Coldwell Banker Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Coldwell Banker is one of the most established real estate franchise brands in the United States. It traces its roots back to 1906 when Colbert Coldwell, Albert Tucker, and John Lynch founded the company in San Francisco. Benjamin Banker later joined as a partner in 1913, leading to the adoption of the Coldwell Banker name the following year.
Today, the franchise is based in Madison, New Jersey, and operates as part of Anywhere Real Estate, formerly known as Realogy. Coldwell Banker started offering franchise opportunities in 1982 under the corporate name Coldwell Banker Residential Affiliates, Inc., marking the beginning of its large-scale national and international expansion.
The network now includes nearly 3,000 offices across 49 countries and territories. Franchisees specialize in a broad spectrum of real estate services, from residential and commercial transactions to property management, leasing, and luxury home marketing through the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury division.
Coldwell Banker’s reputation is built on more than a century of trust and forward-thinking innovation. The brand was an early adopter of digital tools, introducing mobile technology, video marketing, and the CBx data-driven platform to enhance property valuation and client engagement.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Coldwell Banker franchise? It costs on average between $114,000 – $515,000 to start a Coldwell Banker franchised facility.
This includes expenses related to office setup, furnishings, technology systems, licensing, and initial operating costs. The total investment varies based on factors such as the size and location of the real estate office, local market conditions, and whether the franchisee opts to lease or purchase the premises.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $0 – $25,000 |
| Real Estate | Not included in total |
| Leasehold Improvements | $0 – $105,000 |
| Building Signs | $700 – $20,000 |
| Yard Signs | $2,000 – $5,500 |
| Open House Signs | $800 – $2,000 |
| Miscellaneous Rider Signs | $200 – $400 |
| Name Badges | $120 – $400 |
| Miscellaneous | $250 – $500 |
| Printed Materials | $5,100 – $7,500 |
| Other Advertising (local)/Grand Opening Promotion | $0 – $10,000 |
| Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Office Design Elements | $0 – $70,000 |
| Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Certification Course (per person) | $0 – $575 |
| Insurance | $500 – $4,000 |
| Legal Expenses | $0 – $4,000 |
| Website | $0 – $10,000 |
| Multiple Listing Services | $0 – $3,000 |
| Data Feed Transmission | $0 – $5,000 |
| Computer Equipment and Electronic Data System | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Facility and Space Planning | $9,000 – $17,500 |
| Furnishings and Communications 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) | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Total Investment for New Start-Up Office | $114,370 – $514,675 |
Download the Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Coldwell Banker locations are there?
As of the most recent data, Coldwell Banker operates approximately 1,814 offices across 48 countries and territories worldwide.
What is the total investment required to open a Coldwell Banker franchise?
The total investment required to open a Coldwell Banker franchise ranges from $114,000 to $515,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Coldwell Banker franchise?
Coldwell Banker franchisees pay an ongoing royalty fee of 6% of their gross commission income. In addition to the royalty, franchisees contribute up to 2.5% of their gross commission income toward marketing and advertising efforts.
Who owns Coldwell Banker?
The franchise is owned by Anywhere Real Estate Inc., a leading global provider of residential real estate services. Formerly known as Realogy Holdings Corp., Anywhere Real Estate oversees several well-known brands in the industry, including Century 21, ERA, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, and Sotheby’s International Realty.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. SharpSheets is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing any franchisor mentioned on this website. Where noted, figures are taken from the franchisor’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). In some cases, we may provide independent calculations or estimates based on publicly available information. We do not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the information presented in the article. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other professional advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.
All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial and/or legal advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.
