Established
1947
Franchise Units
140
Minimum Investment
$75,000
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Total Investment Range
$280,500
Home Based
No
Description
In the competitive landscape of American real estate, few names carry as much weight and prestige as William Raveis Real Estate. Founded on the principles of family values and unwavering professionalism, William Raveis has grown from a single-room office into a dominant force in the industry. As the #1 family-owned real estate company in the Northeast and the #3 family-owned firm in the United States, the brand represents a unique blend of "big-company" power and "small-business" personalized care.
The William Raveis concept is built around a comprehensive, one-stop-shop model. Unlike traditional brokerages that focus solely on transactions, Raveis integrates real estate, mortgage, and insurance services under one roof. This holistic approach doesn't just simplify the journey for the homebuyer; it creates multiple revenue streams and higher retention for the franchise owner. By positioning itself as a luxury-tier leader with a "Digital First" mindset, William Raveis offers a sophisticated infrastructure that helps local offices outpace the competition through superior marketing, cutting-edge technology, and a culture of mentorship.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Investing in a William Raveis Real Estate franchise is more than just a business move; it is an entry into an elite network of high-performing professionals.
Elite Brand Reputation: Benefit from a brand that is consistently awarded for its luxury marketing and innovation, including "Best Luxury Real Estate Brokerage" titles across multiple states.
Integrated Ecosystem: Access to the Raveis Complete suite of services, allowing you to provide mortgage and insurance solutions, which increases customer loyalty and lifetime value.
Technological Edge: Utilize Raveis IQ and Raveis Premium, a world-class technology stack that provides real-time data, AI-driven insights, and automated marketing tools.
Family-Centric Culture: Join a business where you aren't just a number. The Raveis family remains actively involved, ensuring the brand maintains its core values of compassion and integrity.
Massive Referral Network: Plug into a global network spanning 70 countries and 135,000+ agents, ensuring high-end lead flow and relocation opportunities.
Background
Established Year: 1974
Founder: William "Bill" Raveis Jr.
Headquarters: Shelton, Connecticut
Ownership: Family-owned and operated (Second generation led by Chris and Ryan Raveis).
Market Presence: Over 140 offices across the U.S. East Coast (including CT, MA, NY, FL, and SC).
Industry Category: Real Estate Brokerage, Mortgage, and Insurance Services.
Brand Journey: Starting with a $2,000 loan in an office above a grocery store, Bill Raveis transformed the company into a $20B+ annual sales volume powerhouse, pioneering the concept of agent-centric support.
Support Training
William Raveis is famous for treating its franchisees and agents like customers. Their support system is designed to remove the "backend" heavy lifting so you can focus on growth.
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with office site selection, interior branding, and local market analysis to ensure a high-impact opening.
Strategic Growth Managers: Every office is supported by a certified Strategic Growth Manager who provides one-on-one business planning and mentoring.
Marketing & Branding: Access to an award-winning, in-house marketing agency that handles high-end photography, drone footage, social media content, and luxury listing brochures.
Raveis University: An extensive academic platform offering continuous training on digital target marketing, sales psychology, and the latest legal/compliance standards.
Ongoing Operations: Monthly "Virtual Town Halls" with the executive team, weekly tech workshops, and a daily "Morning Boost" video to keep your team motivated and informed.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate for a William Raveis franchise is someone who values professional prestige and long-term relationship building.
Experience: A background in real estate is preferred but not mandatory for those with strong business leadership or executive management experience.
Passion: An entrepreneur who is passionate about the "luxury lifestyle" and providing a concierge-level experience to clients.
Leadership: Someone capable of recruiting, motivating, and retaining high-performing real estate agents.
Investment Capability: Individuals with the liquid capital and net worth required to scale an office in premium residential markets.
Location Preference: Focused on affluent or high-growth suburban and coastal markets across the United States.
Financial Detail
| Category | Estimated Cost (Low) | Estimated Cost (High) |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $15,000 | $70,000 |
| Equipment & Furniture | $2,500 | $50,000 |
| Signage (Building & Yard) | $1,000 | $5,000 |
| Advertising & Promotions | $3,000 | $10,000 |
| Insurance (Annual Premium) | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Additional Funds (3-6 Months) | $20,000 | $80,000 |
| Other (Supplies, Travel, Legal) | $3,500 | $30,500 |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED INVESTMENT | $75,000 | $280,500 |
