Complete investment analysis based on official FDD data
Total Investment
$45,000 – $245,500
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Royalty Rate
1.0%
The total initial investment to open a RE/MAX franchise ranges from $45,000 to $245,500, as disclosed in their Franchise Disclosure Document. This includes the one-time franchise fee of $35,000.
Midpoint estimate: $145,250
$35,000
One-time initial fee
The RE/MAX franchise fee is a one-time upfront payment made to the franchisor when you sign the franchise agreement. This fee grants you the right to operate under the RE/MAX brand and is included in the total initial investment range above.
Royalty Fee
1.0%
of gross revenue
Ad/Marketing Fund
N/A
| Fee Type | Rate | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Component Two Continuing Franchise Fee (Broker Fee) | 1.0 | PCT | 1% of gross commissions (including referral fees) and other revenue earned by Sales Associates. Due by 10th day of each month. Some legacy franchisees in MN/WI may be exempt for certain Sales Associates. |
| Component Three Continuing Franchise Fee (Technology Fee) | 15.0 | FIXED | Not yet effective as of Issuance Date. RE/MAX LLC reserves right to implement upon 12 months notice. Up to $15 per Sales Associate. Can be increased (by not more than $5 per year) or decreased once per calendar year with 60 days notice. |
| Annual Dues | 410.0 | FIXED | Payable to RE/MAX LLC. Can pay in lump sum or in monthly/quarterly installments (if Sales Associate has been in system 12+ months and paying by credit card/EFT, for additional $20.50 fee). Can increase once per calendar year following 60 days notice (max 20% increase). Billed yearly on Sales Associate anniversary date. |
| Marketing Fund Fee | 127.0 | FIXED | Varies by state: CT/ME/MA/NH/RI/VT: $127, Indiana: $140, MN/WI: $131. Licensed administrators: MN/WI $46, other states $127-140. Can increase (by not more than $30/month) or decrease once per calendar year with 60 days notice. Due by 10th day of each month. |
| Hot Air Balloon Fund Fee | 100.0 | FIXED | Indiana, Minnesota, and Wisconsin only. MN/WI: $100/month. Indiana: $125/month (low-density) or $175/month (high-density). Used for operation of RE/MAX hot air balloons. Due by 10th day of each month. |
| Regional Development Fee | 150.0 | FIXED | Indiana only. Low-density area: $150/month. High-density area: $200/month. Due by 10th day of each month. |
| Transfer Fee | 2500.0 | FIXED | Plus any amounts necessary to cover administrative and legal expenses. No fee if transferred to entity you control within 1 year of signing. May be waived if transfer is to existing RE/MAX franchisee or Sales Associate affiliated 12+ months. Due prior to consummation of transfer. |
| Renewal Fee (Residential Franchise) | 6000.0 | FIXED | $6,000 to $12,500, or if financed $7,000 to $14,000. Due at least 90 days prior to expiration of Franchise Agreement. |
| Renewal Fee (Commercial Franchise) | 9000.0 | FIXED | $9,000, or if financed $10,250. Due at least 90 days prior to expiration of Franchise Agreement. |
| Team Office Initial Fee | 1000.0 | FIXED | Due upon signing Team Office Amendment. See also Item 5. |
| Team Office Renewal Fee | 500.0 | FIXED | Due upon signing Team Office Amendment at least 90 days prior to expiration of Franchise Agreement. |
| Monthly Ongoing Team Office Fee | 100.0 | FIXED | Due by 10th day of each month. |
| Document Preparation Fee | 500.0 | VARIABLE | Fee for preparation of miscellaneous documents (shareholder removal, contract extension, additional renewal documents for franchisees that fail to timely renew). Due as incurred. |
| Insufficient Funds Processing Fee | 100.0 | FIXED | Plus reimbursement of additional administrative expenses and charges. Due if insufficient funds or returned check. Due as incurred. |
| Audit | N/A | VARIABLE | Payable if you fail to furnish reports/records, understate amounts owed by more than 5% for any 3-month period, or inspection reveals unlawful conduct or breach. Due as incurred. |
| Interest and Late Charges | 10.0 | PCT | 20% of amount owed for late Annual Dues; 10% for all other fees (or max allowed by law); $100/day for failure to submit reports; plus 1% per month compounded interest (or highest rate allowed). Liquidated damages, not penalty. |
| QuickBooks Online | 65.0 | VARIABLE | For use with BoldTrail Back-Office Management Software. Depends on office size and plan chosen. Payable to Intuit Inc. |
| Multiple Listing Service Fees | N/A | VARIABLE | $0 to $100 per month per Office. Some MLS may charge quarterly or annually. Payable to local Multiple Listing Service. |
| Holdover Fee | 2500.0 | FIXED | Due upon receipt of invoice. |
| De-identification Fee | 500.0 | FIXED | Payable if you fail to de-identify within 10 days of termination or expiration of Franchise Agreement. Due as incurred. |
| Recruiting 101 | 599.0 | FIXED | Required program. Plus travel, meal, lodging, and entertainment expenses. |
| Broker/Owner Meetings and Retreats | N/A | VARIABLE | $0 to $550 registration fee. Attendance highly recommended. Plus travel, meal, lodging, and entertainment expenses. Due upon receipt of invoice. |
| Educational Courses | 50.0 | VARIABLE | $50 to $2,000. Extra fees may apply for professional credit. May be required for renewal. Due 10 days after billing or at registration. |
| Conventions and Seminars | 195.0 | VARIABLE | $195 to $1,000 per person. Extra fees may apply for professional credit. Nominal fees for social functions. Plus travel, meal, lodging, and entertainment expenses. Due prior to attending. |
Category
Real Estate
System Size
475 units
Franchise Score
out of 100
RE/MAX operates a real estate franchise network connecting independent agents with centralized support systems and brand recognition. The franchise model emphasizes agent independence while providing marketing, technology, and training resources.
Avg. Annual Closure Rate
1.9%
Low risk — below industry average
Net Unit Growth
-22 units
From 2022 to 2024
| Year | Start | Opened | Closed | Transfers | End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 497 | +29 | -2 | — | 502 |
| 2023 | 502 | +31 | -12 | — | 494 |
| 2024 | 494 | +21 | -7 | — | 475 |
Based on the FDD data, here is a data-driven snapshot of the RE/MAX franchise opportunity:
Overall Score
58/100
Moderate opportunity
Est. Payback Period
N/A
Insufficient data
Risk Level
Low
1.9% annual closure rate
RE/MAX shows a moderate score across our evaluation criteria. Careful due diligence is recommended. For a complete analysis including risk factors, deal-breaker flags, and detailed financial modeling, see the full report.
Get the full RE/MAX franchise intelligence report with risk analysis, deal-breaker alerts, and detailed financial projections.
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