RE/MAX is a franchise network where individual agents and brokers operate under the RE/MAX brand

RE/MAX is not a single company that employs agents. Instead, it is a franchise system: independent brokers pay RE/MAX to use its name, systems, and training, then hire their own agents who work under that broker. This structure means the agent you work with is employed by a local RE/MAX brokerage, not by RE/MAX itself. The broker owns the office and is responsible for compliance, trust accounts, and agent supervision.

RE/MAX has offices in all 50 states and more than 100 countries. Each office operates independently within RE/MAX standards, so the experience, technology, and service level can vary between locations. When you contact a RE/MAX agent, you are contacting that specific broker's office, not a national customer service line.

RE/MAX agents are licensed real estate professionals who have passed state exams and maintain active licenses. They are not employees of RE/MAX corporate; they are independent contractors or employees of the local RE/MAX brokerage. This means the agent's commission structure, availability, and how they handle disputes are determined by their broker and state law, not by RE/MAX corporate policy.

Key Takeaways

  • RE/MAX is a franchise system where local brokers operate offices under the RE/MAX brand, and agents work for those brokers, not for RE/MAX corporate.
  • Each RE/MAX office is independently owned and operated, so service quality, technology, and agent experience vary by location.
  • RE/MAX agents are licensed real estate professionals whose commissions, contracts, and dispute resolution are governed by their broker and state law.
  • When you hire a RE/MAX agent to buy or sell, you sign a contract with that agent's brokerage, not with RE/MAX.
  • RE/MAX does not set commission rates; those are negotiated between you and the agent or broker at each office.

How RE/MAX agents are paid and what that means for you

RE/MAX agents typically earn commission on sales, not a salary. The commission is a percentage of the sale price and is split between the buyer's agent and the seller's agent. The seller's agent then splits their portion with their broker; the broker keeps a percentage and pays the agent the rest. The exact split varies by broker and by agent experience.

Because RE/MAX agents work on commission, they have a financial incentive to close sales. This is true at any brokerage, not just RE/MAX. The agent's income depends on completed transactions, so they are motivated to move deals forward. However, this also means an agent may push you toward a sale or purchase that benefits them more than it benefits you.

Commission rates are not set by RE/MAX or by law. You can negotiate the commission percentage with your agent or broker before you sign a listing agreement or buyer's contract. Many sellers negotiate this rate, and many brokers will discuss it. The standard rate in many markets is around 5 to 6 percent of the sale price split between both agents, but this varies widely by region and by individual transaction.

What happens when you list a home with RE/MAX

When you list a home with a RE/MAX agent, you sign a listing agreement with that agent's brokerage. This contract gives the agent the right to market and sell your home for a set period, usually 90 days to six months. The contract specifies the commission rate, the list price, and what services the broker will provide.

The agent will order a market analysis or comparative market analysis (CMA) to help set the price. This is a report showing what similar homes in your area have sold for recently. The agent uses this to recommend a list price, but you decide the final price. The agent then lists the home in the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is the database that all agents in the area use to find homes for their buyers.

RE/MAX offices vary in the technology and marketing they offer. Some use professional photography, virtual tours, and digital advertising; others may offer less. Ask your agent what marketing services are included before you sign. You can also ask whether the broker charges additional fees for things like professional photos or enhanced listings.

Once your home is listed, other agents can show it to their buyers. If another agent's buyer makes an offer, that agent submits it to your agent, who presents it to you. You can accept, reject, or counter the offer. If you accept an offer, the buyer's agent and your agent work together to move toward closing, which typically takes 30 to 45 days.

What happens when you buy through a RE/MAX agent

When you work with a RE/MAX buyer's agent, you may sign a buyer's representation agreement. This contract says the agent will represent you in finding and purchasing a home. The agreement specifies how long the agent represents you and what happens if you buy a home the agent showed you versus one you found on your own.

The buyer's agent searches the MLS for homes that match your criteria, schedules showings, and advises you on offers. When you find a home you want to buy, the agent helps you prepare an offer, including the price, down payment, contingencies (such as a home inspection or appraisal), and closing timeline. The agent submits the offer to the seller's agent.

If the seller accepts your offer, you enter the due diligence period. This is when you order a home inspection, get a mortgage pre-approval or final approval, and arrange for an appraisal. The agent coordinates these steps and keeps you informed. If problems arise — such as the inspection finding major issues or the appraisal coming in low — the agent advises you on your options, which may include renegotiating, walking away, or proceeding as planned.

The buyer's agent does not charge you a direct fee. Instead, the buyer's agent is paid from the seller's agent's commission. This means the agent has an incentive to close the sale, and you should be aware that the agent's financial interest may not always align perfectly with yours.

RE/MAX technology and tools available to agents

RE/MAX provides agents with a technology platform that includes CRM (customer relationship management) software, transaction management tools, and access to MLS data. The platform helps agents track leads, manage contracts, and communicate with buyers and sellers. However, the specific tools and how up-to-date they are can vary by office.

RE/MAX also offers training and support to agents through its corporate office. Agents can take courses on sales techniques, market analysis, and legal compliance. This training is designed to help agents serve clients better, though the quality and frequency of training varies by broker.

Some RE/MAX offices use advanced marketing tools such as drone photography, 3D virtual tours, and targeted digital advertising. Others may rely on basic MLS listings and open houses. When you interview agents, ask what specific tools and marketing methods they use for your property or search.

How disputes and complaints are handled

If you have a problem with a RE/MAX agent, your first step is to contact the agent's broker directly. The broker is responsible for supervising the agent and handling complaints. Most brokers have a process for addressing client concerns, which may include mediation or a refund of part of the commission.

If the broker does not resolve the issue to your satisfaction, you can file a complaint with your state's real estate commission or licensing board. This is a government agency that oversees licensed real estate professionals. The state board can investigate complaints, hold hearings, and discipline or revoke an agent's license if warranted.

You can also pursue legal action or arbitration if the dispute involves money or a breach of contract. Many listing and buyer's agreements include arbitration clauses, which means you agree to resolve disputes through arbitration rather than court. Read your contract carefully to understand what dispute resolution process applies.

RE/MAX corporate does not directly handle client complaints. However, if you believe a broker or agent is violating RE/MAX standards or policies, you can contact RE/MAX corporate to report the issue. RE/MAX may investigate and take action against the broker, such as revoking their franchise, but this is separate from your personal dispute resolution.

Comparing RE/MAX to other real estate brokerages

RE/MAX is one of many real estate franchise systems. Other large franchises include Century 21, Coldwell Banker, Keller Williams, and Redfin. There are also independent brokerages that are not part of a franchise. The main differences between them are brand recognition, technology platforms, training, and commission structures.

Franchise brokerages like RE/MAX typically offer more training and support to agents than independent brokerages. They also have national brand recognition, which can help with marketing. However, franchise brokerages also charge brokers higher fees to use the brand and systems, which can be passed on to clients through higher commissions or fees.

Independent brokerages may offer more personalized service and lower costs, but they may have fewer resources for marketing and training. Some newer brokerages, such as Redfin, operate differently by employing agents as salaried employees rather than independent contractors, which changes how commissions work.

The brokerage you choose matters less than the individual agent you work with. A skilled, responsive agent at a smaller brokerage may serve you better than an inexperienced agent at a large franchise. When choosing an agent, interview multiple candidates, ask for references, and check their track record in your local market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use a RE/MAX agent, or can I sell my home on my own?

You can sell your home without an agent, which is called a for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) sale. However, you will need to list the home in the MLS yourself, which usually requires paying a flat fee to a discount brokerage. You will also handle showings, negotiations, and contracts on your own. Most FSBO sales take longer to sell and sell for less than agent-listed homes, partly because fewer buyers see them.

Can I negotiate the commission with a RE/MAX agent?

Yes. Commission rates are not set by law or by RE/MAX. You can negotiate the percentage with your agent or broker before you sign a listing agreement. Many sellers do negotiate, and many brokers will discuss it. However, if you negotiate a lower commission, the agent may be less motivated to market your home aggressively or show it to other agents' buyers.

What if I want to buy a home listed by a different brokerage?

You can work with a RE/MAX buyer's agent to purchase a home listed by any brokerage, including non-RE/MAX brokerages. The buyer's agent will still be paid from the seller's agent's commission, regardless of which brokerage the seller used. There is no penalty for buying a home listed elsewhere.

How long does a typical home sale take with RE/MAX?

From listing to closing typically takes 60 to 90 days, though this varies by market and by individual transaction. The listing period (time on market before an offer is accepted) can range from a few days to several months depending on price, condition, and local demand. Once an offer is accepted, closing usually takes 30 to 45 days.

What should I ask a RE/MAX agent before hiring them?

Ask how many homes they have sold in your area in the past year, what their average days on market are, what marketing services they provide, whether they charge additional fees beyond commission, and for references from past clients. Also ask about their availability and how they prefer to communicate. These answers will help you decide if the agent is a good fit for your needs.