Help-U-Sell

Help-U-Sell is a residential real estate brokerage franchise that has been operating in the United States since 1976. The company was founded by Don Taylor, who introduced a flat-fee, full-service brokerage model at a time when most sellers paid a percentage-based commission. This approach gave homeowners a different option for selling their properties, often resulting in meaningful cost savings compared to traditional commission structures.

After its start in Southern California, Help-U-Sell began franchising in the 1980s and grew rapidly, reaching a high point of about 1,000 offices by 2007. The housing market downturn in 2008 led to bankruptcy for the parent company, and the network contracted sharply. Despite these challenges, the brand continued under new management, maintaining its presence in the market.

As of November 2025, Help-U-Sell operates fewer than 80 independently owned and operated offices in 18 states. The company’s footprint is most notable in Florida, California, Texas, Arizona, North Carolina, and Colorado, with its headquarters in Sarasota, Florida. Over the past five years, Help-U-Sell has focused on measured expansion, targeting established and high-growth residential markets while supporting its existing franchisees to maintain service quality.

Each franchise office has flexibility in setting fees and service offerings, which can lead to some variation in customer experience from one location to another. The company continues to offer sellers both flat-fee listing services and full-service packages, and buyers can work with Help-U-Sell agents to find and purchase homes. The brand’s longevity and national presence, combined with a flexible franchise model, make it a recognizable and resilient player in the residential brokerage landscape, especially for those interested in alternative brokerage formats and selective market growth.