Help-U-Sell Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Help-U-Sell is a real estate franchise offering a full-service, flat-fee model for selling homes, providing clients with cost-effective and personalized real estate services.

Established in 1976 by Don Taylor, Help-U-Sell Real Estate pioneered a transformative approach in the real estate industry by introducing a set-fee service model, challenging the traditional percentage-based commission structures.

This innovative concept empowers home sellers to select services tailored to their needs, often resulting in significant cost savings compared to conventional brokerage fees.

Headquartered at 240 N. Washington Blvd., #200, Sarasota, FL 34236, Help-U-Sell began franchising in 1978 and has since expanded its presence across the United States. Each franchise offers a comprehensive suite of real estate services, including property listings, buyer assistance, and expert guidance throughout the transaction process.

What sets Help-U-Sell apart is its commitment to a full-service experience under a set-fee pricing structure. Unlike traditional brokers who charge a percentage of the sale price, Help-U-Sell provides a menu of services at a predetermined fee, granting consumers greater control and transparency over their selling costs.

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 Franchise Fee $17,750
Lease Costs and Leasehold Improvements $0 - $10,000
Initial Marketing Campaign, Forms and Stationery $500 - $3,000
Office Equipment Furnishings and Computer Hardware and Software $1,000 - $8,000
Signs $0 - $5,000
Initial Training – Travel & Living Expenses $0
Legal and Accounting Fees $500 - $2,500
Licenses, Dues & Deposits $1,200 - $2,400
Insurance Premiums $1,200 - $2,500
Target Marketing (3 Months) $4,500 - $9,000
Additional Funds (3 Months) $3,000 - $7,500
Total Estimated Initial Investment $29,650 - $67,650
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $17,750
Lease Costs and Leasehold Improvements $0 - $10,000
Initial Marketing Campaign, Forms and Stationery $500 - $3,000
Office Equipment Furnishings and Computer Hardware and Software $1,000 - $8,000
Signs $0 - $5,000
Initial Training – Travel & Living Expenses $0
Legal and Accounting Fees $500 - $2,500
Licenses, Dues & Deposits $1,200 - $2,400
Insurance Premiums $1,200 - $2,500
Target Marketing (3 Months) $4,500 - $9,000
Additional Funds (3 Months) $3,000 - $7,500
Total Estimated Initial Investment $29,650 - $67,650

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

Help-U-Sell® provides a variety of training programs aimed at preparing franchisees and their teams for effective office operation and compliance with brand standards. These training initiatives include both initial and continuing education formats.

  1. Initial Training Program
    This includes online, classroom, and on-the-job training, typically totaling 20 to 50 hours. Training is held at corporate headquarters, online, or other designated locations. It must be completed within 90 days of signing the franchise agreement and before the office begins operations.
  2. Ongoing Training Programs
    These consist of optional and mandatory seminars, summits, and retreats designed to provide updates on operational practices and industry developments. Attendance may be required up to twice a year for sessions not exceeding three days.
  3. Renewal Training
    Upon renewal of a franchise agreement, training—such as Help-U-Sell® SmartBuy Programsm—may be required within 180 days. Costs for such training, including tuition and travel, are borne by the franchisee.

Territory Protection

Help-U-Sell® offers franchisees a defined Assigned Area, typically including a one-mile radius around the approved office location. Within this area, the franchisor agrees not to establish or license another Help-U-Sell® office, provided the franchisee remains in compliance with the agreement.

However, this territory is non-exclusive, and does not grant the franchisee rights to clients or restrict competition in that region.The franchisor and other franchisees are free to market and offer services in any geographic area, including within the Assigned Area of another franchisee.

Help-U-Sell® retains the right to use its system and trademarks across various channels and locations, allowing for possible overlap in service areas. Therefore, while some protection exists concerning office placement, franchisees should expect active competition in their market.

Competitors

Below are some of

Help-U-Sell

key competitors in the

Broker/Realtor

sector.

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

40

New
+
-41%
-41%

$17,750

$30,000

$68,000

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