What is the total estimated initial investment range for a Remax franchise?
Remax Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Type of expenditure | Amount | Method of payment | When due | To whom payment is to be made |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial franchise fee2 | $17,500 - $37,500 | Lump Sum or Financed2 | Upon Signing Franchise Agreement | RE/MAX, LLC |
| Office set-up/improvements3 | $3,500 - $72,000 | As Agreed | As Incurred | Third Parties |
| Exterior office signage4 | $500 - $10,000 | As Agreed | As Incurred | Third Parties |
| Furniture, fixtures, and equipment5 | $2,000 - $20,000 | Vendor’s terms | As Incurred | Third Parties |
| Computer System6 | $4,000 - $26,000 | Vendor’s terms | As Incurred | Third Parties |
| Inventory and supplies7 | $500 - $4,000 | As Agreed | As Incurred | Third Parties |
| Education fees and expenses8 | $4,000 - $9,000 | Lump Sum | As Incurred | Third Parties |
| Insurance9 | $2,000 - $6,000 | Vendor’s terms | Before Opening | Third Parties / Rated Carriers |
| Licenses, Grand Opening, Utilities, | $1,000 - $11,000 | As Incurred | As Incurred | Third Parties |
| Security Deposit, and other | ||||
| miscellaneous opening costs10 | ||||
| Additional funds - 3 months11 | $10,000 - $50,000 | As Incurred | As Incurred | Third Parties |
| Total12 | $45,000 - $245,500 |
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 43–47)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Remax's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the total estimated initial investment for a Remax franchise ranges from $45,000 to $245,500. This investment covers various expenditures necessary to start and operate a Remax franchise. These costs include the initial franchise fee, office setup and improvements, exterior office signage, furniture, fixtures, and equipment, computer systems, inventory and supplies, education fees and expenses, insurance, licenses, grand opening, utilities, security deposit, miscellaneous opening costs, and additional funds for the first three months of operation.
The initial franchise fee ranges from $17,500 to $37,500, payable either in a lump sum or financed. Office setup and improvements can range from $3,500 to $72,000, while exterior office signage is estimated to cost between $500 and $10,000. Furniture, fixtures, and equipment are projected to be between $2,000 and $20,000, and computer systems can range from $4,000 to $26,000. Inventory and supplies are estimated at $500 to $4,000, and education fees and expenses range from $4,000 to $9,000. Insurance costs are between $2,000 and $6,000. Licenses, grand opening, utilities, security deposit, and other miscellaneous opening costs range from $1,000 to $11,000. Finally, additional funds for the first three months of operation are estimated to be between $10,000 and $50,000.
Prospective franchisees should note that these figures are estimates and the actual costs may vary. Factors such as the size and location of the office, whether it is a new office or a conversion of an existing real estate office, and the franchisee's management skills can impact the total investment. Remax does not offer direct or indirect financing for the initial investment, except as discussed in Items 5 and 10 of the FDD. Franchisees will need to secure their own financing, the terms of which will depend on their creditworthiness and the lending policies of financial institutions.
It is important for potential Remax franchisees to carefully review these figures with a business advisor before making a decision to purchase the franchise. The FDD also notes that these figures do not include personal or living expenses, or the costs to acquire an existing real estate business. Franchisees should also be aware of ongoing costs and requirements, such as maintaining a computer system compatible with Remax's communication and data reporting requirements, and staffing the office with at least one full-time person.