A modern reception desk in an office lobby with MOTTO MORTGAGE signage on the wall behind it. The image is partially covered by a large white triangular overlay.

Owning a Motto Mortgage Franchise

Hello, future business owner! If you’re reading this, you’re likely contemplating a leap into the mortgage brokerage franchise world. Buying a franchise can be an exciting venture, offering you a slice of entrepreneurship with the added bonus of brand recognition and an established business model. But before you dive headfirst into the mortgage world, let’s break down the essentials you need to know.

Here’s how the franchise journey unfolds

Your Path to Ownership

Two overlapping speech bubble icons outlined in dark blue, with a solid orange rectangle containing three white dots inside the upper bubble, symbolizing a conversation or message.

Let’s Talk

Our franchise team will walk you through how Motto works, what ownership looks like, and how it can weave into your existing business or become your next big one.

A simple illustration of a magnifying glass with a green lens and an orange handle, outlined in black, on a light gray background.

Explore the Model

We’ll break down the numbers, talk ongoing support, compliance, setup, and everything else that comes with a Mortgage Brokerage-in-a-Box℠.

Illustration of a hand holding an orange telephone receiver with sound wave lines, indicating a phone call or communication.

Talk to Owners

You’ll hear directly from people who’ve done it (owners from a variety of industries who made the leap and can speak to the process, the payoff, and what it takes).

Icon of a document with lines of text and a green folded corner next to a pencil with an orange band, symbolizing writing or editing.

Review Details and Ask Questions

Before anything’s official, you’ll get the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). It’s your all-access pass to how we operate, what’s expected, and what you get when you own a Motto.

Simple organizational chart icon showing a blue figure above three black-outlined circles, each containing a smaller figure, connected by lines to represent hierarchy or team structure.

Sign and Start

You’ll finalize your Franchise Agreement and get paired with a team that’ll help you launch your office, start building out your team, and prep for business.

A blue and white sign with the word OPEN hangs from a circular hook, indicating that a store or business is currently open.

Launch Your Office

You’re open for business! Your brand, your market… all backed by national systems, tools, and support.

Minimalist icon of a headset with microphone, accompanied by an orange speech bubble containing white lines, symbolizing customer support or communication services.

Brokerage Ownership (+ Our Support)

We don’t disappear after launch. Our support sticks around for the long haul.

Crunching the Numbers

Investment and Costs

Initial Franchise Fee

This is your ticket to the franchise party. The initial franchise fee is the upfront, one-time payment the franchisee makes, usually upon signing the franchise agreement, and it can vary widely depending on the brand and market. It’s your entry point into the franchise network, granting access to the franchise brand, its business model, and systems.

Recurring Fees

Most franchise systems include ongoing fees—usually monthly—that support shared services like marketing, technology, and operational support. Some franchisors offer reduced or ramp-up fees during the early stages to help new owners get established. (Psssst… Motto Franchising does.) These fees are part of the value of being connected to a larger, supportive network.

Startup and Ongoing Costs

Beyond the initial and recurring franchise fees, remember that you’re still going to be operating a business and you may need to budget for startup and ongoing costs like:

Office Space: Rent, utilities, and all the coffee your staff can drink.
Licensing and Legal Fees: Ensuring your business complies with state and federal regulations.
Technology and Software: You’ll need the right tools for the job.
Local Marketing: Even with a well-known brand, you’ll need to make some noise in your local market.

*For a better understanding of the fees and costs associated with owning a franchise, it’s a good idea to refer to Items 5, 6, and 7 of your Franchise Disclosure Document (or “FDD”). These items of the FDD in particular provide a breakdown of initial fees, ongoing costs, and the estimated initial investment needed to open and operate the franchise.

Three people stand outdoors, smiling and looking at a tablet. The woman in the middle wears a blazer and name badge, and the other two hold coffee cups while engaging in the conversation. Trees and buildings are blurred in the background.

The Cost of Motto Brokerage Ownership

A Motto franchise keeps startup costs low and transparency high. Want to talk numbers with our team?

Ready to rise to the top?

Here’s what to focus on to be a standout mortgage brokerage owner:

Building Relationships

Business outcomes in the mortgage space may hinge on building strong relationships—with clients, lenders, real estate agents, and even your fellow franchisees. Networking and communication skills are your best friends in this business.

Stay Educated

The mortgage industry is ever-evolving. Regular training and continued education will keep you at the forefront of industry changes and emerging trends.

Customer Service

Delivering exceptional customer service is key. Happy clients can lead to referrals and repeat business. Go above and beyond to guide clients through the mortgage process with ease and transparency.

Marketing Magic

Leverage the franchise’s marketing resources to boost your local presence. Utilize digital marketing strategies, social media, and community involvement to connect with potential clients.

Adapt and Innovate

Be ready to adapt and innovate as market conditions change. Stay open to new technologies and methods that can improve your service and streamline your operations.