Firm Size, Dual Brokerage, and National Franchise Affiliation of Real Estate Brokerage Firms: Unexpected Results from 2008 to 2013

In this study, we examine the impact of real estate brokerage firm characteristics on real estate prices from 2008 to 2013. We focus on single-family homes and condominiums in Duval County, the largest county in the Northeast Florida real estate market. Contrary to most research findings to date, we have strong evidence to suggest that homebuyers will fare better if they associate with small brokerage firms to represent their interests in the purchase transaction. Contrary to the previously published research, we found that firms associated with a national franchise garnered lower final sales prices.