Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is a national real estate brokerage network, not a single company

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (BHHS) is a franchise network of independent real estate brokerages that operate under a shared brand. It is owned by Berkshire Hathaway Inc., the investment company run by Warren Buffett, but the individual offices you work with are independently owned and operated. This means the agent or broker you meet in your city is a franchisee — they own their local business but use the BHHS name, training systems, and technology platform.

The network includes roughly 1,400 offices across the United States, Canada, and other countries. Each office handles its own hiring, pricing, and day-to-day operations. When you contact a BHHS office, you are contacting a local business that has licensed that brand and agreed to follow BHHS standards. The national brand provides marketing support, technology tools, and training, but the person selling or buying your home works for the local franchise owner, not for Berkshire Hathaway itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is a franchise network of independent brokerages, so each local office sets its own commission rates and policies.
  • The brand provides technology, training, and marketing support to member offices, but does not directly employ the agents you work with.
  • Commission splits, listing fees, and service offerings vary by location because each franchise operates independently.
  • You can find your local BHHS office through the national website, but you are contracting with that specific franchise, not with a national entity.

How commission and pricing work at BHHS offices

Commission rates and how they are split between buyer and seller agents are negotiated between you and the individual brokerage office. BHHS does not set a standard commission rate across all franchises. A BHHS office in one state or city may charge a different percentage than a BHHS office 50 miles away. Commission is typically split between the listing agent's brokerage and the buyer's agent's brokerage, and then split again between the individual agent and their broker — but those splits differ by office.

When you list a home, you negotiate the commission percentage directly with the local BHHS broker. If you are buying, the seller's listing agreement usually specifies what commission will be offered to the buyer's agent. You can always negotiate or ask what the standard practice is in your market. Some BHHS offices offer flat-fee options or reduced commissions for certain transaction types, but this varies by location.

What technology and services BHHS provides to its franchises

The national BHHS network maintains a shared multiple listing service (MLS) integration, customer relationship management (CRM) software, and marketing tools that member offices can use. Agents at BHHS offices have access to training programs, market data, and transaction management systems provided by the national brand. This standardization means that a BHHS office in California and a BHHS office in New York both use similar back-end systems, even though they operate independently.

The brand also provides national marketing campaigns and brand recognition, which can help local offices attract clients. However, the quality of service, responsiveness, and informed you receive depends on the individual agent and broker you work with, not on the national brand. A BHHS office's reputation in your area is built on its local track record, not on Berkshire Hathaway's corporate reputation.

How to find and contact a local BHHS office

You can search for a BHHS office in your area through the national Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices website. The site has a broker locator tool where you enter your city or state and see which franchises operate in that region. You can also search by agent name if you already know someone you want to work with. Each office has its own website, phone number, and local team.

When you contact a BHHS office, you are starting a relationship with that specific franchise. Ask about their experience in your neighborhood, their commission structure, and what services they include. Because each office is independent, the level of service, technology, and informed can vary. It is worth interviewing multiple agents or offices — whether BHHS or not — before deciding who to work with.

Differences between BHHS and other national real estate brands

BHHS operates as a franchise network, similar to brands like Century 21, RE/MAX, and Keller Williams. Each of these networks has independent brokerages that pay to use the brand name and systems. The main difference is ownership: BHHS is owned by Berkshire Hathaway, while other brands have different corporate structures. This does not necessarily mean BHHS is better or worse — it means the backing and resources available to franchises differ.

Some national brands, like Redfin or Zillow Group's real estate services, operate company-owned offices where agents are employees of the national company. BHHS does not work that way. If you prefer to work with a company-owned brokerage where all agents answer to the same national management, BHHS franchises would not fit that model. If you prefer local ownership and decision-making, a BHHS franchise may appeal to you.

What to ask a BHHS agent before you hire them

Before you sign a listing agreement or buyer representation agreement with a BHHS agent, ask about their local market experience, how many homes they have sold in your neighborhood in the past year, and what their average days-on-market is. Ask what services are included in their commission and what costs, if any, are separate. Ask how they will market your home if you are selling, or how they will show you homes if you are buying.

Also ask about their response time, how often they will update you, and who you contact if there is a problem. Because BHHS franchises are independent, the agent's individual practices matter more than the brand. A strong agent at a BHHS office will have clear answers to these questions and will be willing to put commitments in writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices a scam or a legitimate company?

BHHS is a legitimate real estate franchise network owned by Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Individual franchises are licensed and regulated by state real estate commissions. However, like any real estate office, the quality and ethics of individual agents vary. Always verify that your agent holds a current real estate license in your state before working with them.

Can I negotiate commission with a BHHS office?

Yes. Commission is negotiable at any real estate office, including BHHS franchises. The rate you pay depends on what you and the local broker agree to. There is no standard BHHS commission, so you can shop around and compare offers from different offices before deciding.

Do all BHHS offices use the same technology and systems?

BHHS provides a shared technology platform and training to franchises, so there is consistency in back-end systems. However, individual offices may add their own tools or customize how they use the national systems. The technology available to you depends partly on which local office you work with.

What happens if I have a complaint about a BHHS agent?

Start by contacting the local franchise broker directly. If the issue is not resolved, you can file a complaint with your state's real estate commission. BHHS franchises must comply with state real estate laws and regulations, but complaints are handled at the state level, not by the national BHHS office.

Is working with BHHS better than working with an independent real estate office?

That depends on the individual agent and office, not the brand. A BHHS franchise has access to national training and technology, but an independent office may offer more personalized service or lower costs. Interview agents from different offices — BHHS and non-BHHS — and choose based on their experience, communication style, and what they offer you.