Help-U-Sell Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$29,650 - $67,650
Min Cash Required
$3,000
Total US Locations
50
Business Summary
Help-U-Sell Real Estate offers franchises for operating a real estate sales office that provides a variety of real estate transaction services to the general public. These offices utilize a distinctive business format and system to offer a choice of real estate services at set-fee pricing. Clients, including homeowners and prospective homeowners, can receive assistance with buying, selling, leasing, or exchanging property by selecting from various 'a la carte' products and services, without paying traditional percentage commissions.
Corporate History
Infinium Realty Group, Inc. (Help-U-Sell Real Estate) was formed as a Delaware corporation on December 29, 2008. The Help-U-Sell real estate concept originated with Help-U-Sell, Inc., founded in 1976. Its assets were acquired by S&S Acquisition Corporation in 1993, which then sold the system to Realty Information Systems, Inc. in 1996. Realty Information Systems, Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2008, and its assets were subsequently sold to Infinium Realty Group, Inc. in December 2008, establishing the current franchisor. Help-U-Sell Real Estate began offering franchises in 2009 and does not currently operate any company-owned offices.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$29,650 - $67,650
Franchise Fee (High)
$17,750
Minimum Cash Required
$3,000
Royalty %
6%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$1,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$23,000
Working Capital
$5,250
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
Yes
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Help-U-Sell Real Estate has experienced financial losses in 2022 and 2023, resulting in negative stockholder's equity for 2023 and 2021. The company relies on a significant $1,000,000 note payable to its stockholder, which was extended to December 2026. Management has updated its estimate for the valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets due to changes in the real estate market, and the company carries substantial net operating loss carryforwards.
Financing Details
Help-U-Sell Real Estate may offer direct financing for a portion of the initial franchise fee. However, Help-U-Sell Real Estate does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other obligations for franchisees. Any direct financing offered will comply with applicable laws.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
50
Franchised Units
50
Corporate Units
0
Franchising Since
2009
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
Yes
Litigation Count
4
Litigation Summary
Help-U-Sell Real Estate has disclosed four past legal matters. In 2016, Help-U-Sell Real Estate (Infinium Realty Group, Inc.) filed an anti-trust lawsuit against Amana Real Estate Group and Mohamed Sherif, which was settled through mediation with an injunction and monetary damages for Help-U-Sell Real Estate. Also in 2016, Help-U-Sell Real Estate filed a trade secret infringement case against Homebay Inc., which was settled via mediation, resulting in an injunction against Homebay and monetary damages. A governmental action in 2018 involved a settlement with the State of Washington and a $1,000 penalty due to the unregistered sale of a franchise in Washington in 2016. Lastly, Realty Information Systems, Inc., a predecessor to Help-U-Sell Real Estate, filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in March 2008, with its assets later sold to Infinium Realty Group, Inc. in December 2008. There is no other litigation required to be disclosed.
Bankruptcy History
Help-U-Sell Real Estate's predecessor, Realty Information Systems, Inc., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2008 in the US Bankruptcy Court, District of Nevada. The assets of Realty Information Systems, Inc. were subsequently sold by the court to Infinium Realty Group, Inc. (Help-U-Sell Real Estate) in December 2008. Other than this, Help-U-Sell Real Estate itself has no other bankruptcy to disclose.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
5 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their Help-U-Sell Real Estate franchise, franchisees must provide at least 90 days' notice before their current term expires, execute the then-current form of franchise agreement (which may have different terms), be in good standing and compliance with the agreement (meaning no more than three written breach notifications and adherence to the Policy Manual), execute a general release of claims against Help-U-Sell Real Estate, pay a non-refundable successor franchise fee of $2,000, and attend and complete any designated certification or training program.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Before opening, Help-U-Sell Real Estate provides initial training for the franchisee and one owner, advice on site selection, leasehold improvements, design, layout, signs, décor, office equipment, computer hardware, software, and furnishings. It also offers advice on supplier selection, loans a Policy Manual, provides advertising aids and forms, and grants access to its Office Management System (OMS). Ongoing assistance includes consultation on operations, management, services, sales, and marketing techniques, as well as updates on programs and information. Help-U-Sell Real Estate offers training for replacement or additional Principal Owners (with the franchisee covering expenses) and access to advertising materials (costs may be passed on). Franchisees are required to attend mandatory retreats, seminars, conventions, rallies, or meetings up to two times per year, each not exceeding three days.
Initial Training Hours
50
Training Location
Corporate headquarters in Sarasota, Florida or other designated location
Ongoing Support
After opening, Help-U-Sell Real Estate consults with franchisees on operations, management, services, sales, and marketing. It provides ongoing updates and programs related to the Help-U-Sell System. Help-U-Sell Real Estate offers training for replacement or additional Principal Owners, though franchisees are responsible for associated costs. It also provides access to advertising and promotional materials, the cost of which may be passed on to franchisees. Ongoing training programs are offered at Help-U-Sell Real Estate's discretion, and franchisees or their Principal Owners are required to attend mandatory retreats, seminars, conventions, rallies, or meetings up to two times per year, not exceeding three days in duration. Remedial training may also be required if there are operational deficiencies, at the franchisee's expense.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Help-U-Sell Real Estate seeks franchisees who, or who have on staff, a licensed real estate broker. The franchisee or their Principal Owner must participate personally in the direct operation of the office, hold an equity interest in the entity (if applicable), and successfully complete the initial training program. Ideal candidates should also possess strong sales and recruiting skills, experience, and business acumen.
Industry Experience Required
Yes
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
commercial
Owner Participation
hands-on
Territory Type
limited
Territory Size Requirements
Help-U-Sell Real Estate's assigned territory is typically defined as a one-mile radius from the approved office location. This radius may be adjusted to be more or less depending on the demographics of the specific area, particularly in high-density metropolitan regions.
Staffing Notes
Help-U-Sell Real Estate requires each office to have a Designated Broker who holds a valid real estate broker license; this individual can be the franchisee, the Principal Owner, or a third party approved by Help-U-Sell Real Estate. Franchisees must ensure their employees and associates provide competent and courteous service and are trained in the operational standards of the Help-U-Sell System, with the franchisee being responsible for their compliance. All employees or agents who use the system or access confidential information must sign an approved confidentiality and noncompetition agreement.