Pleasanton, CA — April 8, 2026 — NextHome was identified by independent franchise research firm, Franchise Business Review, as a 2026 Top Low-Cost Franchise. This is the real estate franchise’s sixth year being recognized in the category.
Franchise Business Review (FBR), a research firm that conducts independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, provides the only ratings of franchises based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance.
NextHome, Inc. is an independently owned national franchisor with a focus on changing the way consumers work with local agents and shop for real estate online. Founded in 2014, NextHome has over 600 offices and 5,500+ members across the country. The company closed over 30,000 transactions in 2025 worth over $11B in volume.
More than 11,000 franchisees representing 130 low-cost brands participated in Franchise Business Review’s franchisee satisfaction survey over 18 months. The brands that were named to the list of the best low-cost franchises to buy had to have high franchisee satisfaction and an investment of under $100,000 at the time their franchisees participated in FBR’s satisfaction survey.
NextHome’s franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems, including training & support, operations, franchisor/franchisee relations, culture, and financial opportunity.
“The idea that franchise ownership is out of reach for the average person simply doesn’t hold up to scrutiny, and the data proves it,” said Eric Stites, Chief Executive Officer of Franchise Business Review. “After surveying more than 11,000 franchisees across 130-plus low-cost brands, we found that the median down payment to get started is just $30,000, with a median total startup cost of $86,000. What’s more, the Top 50 Low-Cost Franchises we’ve identified aren’t just affordable, they’re among the most satisfying businesses to own, scoring 30% to 40% above the industry satisfaction benchmark. When 93% of franchisees say they’d recommend their brand to others, it’s a clear signal that this year’s award-winners are all excellent options for anyone considering franchise ownership.”
“From the beginning, one of NextHome’s core values has been creating a real estate franchise opportunity with an attainable point of entry,” said Charis Moreno, Chief Revenue Officer at NextHome. “Being recognized as a top low-cost franchise reinforces our commitment to providing a path for individuals to grow their businesses and their lives without compromising financial security. Watching our members pursue franchise ownership, achieve their goals, and build meaningful success is exactly why we do what we do.”
In addition to this accolade, NextHome was named No. 1 on Franchise Business Review’s list of the Top Franchises for 2026 in Owner Satisfaction, as well as recognized as a Top Franchise for Women.
Interested in being a part of the NextHome Real Estate Franchise? Contact Charis Moreno at Charis@NextHome.com.
Each office is an independently owned and operated business.