How much does a 1st Class franchise cost?

The FDD lists a total initial investment of about $31,050–$159,450, including a $25,000 initial franchise fee.

Is a 1st Class franchise worth it?

It depends on the numbers, not the pitch. 1st Class scores C on disclosure honesty. Get the real owner take-home before you sign.

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The real numbers on owning a 1st Class franchise

Real Estate Brokerage Franchise · FDD 2026 · from public state filings

CDisclosure honesty

This franchisor discloses earnings (Item 19) — but read how.

Investment

$31,050–$159,450

Total fees

—

Outlets

Closure signals

3 ceased, 19 terminated

Lawsuits

What their own earnings claim actually says

Franchisor discloses acknowledgment questionnaire requiring franchisee assent to representations. Multiple state addenda void waiver/release provisions under respective state franchise laws.

Failure & turnover reality (Item 20)

2025: 34 outlet decline; 19 terminations, 20 non-renewals, 3 ceased operations indicates system stress.

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The franchisor won't put real owner profit in writing. We do — reconstructed from their own FDD.

Franchisor's framing: Franchisor discloses acknowledgment questionnaire requiring franchisee assent to representation…

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Reconstructed owner P&L — net take-home after royalty, ad fund, rent, labor & debt
Break-even timeline + cash-on-cash ROI on your investment
Full fee stack + required-purchase markups
Decoded real failure / closure rate
How it ranks vs comparable franchises
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1st Class franchise — frequently asked

How much does a 1st Class franchise cost?: The FDD lists a total initial investment of about $31,050–$159,450, including a $25,000 initial franchise fee.
How much do 1st Class franchise owners make?: Franchisor discloses acknowledgment questionnaire requiring franchisee assent to representations. Multiple state addenda void waiver/release provisions under respective state franchise laws. We grade this disclosure C for honesty.
What is the 1st Class franchise failure rate?: 2025: 34 outlet decline; 19 terminations, 20 non-renewals, 3 ceased operations indicates system stress.
Is a 1st Class franchise worth it?: It depends on the numbers, not the pitch. 1st Class scores C on disclosure honesty. Get the real owner take-home before you sign.

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Source: MN CARDS 35757-202604-09 (Clean FDD 2026). FranchiseValidate is independent and not affiliated with 1st Class or its franchisor. Figures are extracted from the franchisor's own public disclosure document; verify against the current FDD before any decision.