Windermere Real Estate

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

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.

Windermere Real Estate traces its origins to 1972, when a small group of eight agents opened an office in Seattle, Washington. From those early beginnings, the brand has expanded into one of the most prominent real estate networks in the Western United States. Today, its corporate offices are based at 1151 Fairview Avenue N., Suite 105, in Seattle.

The company focuses primarily on residential real estate services, operating across the Western U.S. and parts of Mexico. Its system now includes more than 300 offices and a workforce of over 6,500 agents, giving it a strong presence in the regions it serves.

Windermere launched its franchise program in the early 1980s, allowing independently owned real estate firms to join the network while maintaining local ownership and management. This model helped the brand grow while keeping each office connected to its community.

Beyond assisting homebuyers and sellers, many Windermere offices provide additional services such as commercial real estate support, property management, relocation programs, and mortgage, title, and escrow solutions. This integrated approach enables clients to access a full suite of real estate services under one brand.

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	$25,000
Training Expenses	$0 – $10,000
Real Property (whether purchased or leased)	$96,000 – $216,000 per year
Equipment, Fixtures, Construction, Remodeling, Leasehold Improvements, and Decorating Costs	$20,000 – $600,000
Office Supplies (including letterhead, business cards, etc.)	$5,000 – $15,000
Security Deposits, Utility Deposits, Business Licenses, and Other Prepaid Expenses	$0 – $25,000
Other Required Payments (such as additional training, travel, or advertising expenses)	$0 – $10,000
Business Insurance	$5,000 – $20,000
Additional Funds – Initial 12 Months	$120,000 – $250,000
Total	$271,000 – $1,171,000

Type of Expenditure	Amount
Initial Franchise Fee	$25,000
Training Expenses	$0 – $10,000
Real Property (whether purchased or leased)	$96,000 – $216,000 per year
Equipment, Fixtures, Construction, Remodeling, Leasehold Improvements, and Decorating Costs	$20,000 – $600,000
Office Supplies (including letterhead, business cards, etc.)	$5,000 – $15,000
Security Deposits, Utility Deposits, Business Licenses, and Other Prepaid Expenses	$0 – $25,000
Other Required Payments (such as additional training, travel, or advertising expenses)	$0 – $10,000
Business Insurance	$5,000 – $20,000
Additional Funds – Initial 12 Months	$120,000 – $250,000
Total	$271,000 – $1,171,000

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

Windermere Services Company provides several optional training programs to assist franchisees in operating their offices effectively. Here are the main training offerings:

Owner and Manager Orientation
This session, led by senior staff, introduces franchisees to the Windermere System, its benefits for agents, and implementation strategies. It is typically held at WSC headquarters, virtually, or another convenient location. While no fee is charged, franchisees bear their own travel expenses.
Admin/Owner/Manager Roster and Tools Training
This 3-hour classroom session covers roster management and system tools. It is offered at WSC headquarters, the franchisee’s office, or virtually, tailored to franchisee preferences.
Agent Tools I: Communication and Resources
Also a 3-hour session, it includes training on Windermere's communication platform, learning management system, and intranet tools. It’s accessible through the same flexible venues as other sessions.
Agent Tools II: Windermere Suite Training
Focused on deeper use of the Windermere Suite, this 3-hour session builds upon previous training and is offered in multiple delivery formats.
Webinars and E-learning
Most training is conducted via webinars or e-learning without cost to franchisees or their agents. These sessions are updated regularly and include interactive components.

Territory Protection

Windermere Services Company does not offer territory protection to its franchisees. Franchisees are not granted exclusive territories, minimum territories, or rights such as options or rights of first refusal to acquire additional franchises. Approval to open new locations or relocate offices must be obtained from the franchisor and can be denied at their sole discretion.

Franchisees may face competition from other Windermere offices, including those owned by the franchisor or affiliated entities.

Additionally, Windermere reserves the right to sell through other distribution channels or brands, both now and in the future, without offering compensation to the franchisee. There are no contractual restrictions preventing Windermere from soliciting customers within any region, regardless of a franchisee’s location.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise

Started franchising

1983

Franchisees

299

-1%

Franchise fee

$25,000

Investment

$271,000 - $1,171,000

Revenue (AUV)

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n.a.

Operating Profit

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n.a.

Home based

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Passive investment

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Competitors

Below are some of

Windermere Real Estate

key competitors in the

Broker/Realtor

sector.

Franchise

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299

New

-1%

$25,000

$271,000

$1,171,000

n.a.

Joe Homebuyer

$100K - $200K