HomeVestors® is the nation’s leading real estate investing franchise, known as the We Buy Ugly Houses® brand. Since 1996, over 1,100 independently owned franchises have purchased more than 140,000 houses across 47 states and Washington D.C. HomeVestors provides franchisees with lead generation, financing access, proprietary valuation tools, mentorship from experienced investors, and the brand recognition that brings motivated sellers directly to you.
At a Glance
- Liquid Capital Required: $80,000 (Liquid Capital refers to readily available cash or cash-equivalent assets that can be accessed without borrowing, selling a primary residence, or relying on future income.)
- Ownership Model: Owner-operator (Associate or Full Franchise options)
- Location Type: Home-based (Associate) or office-based (Full)
- Time Commitment: Full-time or part-time
- Experience Required: None; mentorship provided
Top 5 Reasons to Invest
- We Buy Ugly Houses® national brand recognition
- Integrated lead generation brings sellers to you
- Financing up to 100% for acquisition and repairs
- Development Agent mentorship from experienced franchisees
- 1,100+ franchisee network as teammates, not competitors
About HomeVestors Franchise
HomeVestors launched in 1996 and built the We Buy Ugly Houses® brand into the most recognized name in real estate investing. The franchise system has grown to over 1,100 independently owned locations across 47 states and Washington D.C., with franchisees purchasing more than 140,000 houses. The brand maintains 95%+ seller satisfaction through a customer-focused approach that revitalizes communities and creates homeownership opportunities.
HomeVestors offers two franchise levels. The Associate Franchise provides lower upfront costs with home-based operations and can upgrade to Full Franchise at any time. The Full Franchise is for investors ready to commit entirely upfront, typically opening an office and hiring staff to scale. Both levels receive marketing rights, proprietary tools, and one-on-one mentorship from a Development Agent — an experienced current or former franchisee who coaches you through building your business.
Why Franchise With HomeVestors?
- We Buy Ugly Houses® brand recognition brings motivated sellers directly to you through TV, billboards, digital marketing, and direct mail campaigns.
- Financing access up to 100% for acquisition and repairs through approved third-party lenders for qualified purchases.
- Development Agent mentorship pairs you with an experienced franchisee who provides ongoing coaching, deal analysis, and business guidance.
- Proprietary ValueChek® software helps you calculate repair costs and after-repair value to make confident investment decisions.
- Network of 1,100+ franchisees operates as teammates, not competitors — sharing knowledge and supporting each other’s success.
ABF Exclusive Insights
Market Analysis: Real estate investing attracts entrepreneurs seeking financial independence and flexibility outside the corporate grind. The challenge for independent investors is lead generation — finding motivated sellers requires significant marketing spend and expertise. HomeVestors solves this with a nationally integrated campaign that drives qualified leads to franchisees.
Competitive Advantage: Independent real estate investors compete for visibility with limited marketing budgets. HomeVestors franchisees leverage the We Buy Ugly Houses® brand — 29+ years of TV advertising, billboards in strategic locations, digital campaigns, and direct mail. Sellers recognize and trust the brand, which means they call you instead of competitors. The financing access (up to 100% for acquisition and repairs) removes capital constraints that limit independent investors.
ABF Timing Insight: HomeVestors can have you operational in as few as 60 days. The Associate Franchise option provides a lower-cost entry point for entrepreneurs who want to start home-based and scale over time. For experienced investors ready to build teams and scale immediately, the Full Franchise offers complete infrastructure. Either path includes the same mentorship, tools, and brand access — the difference is your starting investment and growth timeline.
Training & Support
- Week 1: In-person classroom training in Dallas, TX with experienced franchise owners, leadership, and key vendors.
- Week 2: Self-paced online training from home covering operations, systems, and deal analysis.
- Development Agent assigned as your personal mentor — an experienced franchisee providing ongoing coaching throughout your business.
- Proprietary ValueChek® software for property valuation, repair cost calculation, and after-repair value analysis.
- Annual convention for networking with industry leaders, franchise owners, and vendors on latest strategies and innovations.
Who Are We Looking For?
- Entrepreneurs seeking financial independence through real estate investing
- Business builders who want systems and support rather than figuring it out alone
- Investors — beginners or experienced — ready to scale with proven tools
- Professionals seeking flexibility and control over their work and financial future
- Community-minded operators who revitalize neighborhoods and create homeownership opportunities
Franchise Fit & Capital Readiness
Who Is NOT A Good Fit for HomeVestors
- Seeking completely passive income without learning the real estate business
- Unwilling to follow proven systems and leverage mentorship guidance
- Expecting instant success without building skills and market relationships
- Less than $80,000 in liquid capital available
Candidates who do not meet the financial criteria below are typically not approved by the franchisor.
Investment Readiness Check
- Ownership timeline: Operational in as few as 60 days
- Total Investment: $109,000 – $415,250 (varies by Associate vs. Full Franchise)
- Minimum Liquid Capital: $80,000 — required for consideration
- Financing access available up to 100% for qualified property purchases and repairs
All financial thresholds are set by the franchisor and are non-negotiable during approval.
Franchisor Authority Disclosure
America’s Best Franchises provides guidance and introductions. Final approval criteria, financial thresholds, and territory decisions are determined exclusively by the franchisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need real estate experience to start a HomeVestors franchise?
A. No. Most HomeVestors franchisees are new to real estate investing. The comprehensive training program and Development Agent mentorship prepare you to succeed regardless of background.
Q. How does HomeVestors generate leads for franchisees?
A. The We Buy Ugly Houses® marketing campaign includes TV advertising, billboards, digital marketing (SEO, PPC, social media), and direct mail. Motivated sellers contact you directly through these integrated campaigns.
Q. What is the difference between Associate and Full Franchise with HomeVestors?
A. Associate Franchise has lower upfront costs with home-based operations. Full Franchise requires complete investment upfront, typically with office location and staff. Associate can upgrade to Full at any time. Both receive mentorship, tools, and brand access.
Q. Does HomeVestors help with financing for property purchases?
A. Yes. Franchisees have access to approved third-party lenders offering up to 100% financing for acquisition and repair costs on qualified purchases.
Next Steps
By submitting this form, you confirm that you meet the liquid capital requirement of $80,000 established by the franchisor.
Complete the form below to request a qualification review and discuss territory availability for HomeVestors.
This profile represents general franchise information. Individual results may vary. Refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document for complete details.