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.
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RE/MAX is one of the largest real estate franchise networks in the world. RE/MAX franchisees operate real estate brokerages — recruiting, training, and supporting agents who pay desk fees and split commissions under the RE/MAX brand. The capital requirements are relatively modest (leasehold improvements, technology, and working capital) compared to most franchise categories. Revenue is driven by agent count and transaction volume in the local real estate market. This guide covers financing mechanics — see the companion cost-to-start guide for the full investment breakdown.
Per the current RE/MAX FDD, total estimated initial investment runs $44K–$263K. Lenders evaluate:
Active real estate broker license is a disbursement condition at most SBA lenders — funds will not release until proof of license is provided (SBA SOP 50 10 8). For new-market entrants at the lower range ($44K–$100K), SBA Express provides faster approval. Agent recruitment pipeline documentation — letters of intent or signed desk-fee agreements from 3–5 initial agents — materially strengthens the file and can reduce the working capital reserve lenders require. Underwrite transaction volume conservatively if applying during a cooling market cycle; lenders will apply their own sensitivity analysis to real estate brokerage projections.
RE/MAX is on the SBA Franchise Directory, enabling SBA 7(a) lenders to fast-track eligibility. 7(a) covers the full investment range:
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.
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).
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.
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.
Apply at Find my match. Your file routes to the funding partners in our network best matched to your file. Related: SBA 7(a) loan application walkthrough · RE/MAX franchise costs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.