The RE/MAX commission split is among the highest in the industry, with experienced agents keeping up to 95% of their gross commission. Even for newer agents, commission splits start at a reasonable 60/40 and increase to 70/30 and 80/20 as they gain experience.[1]
On a $500,000 home sale, an agent on a 95/5 split could earn up to $14,250. However, this figure doesn’t account for desk fees, which can be substantial and cut into profits. High-split agents can pay thousands in desk fees, although the exact amount depends on location.
We’ll break down the numbers and explore whether RE/MAX’s commission structure and strong brand recognition make the fees worth it.
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RE/MAX fees at a glance
RE/MAX fees vary by location, with desk fees ranging from a few hundred dollars to over $2,000 per month. Desk fees don’t apply to agents on the RE/MAX Alternative Payment Plan (RAPP). Under RAPP, a higher percentage of the commission goes to RE/MAX until a $23,000 cap is reached.
RAPP splits start at 60/40 for new agents and increase to 70/30 and 80/20 for more experienced agents. Once the $23,000 cap is reached, agents can move to the 95/5 split.
Here’s an example of what you could net with a 3% gross commission on a $500,000 home sale. Keep in mind that fees vary by franchise, so actual net payments may differ.
| Starting split (60%) | Maximum split (95/5) | |
|---|---|---|
| Gross commission (3%) | $15,000 | $15,000 |
| Agent commission after split | $9,000 | $14,250 |
| Monthly desk fee | $0 | ~$250–1,500 |
| Net payment | $9,000 | ~$12,750–14,000 |
How the RE/MAX commission split works
RE/MAX offers different commission splits based on an agent’s experience and goals. The most popular split is 95/5, where the agent keeps 95% of the gross commission and 5% goes to the brokerage. In exchange, agents pay desk fees and other overhead, which can run into the thousands of dollars depending on location.
Agents can avoid monthly fees under the RE/MAX Alternative Payment Plan (RAPP), which offers three splits: 60/40 for new agents, and 70/30 or 80/20 for more experienced agents. RAPP covers most office costs, though agents are responsible for some personal expenses like print and online marketing.
For example, on a $10,000 commission, a 95/5 split would net an agent approximately $8,500–9,000 after fees. With the RAPP plan, net payments are more predictable, ranging from $6,000–8,000 depending on the split.
RE/MAX commission caps
A commission cap is the maximum amount a brokerage takes from an agent in a given year. After reaching the cap, the brokerage either reduces its share or takes none at all.
At RE/MAX, only agents on RAPP plans have commission caps. Each RAPP split is subject to a $23,000 cap. Once an agent hits this cap, they move to the 95/5 split for the rest of the year.
This structure benefits agents who close a high volume of transactions. Since RAPP eliminates monthly desk fees, agents are also protected from seasonal market fluctuations. RAPP is especially helpful for new agents who might otherwise struggle with high desk fees.
Other fees
Other fees vary depending on the individual RE/MAX franchise. Each location is responsible for paying franchise and royalty fees and may pass these costs on to agents. RE/MAX franchise fees include:
- Upfront franchise fee: $17,500–37,500
- Royalty fee: $125–165 per agent per month
- Ad royalty fee: $95–162 per month[2]
Agents on the 95/5 split may also need to cover additional expenses such as MLS fees, technology access, and marketing costs. Some of these expenses may be included in the desk fee, but it’s important to check with your individual brokerage to see what's covered.
RE/MAX pros and cons
- High commission split: Earn up to 95% of the gross commission
- Flexible commission plans: Choose between desk fees or annual caps with RAPP
- Established brand: Gain immediate credibility with clients
- Training and support: Access company-provided training and resources
- High desk fees: 95/5 agents can pay thousands per month
- Pressure to sell: High desk fees or low commission creates pressure to close deals
- Limited lead generation: Agents are primarily responsible for finding their own clients
RE/MAX is one of the most recognized real estate brands in the world, giving agents instant credibility with clients. Even new agents can leverage this brand recognition to compete for listings.
The flexible commission structure allows agents to choose the plan that best fits their business goals, and the company is often praised for its training and support.
However, agents on the 95/5 split may face very high monthly expenses, creating pressure to close transactions quickly to maintain profitability. While the brand carries weight, agents are largely responsible for generating their own leads.
RE/MAX commission split: What agents think
RE/MAX generally gets good reviews from agents. On Glassdoor, real estate agents rate the company 4.3 out of 5, which is high compared to other brokerages.[3]
Many agents highlight the company’s training and support:
“Help is always there and the vibes are great around the office. The managers are very helpful, office staff are always ready to help. Lots of resources available to agents.”
— Indeed
RE/MAX’s strong brand recognition is also frequently praised, helping agents quickly build trust with new clients:
“RE/MAX is an incredible brand founded on the idea of serving agents so that they can better serve their clients.”
One common complaint involves high desk fees, though many agents feel the costs are justified given the support and resources provided:
“RE/MAX gives you all the tools you need to be successful, albeit at a price. The monthly fees are higher, but the service and support is second to none while allowing you to work independently.”
— Indeed
As with most brokerages, working entirely on commission can be stressful for some agents:
“Income [is] not stable. You only get paid when deal is done and which can take 3–4 months.”
How RE/MAX compares
| RE/MAX | Century 21* | Coldwell Banker* | Redfin | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commission split | 60–95% | 70–90% | 50–90% | 40–75% (on 1.5% commission) |
| Commission cap | $0–23,000 | $15,000–200,000 | Usually none | None |
| Franchise fee | $17,500–37,500 | $0–25,000 / 6–8% | Up to $25,000 | None |
| Desk fee (per month) | $500–2,000 (95/5 only) | Often $0 | $0–350 | None |
| Other fees | None for RAPP, 95/5 cover office expenses | E&O, MLS fees, transaction fee, royalty fees | E&O, MLS fees, transaction fee, royalty fees | None |
RE/MAX’s maximum 95% split is among the highest in the industry, making it an attractive option for high-performing agents. It surpasses competitors like Redfin, where the maximum split is only 75% and applies to a discounted 1.5% listing fee.
However, RE/MAX also has some of the highest fees in the industry. While brokerages such as Century 21 and Coldwell Banker charge only a few hundred dollars—or sometimes no desk fees—RE/MAX desk fees can run into the thousands.
That said, the RAPP program provides newer agents a way to succeed without being deterred by high fees. The $23,000 commission cap also allows agents to reach a higher split relatively quickly once the cap is met.
Bottom line
RE/MAX is an industry leader in commission splits, with agents able to keep up to 95% of their gross commission. In addition, the company’s strong brand recognition can help attract new clients and establish credibility quickly.
However, that high split and brand advantage come with a cost. Desk fees can be substantial, so agents need to close a high volume of transactions to remain profitable. The RAPP program helps reduce some of this pressure, but established agents must still maintain consistent sales to justify the expenses.
No matter which brokerage you choose, it’s important to consistently look for ways to grow your business. Unlike RE/MAX, which provides limited lead generation, Clever offers a steady stream of vetted leads, giving you more opportunities to close deals while spending less time on marketing.
FAQ
Does RE/MAX charge desk fees?
Yes. RE/MAX agents under the 95/5 plan pay desk fees, which are among the highest in the industry. Agents on lower splits don’t pay desk fees, although their office expenses are absorbed into an annual cap.
How is commission split in real estate?
In real estate, a share of the commission goes to the agent, with the rest going to the brokerage. At RE/MAX, agents retain anywhere from 60–95% of their gross commission.
What is a commission split cap?
A commission cap is the total amount a realtor pays to a brokerage in a given year. For example, RE/MAX has a commission cap of $23,000, after which agents take home a greater share of their commission.
What is a franchise fee?
Brokerages pay their parent company a franchise fee, both upfront and as an ongoing monthly royalty. These fees are sometimes passed on to individual agents, although this varies by location.
