Franchising since 1992 · 39 locations
The total investment to open a Commission Express franchise ranges from $172,000 - $302,000. The initial franchise fee is $10,000. Ongoing royalties are 9% plus a 1% advertising fee. Commission Express currently operates 39 locations. Data sourced from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document.
$172,000 - $302,000
$10,000
39
This franchise has not yet been scored by the Franchise Performance Index. Scores are calculated based on public FDD data, SBA loan performance, and system-level metrics.
Commission Express was meticulously established in 1992, originating from the dynamic Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, born from the insightful observations of its esteemed founders, John L. Stedman and Joseph M. Giovannelli. These two individuals, both seasoned and experienced real estate brokers, identified a critical and pervasive challenge within the real estate industry: the often-protracted waiting period of 30 to 90 days that independent contractor real estate agents endured before receiving their hard-earned commissions following the successful completion of a home purchase. This significant delay in remuneration created considerable cash flow challenges for professionals whose livelihoods depended on timely compensation. Recognizing this fundamental pain point, Stedman and Giovannelli pioneered an innovative financial solution, developing a robust system centered on the practice of factoring. This sophisticated process involves the strategic purchase of future commission receivables at a carefully calculated discount, effectively bridging the liquidity gap for real estate agents. After five years of rigorous development, during which the company meticulously refined its operational protocols, established a comprehensive computer database, and perfected its suite of essential forms and reports, Commission Express began extending compelling franchising opportunities in 1996. This strategic move solidified its unique market position, distinguishing the company as the very first and, notably, the only exclusively franchised commission advance company dedicated to serving realtors across the nation. The corporate headquarters, serving as the central hub for this specialized financial service network, is strategically located at 8306 Professional Hill Dr., Fairfax, VA 22031, with John Stedman identified as the acting CEO. The core mission of the Commission Express franchise
Key performance metrics for Commission Express based on SBA lending data
Investment Tier
Mid-range investment
$172,000 – $302,000 total
Estimated Monthly Payment
$1,781
Principal & Interest only
Commission Express — unit breakdown
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