At a Glance: Key Differences
Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.
Detailed Analysis: Home Instead vs RE/MAX
According to FranchiseStack.ai's franchise database of 188+ FDD-sourced opportunities, Home Instead and RE/MAX are among the most-researched franchise comparisons. The choice comes down to your investment capacity, risk tolerance, and operational preferences. Home Instead operates in Senior Care while RE/MAX is in Real Estate. Cross-industry comparisons are valuable when you're evaluating which business model best fits your skills and lifestyle.
From a capital perspective, RE/MAX has a lower entry point. However, initial investment alone doesn't determine ROI — ongoing royalties, revenue potential, and failure rates all factor into long-term returns. RE/MAX charges a lower royalty rate, which means more of your gross revenue stays in your pocket.
Franchisee satisfaction is one of the strongest predictors of long-term success. Home Instead leads with a 81/100 satisfaction score, indicating that existing owners are more positive about their decision. Before committing to either franchise, we recommend running both through our Financial Model tool to project personalized 5-year P&L scenarios. You should also review each franchise's complete Franchise Disclosure Document using our FDD Checker to understand litigation history, termination rates, and territory restrictions.
Investment & Fees
| Metric | Home Instead | RE/MAX |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $130K | $39K |
| Max Investment | $200K | $225K |
| Franchise Fee | $59K | $25K |
| Royalty Rate | 5.0% | 0.0% |
| Ad Fund Rate | 1.0% | 0.0% |
Unit Economics
| Metric | Home Instead | RE/MAX |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $1.8M | $1.2M |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | Home Instead | RE/MAX |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 1,200 | 9,000 |
| Annual Growth | 1.0% | -0.5% |
| Failure Rate | 2.0% | 2.0% |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | Home Instead | RE/MAX |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 81/100 | 72/100 |
Track Record
| Metric | Home Instead | RE/MAX |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | 32 | 51 |
| Years Franchising | 30 | 48 |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | Home Instead | RE/MAX |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | $250K | $250K |
| Liquid Capital Required | $100K | $35K |
Operations
| Metric | Home Instead | RE/MAX |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | 50 | 10 |
| Training Weeks | 3 | 2 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Home Instead or RE/MAX a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Home Instead has 1,200 total units and a 81/100 franchisee satisfaction score. RE/MAX has 9,000 total units and a 72/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.
How much does it cost to open a Home Instead franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Home Instead franchise requires an initial investment of $130K – $200K. The franchise fee is $59K, with ongoing royalties of 5.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
How much does it cost to open a RE/MAX franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a RE/MAX franchise requires an initial investment of $39K – $225K. The franchise fee is $25K, with ongoing royalties of 0.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
What is the royalty rate for Home Instead vs RE/MAX?
Home Instead's royalty rate is 5.0%. RE/MAX's royalty rate is 0.0%. That means RE/MAX has the lower ongoing royalty burden.
Which has more locations — Home Instead or RE/MAX?
Home Instead has 1,200 total units. RE/MAX has 9,000 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is Home Instead or RE/MAX semi-absentee friendly?
Home Instead is typically run as a owner-operator model. RE/MAX is typically run as a owner-operator model. If passive income is your goal, semi-absentee models let you hire a manager to run day-to-day operations.
Related Comparisons
Data sourced from franchise disclosure documents and public records. Investment ranges, royalty rates, and unit counts change — always request current FDD before making investment decisions. Last updated March 2026.
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