Coldwell Banker vs Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices: Which Is the Better Investment?

Side-by-side comparison of investment costs, fees, unit economics, and franchisee satisfaction. Data from FDD disclosures and franchise database — updated 2026.

Real Estate Real Data Not Investment Advice
CB

Coldwell Banker

Real Estate
$16K – $1.5M
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VS
BH

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Real Estate
$25K – $150K
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At a Glance: Key Differences

Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.

Investment Cost
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices wins on investment range ($1.4M less) vs Coldwell Banker.
Fee Burden
Both have the same royalty rate.
Unit Count
Coldwell Banker wins on total units (1,700 more) vs Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.
Satisfaction
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices wins on franchisee satisfaction vs Coldwell Banker.

Investment & Fees

Metric Coldwell Banker Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Min Investment $16K $25K
Max Investment $1.5M $150K
Franchise Fee $35K $25K
Royalty Rate 6.0% 6.0%
Ad Fund Rate N/A N/A

Unit Economics

Metric Coldwell Banker Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Avg Unit Revenue N/A N/A
Avg Profit Margin N/A N/A

Scale & Growth

Metric Coldwell Banker Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Total Units 3,200 1,500
Annual Growth 50.0% 80.0%
Failure Rate N/A N/A

Franchisee Performance

Metric Coldwell Banker Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Franchisee Satisfaction 72/100 75/100

Track Record

Metric Coldwell Banker Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Years in Business N/A N/A
Years Franchising N/A N/A

Financial Requirements

Metric Coldwell Banker Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Min Net Worth Required N/A N/A
Liquid Capital Required N/A N/A

Operations

Metric Coldwell Banker Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Avg Employees N/A N/A
Training Weeks N/A N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Coldwell Banker or Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices a better franchise investment?

The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Coldwell Banker has 3,200 total units and a 72/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has 1,500 total units and a 75/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.

How much does it cost to open a Coldwell Banker franchise?

Based on data in our database, opening a Coldwell Banker franchise requires an initial investment of $16K – $1.5M. The franchise fee is $35K, with ongoing royalties of 6.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.

How much does it cost to open a Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchise?

Based on data in our database, opening a Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchise requires an initial investment of $25K – $150K. The franchise fee is $25K, with ongoing royalties of 6.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.

What is the royalty rate for Coldwell Banker vs Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices?

Coldwell Banker's royalty rate is 6.0%. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices's royalty rate is 6.0%. That means Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has the lower ongoing royalty burden.

Which has more locations — Coldwell Banker or Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices?

Coldwell Banker has 3,200 total units. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has 1,500 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.

Is Coldwell Banker or Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices semi-absentee friendly?

Coldwell Banker is typically run as a owner-operator model. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is typically run as a owner-operator model. If passive income is your goal, semi-absentee models let you hire a manager to run day-to-day operations.

Data sourced from franchise disclosure documents and public records. Investment ranges, royalty rates, and unit counts change — always request current FDD before making investment decisions. Last updated March 2026.

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