ERA Real Estate Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

ERA Real Estate is a global real estate franchise known for its innovative technology and agent support, providing comprehensive services to buyers and sellers to facilitate successful real estate transactions.

ERA Real Estate was founded in 1971 by Jim Jackson in Kansas City, Missouri, with a mission to use innovative technology to improve the real estate experience. The brand was one of the first to introduce electronic methods to real estate transactions, which helped set it apart early on.

Today, ERA is headquartered in Madison, New Jersey, and operates as a subsidiary of Anywhere Real Estate Inc., a global leader in residential real estate services. The company began franchising in 1972, quickly expanding its reach and establishing a strong presence across the United States.

In 1981, ERA became the first U.S.-based real estate franchise to expand internationally with the launch of ERA Japan. The franchise focuses on residential brokerage, offering services such as property listings, sales, leasing, and property management.

What sets ERA apart is its commitment to blending advanced technology with a collaborative, people-focused culture. The brand encourages innovation, supports diversity, and promotes growth within its network.

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
Facility and Space Planning $9,000 - $17,500
Furnishings and Communication Equipment $27,000 - $87,500
Security and Other Deposits $7,500 - $17,700
Prepaid Business Expenses $3,000 - $4,600
Additional Funds (first 3 months after opening) $35,000 - $60,000
Total Additional Investment for New Start-Up Office $81,500 - $187,300
Total Investment for New Start-Up Office $114,870 - $447,100
Type of Expenditure Amount
Facility and Space Planning $9,000 - $17,500
Furnishings and Communication Equipment $27,000 - $87,500
Security and Other Deposits $7,500 - $17,700
Prepaid Business Expenses $3,000 - $4,600
Additional Funds (first 3 months after opening) $35,000 - $60,000
Total Additional Investment for New Start-Up Office $81,500 - $187,300
Total Investment for New Start-Up Office $114,870 - $447,100

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

ERA Franchise Systems LLC provides training to its franchisees as part of its support to ensure the successful launch and operation of a real estate brokerage. The training programs offered are:

  1. LaunchERA Program
    This mandatory training must be attended by the Responsible Broker or a designated individual before beginning operations. It covers essential topics such as compliance, system tools, marketing, and brokerage operations. Any new Responsible Broker is also required to attend the next available session after taking on the role.
  2. Ongoing Training and Support
    ERA may offer continuing education, workshops, and operational updates through various platforms including online modules and in-person events. This ensures that franchisees remain informed about evolving best practices and industry standards. Participation may be required as part of maintaining compliance with ERA’s system requirements.

Territory Protection

ERA Franchise Systems LLC generally does not grant exclusive territorial rights or area licenses to its franchisees. The Franchise Agreement does not guarantee a minimum area of protection, allowing ERA to place new franchises in close proximity.

However, in certain circumstances, they may grant limited protected areas based on local market conditions or other economic considerations.

Any territory protection provided by ERA must be explicitly stated in writing and is subject to a specified term. ERA reserves the right to terminate these protections if the franchisee does not meet performance benchmarks such as annual Gross Revenue thresholds.

Competitors

Below are some of

ERA Real Estate

key competitors in the

Broker/Realtor

sector.

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

444

New
+
-6%
-6%

$25,000

$82,000

$447,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Windermere Real Estate

Windermere Real Estate is a real-estate brokerage franchise offering home-buying, selling and leasing services across multiple states, serving agents and clients, and known for community-centred culture, advanced marketing tools and proven franchise systems.

Franchisees

?

299
+
-1%
-1%
Investment

?

$271,000 - $1,171,000

Intero Real Estate Services

Intero Real Estate Services is a real-estate brokerage franchise offering full-service buying, selling and leasing of homes and commercial properties, serving agents and clients, and known for strong training, agent-centric model and technology-enabled branding.

Franchisees

?

29
+
-19%
-19%
Investment

?

$210,000 - $855,000

Valbridge

Valbridge is a valuation-services franchise offering real-estate appraisal, review and consulting services for commercial and residential markets, serving lenders, brokers and property-owners, and known for national network, compliance focus and high-quality data standards.

Franchisees

?

0
+
-100%
-100%
Investment

?

$70,000 - $164,000

Harcourts

Harcourts is a real-estate brokerage franchise offering residential and commercial brokerage services, serving property buyers, sellers and agents, and known for innovative tools, global network backing and culture focused on growth and professionalism.

Franchisees

?

24
+
20%
20%
Investment

?

$151,000 - $360,000

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