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.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
5
+
-29%
-29%
Franchise fee
?
$15,000
Investment
?
$23,000 - $106,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$0
+
n.a.
n.a.
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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
The initial investment required for a Counselor franchise is
$23,000 - $106,000.
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 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
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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
Below is Counselor's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Counselor had 11 total units in 2024, of which 5 were franchised-owned and 6 company-owned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the royalty fee?
The royalty fee for a Counselor franchise is n.a.. In addition, you would have to pay the advertising (or national brand fund) fee of $25 - $60 per agent per month.
What is the total investment?
The initial investment required for a Counselor franchise is $23,000 - $106,000. 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.
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee for a Counselor franchise is $15,000. This is typically paid upfront as part of the total initial investment, after signature of the Franchise Agreeement.
Counselor Realty Franchising provides optional but detailed training programs for franchisees. Here's a breakdown of what they offer:
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.
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.
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.
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.