Windermere Real Estate Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Founded in 1972 in Seattle, Washington, Windermere Real Estate began as a small eight-agent office and has grown into one of the largest regional real estate brands in the United States. The company is headquartered at 1151 Fairview Avenue N., Suite 105, Seattle, WA.
It offers residential brokerage services and operates throughout the Western U.S. and Mexico, supported by a network of over 300 offices and more than 6,500 agents.
Windermere began franchising in the early 1980s and has since enabled independent local real estate firms to operate under the Windermere brand while remaining locally owned and operated.
Its core services include helping clients buy, sell, or rent homes, and many locations also provide commercial real estate, property management, relocation assistance, mortgage, title, and escrow services, creating a complete real estate solution under one brand.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Windermere Real Estate franchise? It costs on average between $271,000 – $1,171,000 to start a Windermere Real Estate franchised facility.
This includes costs for office setup, furnishings, technology systems, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount varies depending on factors such as the office size, market location, and whether the franchisee decides to lease or purchase the property.
| 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 |
Download the Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Windermere Real Estate locations are there?
As of the latest data, the Windermere Real Estate brand operates approximately 300 units across the Western U.S. and Mexico.
What is the total investment required to open a Windermere Real Estate franchise?
The total investment required to open a Windermere Real Estate franchise ranges from $271,000 to $1,171,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Windermere Real Estate franchise?
The ongoing royalty fee for a Windermere Real Estate franchise is 5% of gross monthly sales. In addition, there is a marketing/advertising contribution of 1% of sales that franchisees pay into the brand’s advertising fund.
Who owns Windermere Real Estate?
Windermere Real Estate franchise is owned by Windermere Services Company, a family-owned business led by the Jacobi family.
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.
