RE/MAX investment runs $44K–$263K. SBA 7(a) is the primary vehicle. Real estate brokerage is a low-capital business — most costs are leasehold improvements, technology, and working capital.
Remax financing snapshot
SBA Franchise Directory
Listed
Loan programs typically used
SBA 7(a)
Total investment
$44,000–$263,000
Typical timeline to funding
30–60 days
Source: Remax Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) + published franchisee financing guidance · as of 2026-05-06. Figures vary by lender, market, and individual borrower profile; verify current terms with your funding partner before applying.
Key takeaways
Total investment: $44K–$263K depending on market and office size
RE/MAX is on the SBA Franchise Directory — SBA 7(a) is the primary financing vehicle
Real estate brokerage is a low-capital, high-revenue-potential business — agent count drives income
RE/MAX's agent commission structure (100% commission with desk fees) differs from traditional brokerages
Minimum liquidity requirement: approximately $25K–$75K
Typical timeline: 30–60 days from complete application to funding
1 What lenders look for in a RE/MAX franchise application
Per the current RE/MAX FDD, total estimated initial investment runs $44K–$263K. Lenders evaluate:
Equity injection: SBA minimum 10%; at this investment level, 15–20% from liquid personal funds is modest.
Agent recruitment plan: RE/MAX brokerage revenue depends on attracting and retaining productive agents. Lenders want a recruitment strategy, local market agent pool analysis, and a timeline to the agent count needed to reach breakeven.
Local real estate market: Transaction volume and average sale prices affect the brokerage's commission income. Lenders review local MLS data and market trends in the business plan.
RE/MAX commission model: The 100% commission / desk fee model attracts experienced agents but requires the broker to cover overhead from desk fees. Lenders model breakeven agent count and monthly desk fee revenue.
Personal credit: 650+ FICO is a common SBA lender threshold. Real estate broker license is a prerequisite.
Loan range: $44K–$263K — a single 7(a) covers the full startup
Terms: Up to 10 years for leasehold improvements; up to 7 years for working capital
Use of proceeds: Franchise fee, leasehold improvements, office furniture, technology (MLS access, CRM, marketing systems), signage, and working capital
Working capital emphasis: Include 6–12 months of operating expenses to cover the period before agent desk fees stabilize. Real estate brokerage revenue ramps as agent count grows.
3 SBA 504 applicability
SBA 504 applies when a RE/MAX franchisee purchases the office building. Most offices operate in leased commercial space, but franchisees purchasing their building use 504 for the real estate component.
4 Equipment financing
RE/MAX offices require standard office equipment (computers, printers, phone systems) and real estate technology (MLS subscriptions, CRM software, marketing platforms). These items are relatively low-cost and typically financed within the SBA 7(a).
5 Franchisor financing programs
RE/MAX does not operate direct in-house lending for franchisees, but provides development support, preferred-vendor relationships, and access to lenders experienced with the real estate brokerage model. The global brand recognition supports agent recruitment, which is the primary revenue driver.
6 Down payment and liquidity requirements
RE/MAX requires approximately $25K–$75K in liquid assets for prospective franchisees. SBA's minimum equity injection is 10%; lenders typically require 15–20% from liquid personal funds. Post-closing liquidity covers operating costs during the agent recruitment ramp.
RE/MAX is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, enabling expedited SBA 7(a) franchisor eligibility review. — SBA Franchise Directory
SBA 7(a) loans provide up to $5M for franchise startup costs including leasehold improvements, equipment, and working capital. — SBA 7(a) Loan Program
SBA 504 loans finance owner-occupied commercial real estate with long-term fixed-rate debentures. — SBA 504 Loan Program
The FTC Franchise Rule requires RE/MAX's FDD to disclose all franchise fees, initial investment ranges, and any financial performance representations. — FTC — Buying a Franchise: A Consumer Guide
The Fed Small Business Credit Survey finds bank loans and SBA-guaranteed financing remain the primary credit sources real-estate-services small employer firms use to fund startup and build-out costs at this investment tier. — Federal Reserve — Small Business Credit Survey
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an SBA loan for a RE/MAX franchise?
Yes. RE/MAX is on the SBA Franchise Directory. A single SBA 7(a) loan covers the $44K–$263K investment including franchise fee, leasehold improvements, technology, and working capital.
How much cash do I need to open a RE/MAX franchise?
RE/MAX requires approximately $25K–$75K in liquid assets. SBA's minimum equity injection is 10%; most lenders require 15–20% from liquid personal funds plus post-closing reserves for the agent recruitment ramp.
How does agent count affect loan underwriting?
Agent desk fee revenue is the primary income driver. Lenders want an agent recruitment plan showing when the brokerage reaches breakeven agent count. Local MLS data and market analysis support the revenue projection.
Do I need a real estate broker license to open a RE/MAX franchise?
Yes. A RE/MAX franchisee must hold a real estate broker license (not just a sales license) in the state of operation. Lenders will require proof of licensure as a condition of the loan.
How long does RE/MAX franchise financing take?
Expect 30–60 days from a completed SBA application to funding. The low investment amount and relatively simple collateral structure (leasehold improvements, office equipment) typically mean faster processing.
Summary:
RE/MAX investment runs $44K–$263K. SBA 7(a) is the primary vehicle. Real estate brokerage is a low-capital business — most costs are leasehold improvements, technology, and working capital.
This article is for educational purposes and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Rates,
fees, qualification requirements, and product availability are illustrative ranges that vary
by lender, market conditions, and individual business profile. ClearValue Lending is a
funding platform; all financing is subject to lender partner approval and terms. Always read
your contract end-to-end and verify specific numbers before signing.
