SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Sotheby’s International Realty franchises operate real estate brokerage offices offering defined brokerage services from specified locations under the prestigious Sotheby’s International Realty® brand. The business model involves paying initial franchise fees ranging from $0 to $25,000 and ongoing royalties to the franchisor for brand licensing, marketing support, and operational guidance. They primarily target luxury real estate markets, serving high-net-worth clients buying, selling, or renting premium properties.
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
6% royalty + 2% brand marketing fund + $1,000-$3,000/yr software maintenance fee
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
This franchise did not provide Item 19 financial performance data.
Be careful if you are interested in investing. The lack of financial performance representations may indicate limited data or varying results across franchises.
Extracted Item 19 Section
How SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY Compares to Other Real Estate Brokerage Franchises
Key Insights
- #3 largest franchise system in Real Estate Brokerage
- One of the lowest SBA loan default rates in Real Estate Brokerage
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY Current | $46K - $325K | $25K | 6.0% | 666 |
| Century 21 Real Estate LLC | $35K - $279K | $25K | 6.0% | 1,734 |
| Century 21 Real Estate | $35K - $279K | $25K | 6.0% | 1,734 |
| ERA | $33K - $260K | $25K | 6.0% | 444 |
| ERA | $33K - $260K | $25K | 6.0% | 444 |
| REALTY ONE GROUP | $47K - $228K | $25K | 0.0% | 410 |
Real Estate Brokerage Average 20 franchises | $48K - $296K | $26K | 5.4% | - |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 20 Real Estate Brokerage franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2024)
Outlets by state across the United States
+30 more states
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY franchisees (2021 - 2024)
Loans by Year
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
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Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
Non-renewal of franchise agreement, breach of contract, and related torts including constructive termination.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
No bankruptcy history reported in the FDD.
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY franchise?
The total initial investment to open a SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY franchise ranges from $46,150 to $324,850. This includes a franchise fee of $25,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 6.0% of gross sales.
How many SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY franchise locations are there?
As of the 2025 FDD, SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY has 666 franchise locations.
Can you get an SBA loan for a SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY franchises. Historical data shows 2 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY franchisees, with an average loan amount of $515,000. The historical default rate is 0.0%.
Is SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY a good franchise to buy?
SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY shows several positive indicators: established brand with 666+ locations, low SBA loan default rate. However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
Interested in SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY?
Talk to a franchise advisor to get personalized guidance and learn if SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY is the right fit for you.
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