RE/MAX compensation model

RE/MAX is best known for a 95/5 split with monthly desk fees (typically $500-$2,000+ per office) in lieu of percentage-based brokerage take. Some RE/MAX offices also offer traditional 70/30 splits without desk fees.

RE/MAX operates as a franchise network where individual offices set agent compensation within parameters. The most common RE/MAX structure is a 95/5 split (agent retains 95% of GCI) combined with monthly desk fees that vary by office and market—commonly $500 to $2,000 per month, sometimes higher in expensive metros. The desk fee model favors high-volume agents: a producer doing $300k GCI on the 95/5 plan with $1,200/month desk fees retains approximately $285k − $14.4k = $270.6k, around 90% effective retention. A new agent at the same office producing $80k GCI would retain $76k minus $14.4k desk fees = $61.6k, around 77% retention. Some RE/MAX offices offer alternative '70/30 no-desk-fee' plans for agents whose volume doesn't support fixed monthly carrying costs. RE/MAX charges franchise royalty fees as well, typically a small percentage of GCI captured by the office before agent split.