Are Advertising Fees for Counselor Realty refundable?

According to the 2025 Counselor Realty Franchise Disclosure Document, advertising fees are nonrefundable. Specifically, this applies to advertising fees paid to the Regional Advertising Fund if the franchisee's office is located outside the Twin Cities area. These fees are uniformly imposed on all franchisee-owned Counselor Realty offices. Counselor Realty-owned offices contribute to marketing costs under a different formula and are not subject to these specific advertising fees.

This means that a prospective Counselor Realty franchisee should be aware that any advertising fees paid, particularly those related to a Regional Advertising Group, cannot be refunded. This policy is consistently applied across all franchisee-owned locations, ensuring uniformity in financial obligations related to advertising. Franchisees operating outside the Twin Cities area should pay close attention to the regulations of the Regional Advertising Group, as the amount of these fees can be increased by a majority vote of the Regional Advertising Committee.

It is important to note that Counselor Realty-owned offices have a different arrangement for contributing to marketing activities. This distinction highlights that franchisees and company-owned offices may have different financial obligations regarding advertising. Franchisees should fully understand the advertising fee structure and the potential for increases, especially if they are part of a Regional Advertising Group. Understanding these financial commitments is crucial for budgeting and financial planning as a Counselor Realty franchisee.