Keller Williams vs RE/MAX
Franchise Comparison (2026)
2026 FDD Data
RE/MAX offers significantly lower investment ($45K-$245K vs $182K-$336K) with higher Franchise 500 ranking (#22 vs #32) and more global presence (110+ countries). RE/MAX reports $1.8M average revenue with $350K profit. Keller Williams has the largest agent count (165,000+) with its 70/30 commission split model.
Keller Williams and RE/MAX are two of the largest real estate franchise networks in the world, each with distinct agent compensation models and market approaches. This FDD comparison examines their franchise fees, investment requirements, and business models. Understanding these differences is crucial for real estate professionals considering franchise ownership.
Quick Comparison
Keller Williams
$35,000
RE/MAX
$17,500 - $37,500
Keller Williams
$182,430 - $335,697
RE/MAX
$45,000 - $245,500
Keller Williams
6% (capped at $3,000/year)
RE/MAX
1% of commissions + $138-165/agent/month
Keller Williams
1,100
RE/MAX
8,835
Keller Williams
N/A
RE/MAX
$1.80M
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Keller Williams | RE/MAX |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Investment | ||
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 | $17,500 |
| Total Investment (Low) | $182,430 | $45,000 |
| Total Investment (High) | $335,697 | $245,500 |
| Net Worth Required | $250,000 | $150,000 |
| Liquid Capital Required | $150,000 | $50,000 |
| Ongoing Fees | ||
| Royalty Rate | 6% | 1% |
| Advertising Fund | 0% | 0% |
| Technology Fee | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| System Size & Growth | ||
| Total Units | 1,100 | 8,835 |
| Franchised Units | 1,100 | 8,835 |
| Company-Owned Units | 0 | 0 |
| 3-Year Net Growth | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Financial Performance (Item 19) | ||
| Item 19 Disclosed | No | Yes |
| Average Revenue | N/A | $1,799,420 |
| Median Revenue | N/A | Not Disclosed |
| Franchise Terms | ||
| Initial Term | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Renewal Term | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Territory Protection | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Requirements | ||
| Owner-Operator Required | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Training Hours | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Years Franchising | 43 years | 53 years |
| Risk Indicators | ||
| Litigation Matters | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Termination Rate | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
Key Differences
Investment Range: RE/MAX at $45K-$245K vs Keller Williams at $182K-$336K
Agent Count: Keller Williams has 165,000+ agents vs RE/MAX at 146,000
Global Presence: RE/MAX operates in 110+ countries vs KW in 55+ regions
Commission Model: KW uses 70/30 split; RE/MAX has agent desk fees
Average Revenue: RE/MAX reports $1.8M with $350K profit
Payback Period: Both similar at 1.6-3.9 years
Agent Productivity: RE/MAX agents averaged 11.7 transaction sides in 2024
Investment Fit Analysis
Who Should Consider Keller Williams
Keller Williams suits investors seeking the largest agent network with a technology-focused culture and profit-sharing model.
165,000+ agents - largest network
Profit-sharing culture
1.6-3.6 year payback
#32 on Franchise 500
70/30 commission split model
Strong training and technology platforms
Who Should Consider RE/MAX
RE/MAX suits investors seeking lower startup costs, global brand recognition, and high-producing agent focus.
Much lower investment ($45K-$245K)
#22 on Franchise 500
110+ countries global presence
$1.8M average revenue, $350K profit
11.7 transaction sides per agent
Financing available for franchise fee
Frequently Asked Questions
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Disclaimer
This comparison is provided for informational purposes only. Data has been aggregated from publicly available sources including Franchise Disclosure Documents, industry publications, and franchise analysis websites.
Prospective franchisees should review the complete FDD for each franchise, conduct their own due diligence, and consult with qualified legal and financial advisors before making any investment decisions.