Keller Williams Realty®
What Is Keller Williams Realty?
Keller Williams Realty is a franchise in the Real Estate category that grants franchisees the right and obligation to establish and operate KELLER WILLIAMS® Market Centers as real estate brokerage offices. The operational model is brick-and-mortar, requiring each franchisee to open one Market Center at an approved physical location. It serves both residential and commercial real estate markets through Associates (brokers and salespersons). The core service bundle centers on providing brokerage services via the Market Center supported by the KW System, including associate recruitment methods, training and education programs (e.g., Keller Williams University, KW Prep, KSCORE), consulting, profit sharing, and branded advertising and promotional programs.
Keller Williams Realty Franchise: Pros and Cons
The franchise's major strength is its large footprint — 773 locations (762 franchised), placing it in the top 5–10% — but its biggest risk is recurring legal trouble, with 33 disclosed lawsuits including four alleging fraud and three franchisee-initiated settlements that warrant close scrutiny.
Pros
Cons
Lawsuits & Legal Risk
Part 1 (The Facts): The franchisor faced nationwide antitrust class actions over buyer‑broker commissions (consolidated Moehrl/Sitzer/Umpa) resolved via a $70M nationwide settlement (final approval May 2024; appeal pending). Related copycat suits and TCPA claims were settled; several disputes were compelled to arbitration. Part 2 (The Advice): Review Item 12 protections, settlement releases and payment schedules, arbitration and post‑termination obligations, indemnities, and TCPA compliance materials; ask about ongoing appeal exposure.
Territory Protection
Grants a protected operating area where the franchisor will not place other physical units. The franchisor retains rights to develop additional units in the surrounding market, to sell via e-commerce and alternative distribution channels, and to operate under trademarks and alternative venues, with protection contingent on meeting performance quotas—reflecting site-specific rights, market density, and performance contingencies.
Training & Support
The brand provides a comprehensive 969-hour training curriculum designed to prepare franchise personnel for launch; the initial franchise fee does not include training slots for any individuals. The program includes on-site launch support focused on operational readiness, with travel and lodging expenses the responsibility of the franchisee and on-site assistance available for an additional fee.
Unit Growth Analysis
The franchise shows extreme volatility rather than steady growth: units moved from 811→826 (+1.9%) in 2023, jumped to 1,295 in 2024 (+56.8%), then collapsed to 773 in 2025 (−40.3%). Because the net count fell from 811 in 2022 to 773 in 2025 (−38 units, −4.7%), investors should view current franchise health as unstable and require a clear explanation for the 2024 surge and the subsequent large contraction before committing capital.
How Much Does It Cost to Open a Keller Williams Realty Franchise?
Opening a Keller Williams Realty franchise requires a total initial investment of $182,430 to $335,697, according to the 2025 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.
Keller Williams Realty Franchise Earnings: Not Disclosed
Keller Williams Realty did not disclose financial performance data (Item 19) in their 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Not all franchisors choose to publish this information, which can make it harder for prospective owners to evaluate expected revenue before investing.
This franchise company did not publish these results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a Keller Williams Realty franchise?
The total initial investment for a Keller Williams Realty franchise ranges from $182,430 to $335,697, according to the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. This includes the franchise fee, real estate, equipment, training, and working capital.
What is the Keller Williams Realty initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee for Keller Williams Realty is $35,000, as stated in the 2025 FDD. This fee is paid upon signing the Franchise Agreement.
Does Keller Williams Realty disclose franchise revenue data?
Keller Williams Realty did not disclose financial performance data (Item 19) in their 2025 FDD. Not all franchisors choose to publish this information.
Does Keller Williams Realty have any franchise lawsuits or legal issues?
Keller Williams Realty received a legal risk score of 68 out of 100 in the 2025 FDD analysis. Part 1 (The Facts): The franchisor faced nationwide antitrust class actions over buyer‑broker commissions (consolidated Moehrl/Sitzer/Umpa) resolved via a $70M nationwide settlement (final approval May 2024; appeal pending).
Does Keller Williams Realty offer exclusive franchise territories?
Keller Williams Realty received a territory protection score of 51 out of 100. Grants a protected operating area where the franchisor will not place other physical units.
What training does Keller Williams Realty provide to new franchisees?
Keller Williams Realty received a training and support score of 100 out of 100. The brand provides a comprehensive 969-hour training curriculum designed to prepare franchise personnel for launch; the initial franchise fee does not include training slots for any individuals.
How many Keller Williams Realty franchise locations are there?
Keller Williams Realty had 773 total locations as of the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document.
What type of business is Keller Williams Realty?
Keller Williams Realty is a franchise in the Real Estate category that grants franchisees the right and obligation to establish and operate KELLER WILLIAMS® Market Centers as real estate brokerage offices.
Interested in Keller Williams Realty?
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