate brokerage franchise primarily known for its full-service residential and commercial property services, empowering franchisees to operate from a chosen and approved location within a designated territory.

Counselor Realty is a full-service residential and commercial real estate brokerage franchise founded in 1964 in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, by a group of experienced local agents. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the brand is agent-owned and has built a strong reputation for community involvement and trusted service.

The franchise division, Counselor Realty Franchising, Inc., began offering franchise opportunities in 2002. Franchisees operate from approved office locations within designated territories across Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Counselor Realty stands out for its agent-owned model, which prioritizes professionalism, collaboration, and deep local expertise.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Fee $7,500 to $15,000
Real Estate Lease and Improvements $600 to $12,500
Fixtures and Furnishings $1,000 to $15,000
Opening Inventory of Supplies $500 to $1,000
Insurance $1,500 to $6,000
Training Costs $0 to $6,200
Internet Development $750 to $4,000
Signage $1,000 to $10,000
Professional Fees $0 to $6,000
Additional Funds (for three months' operations) $10,000 to $30,000
Total $22,850 to $105,700
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Fee $7,500 to $15,000
Real Estate Lease and Improvements $600 to $12,500
Fixtures and Furnishings $1,000 to $15,000
Opening Inventory of Supplies $500 to $1,000
Insurance $1,500 to $6,000
Training Costs $0 to $6,200
Internet Development $750 to $4,000
Signage $1,000 to $10,000
Professional Fees $0 to $6,000
Additional Funds (for three months' operations) $10,000 to $30,000
Total $22,850 to $105,700

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

Counselor Realty Franchising provides optional but detailed training programs for franchisees. Here's a breakdown of what they offer:

  1. Initial Training Program: At your request, Counselor will provide initial training to you and up to two key personnel. This training takes place at a designated “Counselor” office or mutually agreed location and is subject to availability.
  2. Supplemental and Ongoing Training: You can also request supplemental initial or ongoing training for yourself or your staff. These sessions are customized based on the subject matter and your specific needs.
  3. Training Fees: Counselor charges a fee of $175 per trainer per hour for all training, including initial training. Additionally, you are responsible for all travel, lodging, and incidental expenses for yourself, your employees, and the trainers.
  4. Training Management: The Franchise Committee Chairperson coordinates training, potentially assisted by other staff members. The training covers business setup, operation, and adherence to brand standards.

Territory Protection

Counselor Realty Franchising grants franchisees a defined territory to operate their business, but it is a non-exclusive license. This means the franchisee is allowed to operate from a single approved location within a designated geographic territory.

However, the agreement does not prevent the franchisor or its affiliates from granting other franchises or operating businesses within the same territory.

The franchisor reserves significant flexibility to adjust territory terms. For example, during renewal, the territory can be modified if the population exceeds their limits or if performance criteria are not met.

Competitors

Below are some of

Counselor

key competitors in the

Broker/Realtor

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Upgrade
Gross Profit
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

5

New
+
-29%
-29%

$15,000

$23,000

$106,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Iron Valley

Iron Valley Real Estate is a real estate franchise offering brokerage services and agent support systems, serving buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals, and known for its agent-centric commission model, low startup costs, and modern technology.

Franchisees

?

44
+
47%
47%
Investment

?

$59,000 - $207,000

Watters International Realty

Watters International Realty is a real estate franchise offering comprehensive services for buying and selling homes, known for its innovative marketing strategies and client-focused approach.

Franchisees

?

10
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$49,000 - $201,000

PropertyGuys.com

PropertyGuys.com is a real estate marketing franchise offering homeowners a commission-free approach to selling their properties, utilizing innovative technology and support.

Franchisees

?

4
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$22,000 - $81,000

Grand Welcome

Grand Welcome is a vacation rental management franchise that helps homeowners maximize their rental income by providing full-service property management.

Franchisees

?

62
+
138%
138%
Investment

?

$68,000 - $170,000

Christie's International Real Estate

Christie's International Real Estate offers luxury real estate services, connecting buyers and sellers of high-end properties worldwide. They provide personalized attention and market expertise for affluent clients.

Franchisees

?

38
+
-3%
-3%
Investment

?

$64,000 - $443,000

Superior Walls

Superior Walls offers precast concrete foundation systems for residential and commercial buildings. Their energy-efficient, waterproof walls provide strong, customizable solutions for construction projects.

Franchisees

?

12
+
9%
9%
Investment

?

$1,040,000 - $1,968,000