Brokerage comparison

Coldwell Banker vs RE/MAX

An honest side-by-side for agents deciding where to hang their license — model, commission, technology and luxury focus. Terms are negotiated and vary by market; use this as a starting point.

Option 1

Coldwell Banker

Agents who want an established, stable national franchise with a luxury tier.

Founded1906
ModelFranchise
Option 2

RE/MAX

Experienced high-producers who want to keep more of each commission.

Founded1973
ModelFranchise built for ex
Side by side
 Coldwell BankerRE/MAX
Founded19061973
HeadquartersMadison, NJ (Anywhere)Denver, CO
FootprintNational and internationalGlobal franchise
Business modelFranchiseFranchise built for experienced agents (high split / desk fee)
Commission structureSet by each franchise; franchise fees applyAgents keep a high share of commission and pay monthly desk/office fees
TechnologyEstablished tools plus the Global Luxury programMAX/Tech tools and a strong global brand
Luxury focusServed through the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury tierThe RE/MAX Collection
Best forAgents who want an established, stable national franchise with a luxury tierExperienced high-producers who want to keep more of each commission

Choose Coldwell Banker if you want agents who want an established, stable national franchise with a luxury tier. Its model — franchise — and established tools plus the global luxury program tend to suit that agent.

Choose RE/MAX if you want experienced high-producers who want to keep more of each commission. The right answer usually comes down to the specific local office: the manager, the split you can negotiate, the team you'd join, and the brand's strength in your market.

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Coldwell Banker vs RE/MAX FAQs

Is Coldwell Banker or RE/MAX better for a new agent?
It depends on what you need. Coldwell Banker is best for agents who want agents who want an established, stable national franchise with a luxury tier, while RE/MAX suits those who want experienced high-producers who want to keep more of each commission. New agents should weigh training, split and mentorship at the specific local office, since terms are set locally.
How do commission splits compare at Coldwell Banker vs RE/MAX?
Coldwell Banker: Set by each franchise; franchise fees apply. RE/MAX: Agents keep a high share of commission and pay monthly desk/office fees. Actual splits are negotiated and vary by market, production and team, so confirm current terms with each brokerage.
Which is stronger for luxury real estate, Coldwell Banker or RE/MAX?
Coldwell Banker — served through the coldwell banker global luxury tier. RE/MAX — the re/max collection. For high-end listings, the brand's local luxury footprint and referral network in your specific market matter most.
Brokerage attributes are compiled from public information and kept general; commission splits and support vary by market, office and agent and are negotiated individually. Verify current terms directly with each brokerage.