1957
500
$100,000
$25,000
$500,000
No
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is one of America’s largest family-owned and operated real estate companies, known for its integrity, customer service excellence, and strong community roots. Established over six decades ago, the brand has built a reputation for helping families find their dream homes while empowering real estate entrepreneurs to build successful local businesses under a trusted national name.
The Howard Hanna franchise model offers investors and brokers the chance to partner with a company that blends traditional real estate values with modern innovation. With powerful technology platforms, a comprehensive training system, and access to industry-leading marketing resources, Howard Hanna equips franchisees with everything they need to thrive in today’s competitive real estate landscape.
The company’s focus on full-service real estate solutions—including residential, commercial, mortgage, title, and insurance services—makes it a one-stop destination for clients and a diversified business model for franchise owners. As real estate markets continue to grow across the United States, aligning with the Howard Hanna brand presents an unparalleled opportunity to scale with a proven, people-first system.
Investing in a Howard Hanna franchise means joining a legacy brand that has redefined the real estate experience for both clients and agents. Franchisees benefit from a name that inspires confidence, an extensive referral network, and cutting-edge tools to simplify and strengthen operations.
Key reasons to invest include:
Recognized Brand Reputation: Howard Hanna consistently ranks among the top independent brokerages in the U.S., commanding trust and respect in the real estate industry.
Multiple Revenue Streams: Beyond home sales, franchisees can generate income through mortgage, insurance, relocation, and property management services.
Advanced Technology & Marketing: Access to Howard Hanna’s exclusive online tools, CRM systems, digital marketing platforms, and lead-generation technology gives franchisees a competitive edge.
Comprehensive Support System: From onboarding to market expansion, Howard Hanna provides ongoing assistance designed to drive long-term growth.
Community-Driven Business Model: With strong community engagement and philanthropic initiatives, franchisees enjoy a positive public image and loyal client base.
Founded: 1957
Founders: Howard W. Hanna Jr.
Headquarters: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Franchise Units: Over 500 offices and 15,000 agents across multiple states
Industry: Real Estate, Brokerage Services
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services began in 1957 when Howard W. Hanna Jr. opened a small office in Pittsburgh with a simple mission: to provide unmatched service and integrity in the real estate market. Over the years, the company expanded through strategic acquisitions, organic growth, and a strong family-driven leadership model. Today, the brand is led by the third generation of the Hanna family, maintaining its legacy while embracing modern innovation.
With a network that spans states including Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan, Virginia, and North Carolina, Howard Hanna is a dominant force in the residential and commercial real estate sectors. It has received numerous accolades for excellence, including national recognition as a top brokerage by Real Trends and RISMedia.
The franchise division allows local entrepreneurs and existing brokers to operate under the Howard Hanna banner, benefiting from its established systems, training, and marketing while maintaining independence and local decision-making power.
Howard Hanna provides franchisees with an exceptional support framework designed to set them up for immediate and sustained success.
Pre-Launch Support:
Comprehensive onboarding program with real estate and business management training
Assistance with site selection, office setup, and brand compliance
Guidance in recruiting top-performing agents and staff
Operational Support:
Proprietary technology systems for listings, CRM, transaction management, and digital marketing
Centralized accounting, legal, and HR support for streamlined operations
24/7 access to back-office tools and analytics dashboards
Marketing & Branding Support:
Access to national and regional advertising campaigns
Custom marketing materials, social media templates, and email marketing solutions
Public relations guidance and community engagement programs
Ongoing Training:
Continuing education through the Howard Hanna University training platform
Leadership development sessions and sales coaching programs
Regional conferences and networking events to share best practices
This combination of resources ensures that franchisees and their agents are equipped to outperform local competitors and adapt to changing market conditions.
The ideal Howard Hanna franchisee is a passionate entrepreneur or experienced broker who values integrity, customer service, and community engagement.
Preferred Qualifications:
Prior experience in real estate brokerage, sales, or business management
Strong leadership and team-building skills
Financial capability to sustain business growth
Desire to build long-term community relationships
Investment Attributes:
Minimum liquid capital and financial stability to support initial and ongoing operations
Commitment to maintaining brand standards and providing exceptional client service
Enthusiasm for leveraging technology and marketing systems to scale efficiently
Ideal territories include growing suburban and metropolitan areas across the U.S., especially regions with strong housing demand and active development projects.
| Investment Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $100,000 – $500,000 |
| Minimum Investment | $100,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 – $40,000 |
| Infrastructure & Office Setup | $50,000 – $200,000 |
| Marketing Budget | $10,000 – $25,000 annually |
| Working Capital | $25,000 – $75,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 6% of gross sales |
| Expected ROI | 20% – 35% annually (average) |
| Break-Even Time | 12 – 24 months |
| Revenue Streams | Residential & commercial property sales, mortgage & insurance services, relocation programs, property management |
These figures can vary based on market location, office size, and local market performance.
