
If you are looking for information on the Showhomes franchise business opportunity, Showhomes franchises or Showhomes franchising, then you have come to the right place.
Showhomes has helped Realtors and homeowners sell many homes since its founding in 1986. Showhomes gives its franchisees an opportunity to add value to a well-defined, but under-served, real estate niche: vacant houses.
Well-furnished homes, kept in show-to-sell condition seven days a week, typically sell faster than vacant properties. We add value to empty houses by transforming them into inviting, cared-for homes, furnishing, decorating and managing them for maximum value. Our proven business model offers robust returns without the risk and capital expense of buying and selling property.
If you're a business person with leadership skills, integrity, a fundamental knowledge of real estate and the desire to provide an exciting, unique service, you could be a Showhomes franchise owner.
Showhomes franchise owners have an indefinable spark that sets them apart. They offer a unique combination of creativity, real estate acumen and the willingness to try new things. If you'd like to join the team, we're looking for experienced business professionals with a sense of adventure, fundamental knowledge of real estate and these qualities:
Added revenue for franchise ownersIn 2004, a group of seasoned real estate investors and business leaders purchased Showhomes and adjusted the business model. Up to this point, modest fees from home managers were the only revenue stream for franchise owners. Recognizing the value that Showhomes delivers to homeowners, the company revamped its fee structure to align homeowner fees with the value added. A success fee - paid by the homeowner at closing - now rewards the accelerated sales that Showhomes delivers.
The information presented may have changed since first published. We recommend that you always verify fees, investment amounts and offers with the business opportunity directly prior to making a decision to invest.
1. What training and ongoing support do you provide?
You want to know what happens after you pay the initial fee. A strong franchisor provides comprehensive pre-opening training, site-selection help, operational playbooks, and continuous assistance with marketing, technology, and supply chains.
2. What is the total initial investment, and did actual startup costs match the estimates in Item 7 of the FDD?
The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) lists estimated startup costs in Item 7, but real-world expenses can run higher. Asking how closely current owners tracked to these estimates reveals if you need extra working capital or if hidden fees exist.
3. How do royalties and local/national marketing fees impact profitability?
You need to understand ongoing financial obligations-such as monthly royalty percentages and ad fund contributions-and evaluate whether the brand value and support justify cutting into your profit margins.
4. What are the common challenges new franchisees face, and how do you help them overcome them?
Transparent franchisors will openly discuss real hurdles like local competition, tight labor markets, or supply chain bottlenecks, and show you the exact playbook or field support they offer to solve them as well as allowing you to speak with other franchisees.
5. How many franchise locations have closed or left the system in the past few years, and why?
High turnover, store closures, or quiet franchise exits are major red flags. This question measures system stability, territory health, and whether the corporate team addresses struggling owners or lets them fail.