At a Glance: Key Differences
Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.
⚠️ Risk Assessment
Risk signals from FDD disclosures. Higher score = lower risk. Verify all figures in each franchise's current FDD before investing.
| Risk Factor | RE/MAX | Keller Williams |
|---|---|---|
| Failure Rate | 2% | 2% |
| Unit Turnover (Growth) | -0.5%/yr | +1%/yr |
| Total Fee Burden | 0.0% | 6.0% |
| Territory Protection | ❌ Non-Exclusive | ❌ Non-Exclusive |
Detailed Analysis: RE/MAX vs Keller Williams
According to FranchiseStack.ai's franchise database of 188+ FDD-sourced opportunities, RE/MAX and Keller Williams are among the most-researched franchise comparisons. The choice comes down to your investment capacity, risk tolerance, and operational preferences. Both operate in the Real Estate sector, which means they compete for similar customers and territory. RE/MAX has a larger footprint, which typically translates to stronger brand recognition but potentially more territorial saturation.
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. Keller Williams leads with a 78/100 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 | RE/MAX | Keller Williams |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $39K | $184K |
| Max Investment | $225K | $337K |
| Franchise Fee | $25K | $35K |
| Royalty Rate | 0.0% | 6.0% |
| Ad Fund Rate | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Unit Economics
| Metric | RE/MAX | Keller Williams |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $1.2M | $2.0M |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | RE/MAX | Keller Williams |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 9,000 | 1,200 |
| Annual Growth | -0.5% | 1.0% |
| Failure Rate | 2.0% | 2.0% |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | RE/MAX | Keller Williams |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 72/100 | 78/100 |
Track Record
| Metric | RE/MAX | Keller Williams |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | 51 | 41 |
| Years Franchising | 48 | 37 |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | RE/MAX | Keller Williams |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | $250K | $300K |
| Liquid Capital Required | $35K | $150K |
Operations
| Metric | RE/MAX | Keller Williams |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | 10 | 20 |
| Training Weeks | 2 | 4 |
⚠️ Risk Indicators
| Metric | RE/MAX | Keller Williams |
|---|---|---|
| Failure Rate | 2.0% | 2.0% |
| Annual Unit Growth | -0.5% | 1.0% |
| Units Opened Last Year | 100 | 30 |
| Units Closed Last Year | N/A | N/A |
| Exclusive Territory | ❌ No | ❌ No |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is RE/MAX or Keller Williams a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. RE/MAX has 9,000 total units and a 72/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Keller Williams has 1,200 total units and a 78/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.
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.
How much does it cost to open a Keller Williams franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Keller Williams franchise requires an initial investment of $184K – $337K. The franchise fee is $35K, with ongoing royalties of 6.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
What is the royalty rate for RE/MAX vs Keller Williams?
RE/MAX's royalty rate is 0.0%. Keller Williams's royalty rate is 6.0%. That means RE/MAX has the lower ongoing royalty burden.
Which has more locations — RE/MAX or Keller Williams?
RE/MAX has 9,000 total units. Keller Williams has 1,200 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is RE/MAX or Keller Williams semi-absentee friendly?
RE/MAX is typically run as a owner-operator model. Keller Williams 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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