Keller Williams Realty®
What Is Keller Williams Realty?
Keller Williams Realty is a franchise in the Real Estate industry. It operates from brick-and-mortar locations called Market Centers, serving individual consumers (B2C) through residential real estate brokerage services. The core service bundle includes attracting and supporting real estate agents, with a focus on training, consulting, and a profit-sharing plan.
Keller Williams Realty Franchise: Pros and Cons
With 751 locations and over 1,000 hours of initial training, this franchise offers strong support and market traction. However, the franchisor has initiated 31 lawsuits and 4 fraud allegations, signaling recurring legal friction and tension between corporate and operators.
Pros
Cons
Lawsuits & Legal Risk
Keller Williams Realty faces pending class actions over buyer broker commissions and has settled TCPA and other claims. It actively enforces non-competition agreements. Prospective franchisees should review post-termination obligations, territorial protections (Item 12), antitrust compliance, marketing fund usage, and profit sharing program terms.
Territory Protection
Keller Williams Realty grants a protected, site-specific territory with a performance contingency. The franchisor retains the right to sell via e-commerce/alternative channels within the territory and retains the right to develop additional units in the surrounding market. Territory rights are contingent on meeting performance quotas.
Training & Support
Keller Williams Realty provides an extensive 1,017-hour training curriculum designed to prepare franchisees for launch. The program includes on-site launch assistance at no additional cost to support operational readiness, with franchisees responsible for their own travel and living expenses.
Unit Growth Analysis
Keller Williams Realty has lost 60 units over four years, dropping from 811 to 751, with a current annual decline of 2.8%. For a new owner, this contraction signals a system where existing franchisees are closing or not renewing faster than new ones join-a quiet exodus rather than a growth story. You’d be buying into a mature brand that’s shrinking, meaning the franchisor’s focus is likely on retention and propping up struggling offices, not on expanding your territory or support.
How Much Does It Cost to Open a Keller Williams Realty Franchise?
Opening a Keller Williams Realty franchise requires a total initial investment of $183,647 to $336,495, according to the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document. This range covers the franchise fee, real estate, equipment, training, and initial working capital needed to launch and operate through the early months.
Minimum Investment
Maximum Investment
Minimum Investment Breakdown
Maximum Investment Breakdown
Investment Analysis
This investment analysis is coming soon. Have ideas for other analyses you'd like us to add? Get in touch.
The initial investment amounts shown are estimates only. Actual costs may vary based on location size, business model, and multi-unit ownership arrangements. We recommend reviewing the full Franchise Disclosure Document for complete details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Keller Williams Realty a good franchise to own?
Whether Keller Williams Realty is a good franchise depends on your goals, experience, and local market. Key factors from the 2026 FDD: Keller Williams Realty operates 751 locations, received a legal risk score of 67/100, a training and support score of 100/100. The franchisor does not disclose financial performance data. Prospective franchisees should review the full Franchise Disclosure Document and consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decision.
Is a Keller Williams Realty franchise worth the investment?
The value of a Keller Williams Realty franchise investment depends on factors such as location, operator experience, and market demand. The initial investment ranges from $183,647 to $336,495. The system reported 8 terminated units in 2026. Franchise investments carry inherent risk, and prospective buyers should conduct thorough due diligence before committing capital.
What is the failure rate of Keller Williams Realty franchises?
In the 2026 FDD, Keller Williams Realty reported 8 terminated franchises and 5 non-renewals out of 751 total locations. Franchise closures can result from many factors including market conditions, operator decisions, lease expirations, and franchisor enforcement actions. The FDD's Item 20 provides the most detailed unit turnover data.
How long does it take to break even with a Keller Williams Realty franchise?
Break-even timelines for Keller Williams Realty franchises are not disclosed in the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document. Break-even periods vary significantly based on initial investment level, local market conditions, operating costs, and revenue ramp-up speed. Prospective franchisees should build a pro forma financial model using Item 7 cost estimates and, where available, Item 19 financial performance data from the FDD.
Is Keller Williams Realty a franchise or a corporate-owned business?
As of the 2026 FDD, Keller Williams Realty operates 735 franchised locations and 16 company-owned locations. Franchise opportunities are available through the franchisor's disclosure process.
Does Keller Williams Realty disclose franchise revenue data?
Keller Williams Realty did not disclose financial performance data (Item 19) in their 2026 FDD. Not all franchisors choose to publish this information.
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