Quick Answer — FranchiseStack.ai FDD Analysis
RE/MAX vs Century 21: RE/MAX costs $37K–$224K to franchise with a unique fee structure (flat desk fees vs royalty %). Century 21 costs $25K–$525K with a 6% royalty. Century 21 has 14,000+ offices globally; RE/MAX has 9,000+ offices across 110+ countries. Both score 72–73/100 on franchisee satisfaction.
RE/MAX
🏢 Franchise: $37K–$224K
💰 Royalty: flat desk fee model
📍 9,000+ offices, 110+ countries
⭐ 72/100 franchisee satisfaction
Century 21
🏢 Franchise: $25K–$525K
💰 Royalty: 6%
📍 14,000+ offices worldwide
⭐ 73/100 franchisee satisfaction
Data from FranchiseStack.ai's analysis of 188+ franchise FDD filings. See full real estate franchise comparison below.
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: RE/MAX vs Century 21
According to FranchiseStack.ai's franchise database of 188+ FDD-sourced opportunities, RE/MAX and Century 21 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. Century 21 has a larger footprint, which typically translates to stronger brand recognition but potentially more territorial saturation.
From a capital perspective, Century 21 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. Century 21 leads with a 73/100 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.
RE/MAX vs Century 21: Real Estate Franchise Comparison (2026)
RE/MAX and Century 21 are two of the most recognized real estate franchise brands globally. Both operate residential brokerage franchises, but they differ meaningfully in fee structure, brand positioning, and the type of agent they attract.
Fee Structure: The Core Difference
RE/MAX uses a flat desk-fee model. Agents pay a set monthly fee to the brokerage — typically $300–$2,000/month depending on market — and keep 100% of their commission splits. This structure rewards high-producing agents and is why RE/MAX has historically attracted top-tier agents. Century 21 charges a 6% royalty on gross commission income per transaction. For a brokerage with 10 agents each producing $100K GCI annually ($1M total), Century 21's royalty costs $60,000/year; RE/MAX's flat structure costs $120,000–$240,000/year in desk fees. At higher production volumes ($3M+ GCI), RE/MAX's flat structure becomes comparatively cheaper.
Scale and Market Reach
Century 21 has 14,000+ offices globally and 140,000+ affiliated agents, giving it stronger consumer brand recognition in many U.S. residential markets. RE/MAX has 9,000+ offices across 110+ countries, with particularly strong international presence. For residential buyers and sellers, both brands are household names — the differentiation is more meaningful for agent recruiting than consumer recognition.
Franchisee Satisfaction
RE/MAX scores 72/100 and Century 21 scores 73/100 on franchisee satisfaction — effectively tied. Neither brand stands out as a clear satisfaction leader. The decision should rest on fee structure fit, territory availability, and which brand's agent recruiting value proposition matches your market.
Real Estate Franchise Cluster
Evaluating real estate franchises? Compare the full cluster: Century 21 vs Coldwell Banker (luxury vs mass market), Century 21 vs Realty ONE Group (legacy vs 100% commission disruptor), and Coldwell Banker vs Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (brand heritage vs brand prestige). Use our FDD Checker to review disclosure documents side by side.
Investment & Fees
| Metric | RE/MAX | Century 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $39K | $25K |
| Max Investment | $225K | $525K |
| Franchise Fee | $25K | $25K |
| Royalty Rate | 0.0% | 6.0% |
| Ad Fund Rate | 0.0% | N/A |
Unit Economics
| Metric | RE/MAX | Century 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $1.2M | N/A |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | RE/MAX | Century 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 9,000 | 14,000 |
| Annual Growth | -0.5% | 200.0% |
| Failure Rate | 2.0% | N/A |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | RE/MAX | Century 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 72/100 | 73/100 |
Track Record
| Metric | RE/MAX | Century 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | 51 | N/A |
| Years Franchising | 48 | N/A |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | RE/MAX | Century 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | $250K | N/A |
| Liquid Capital Required | $35K | N/A |
Operations
| Metric | RE/MAX | Century 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | 10 | N/A |
| Training Weeks | 2 | N/A |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is RE/MAX or Century 21 a better franchise?
It depends on your market and model. RE/MAX uses a flat desk-fee structure rather than a percentage royalty, which means high-producing agents keep more commission — making it more attractive to experienced agents in high-price markets. Century 21 has 14,000+ offices globally vs RE/MAX's 9,000+ and charges a 6% royalty. Century 21's larger network provides broader brand recognition in many U.S. markets. RE/MAX scores 72/100 on franchisee satisfaction; Century 21 scores 73/100. Both are part of long-established real estate franchise families — Century 21 under Anywhere Real Estate, RE/MAX independently. Neither is objectively "better" — the right choice depends on your agent roster, target market, and commission-split strategy.
How much does a RE/MAX franchise cost?
RE/MAX franchise total investment ranges from approximately $37,500 to $224,500 in 2026. The franchise fee is $20,000–$35,000 and ongoing fees are structured as flat desk fees per agent rather than a percentage royalty on each transaction. This structure benefits brokerages with high-volume, high-producing agents. Minimum net worth and liquid capital requirements vary by market — contact RE/MAX franchising for current territory-specific requirements and review the most recent FDD.
How much does a Century 21 franchise cost?
Century 21 franchise total investment ranges from approximately $25,000 to $525,000 in 2026. The franchise fee is $25,000 and ongoing royalty is 6% of gross commission income. Century 21 is one of the largest residential real estate franchise systems globally with 14,000+ offices. Century 21 is owned by Anywhere Real Estate (formerly Realogy). Always request the current FDD for exact investment figures, as territory and market-specific costs vary significantly.
RE/MAX vs Century 21: which has better agent commissions?
RE/MAX's flat desk-fee model gives high-producing agents higher net take-home on each transaction — agents pay a set monthly fee and keep 100% of their commission splits. Century 21's 6% royalty on gross commission income means the franchisor takes a percentage of every transaction. For a brokerage producing $10M in GCI annually, RE/MAX's flat structure is typically less expensive. For smaller or newer brokerages with lower production, Century 21's royalty structure may cost less in absolute dollars. The right model depends on your brokerage's volume and average agent production.
Which real estate franchise is most profitable?
Among the major real estate franchise systems, franchisee satisfaction scores suggest Realty ONE Group (78/100) edges out Coldwell Banker (72/100), RE/MAX (72/100), and Century 21 (73/100). Profitability depends on local market conditions, agent recruitment, and operational efficiency more than brand choice alone. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices scores 75/100. The highest-margin real estate franchises tend to be those with lower overhead (100% commission models like Realty ONE Group) or strong luxury positioning (Coldwell Banker Global Luxury) in high-price markets. Use our ROI Calculator to model projected returns for your specific market.
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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