Company: HOUS
Filing Date: 2025-02-25
Form Type: 10-K
Source: 0001398987-25-000020
Chunk: 266

Company: Anywhere Real Estate Inc.
Filing Date: 2025-02-25
Form: 10-K
Item: Item 1
Chunk 266
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 the Company generally employs a master franchise model outside of the U.S., whereby it contracts with a qualified third party to build a franchise network in the country or region in which franchising rights have been granted. Under both the direct and master franchise models outside of the U.S., the Company enters into long-term franchise agreements (generally 25 years in duration) and receives an initial area development fee ("ADF") and ongoing royalties. Ongoing royalties are generally a percentage of the royalties received by the master franchisor from its franchisees with which it contracts and are recorded once the funds are received by the master franchisor. Under the direct franchise model, a royalty fee is paid to the Company on transactions conducted by its franchisees in the applicable country or region. The ADFs that the Company collects are recorded as deferred revenue when received and are classified as current or non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets based on the expected timing of revenue recognition. ADFs are recognized into franchise revenue over the average 25 year life of the related franchise agreement as consideration for the right to access and benefit from Anywhere’s brands. In the event an ADF agreement is terminated prior to the end of its term, the unamortized deferred revenue balance will be recognized into revenue immediately upon termination. The balance for deferred ADFs decreased from $39 million at January 1, 2024 to $37 million at December 31, 2024 due to $4 million of revenues recognized during the year ended December 31, 2024 that were included in the deferred revenue balance at the beginning of the period, partially offset by $2 million of ADFs received during the year ended December 31, 2024.In addition, the Company recognizes a deferred asset for commissions paid to Anywhere franchise sales employees upon the sale of a new franchise as these are considered costs of obtaining a contract with a customer that are expected to provide benefits to the Company for longer than one year. The Company classifies prepaid commissions as current or non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets based on the expected timing of expense recognition. The amount of commissions is calculated as a percentage of the anticipated gross commission income of the new franchisee or ADF and is amortized over 30 years for domestic franchise agreements or the agreement term for international franchise agreements (generally 25 years). The amount of prepaid commissions was $28 million and $29 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.Franchise OtherThrough Cart