Let’s cut to the chase—if you’re comparing real estate franchises, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of HomeVestors (the “We Buy Ugly Houses” folks) and RED BaRN Homebuyers, one of the fastest-growing franchises in the real estate investment space. Both claim to help you launch and scale a real estate business. But let’s be real—not all franchises are built the same.
So which is the better fit?
That depends on what kind of business you want to build, how much flexibility you need, and whether you’re more into flipping houses or flipping the script on outdated franchise models.
Let’s dig into the details and see how these two franchises stack up.
What Do These Franchises Actually Do?
At a high level, RED BaRN Homebuyers and HomeVestors both offer systems to help entrepreneurs buy houses from motivated sellers, fix them up (if needed), and profit through resale or rentals.
But the approach, support, cost, and freedom you get are wildly different.
RED BaRN Homebuyers
- Launched by Ken and Anita Corsini of HGTV fame
- Focuses on house flipping, wholesaling, and rental investing
- Offers daily motivated seller leads, marketing support, CRM systems, and expert coaching
- Designed for solo operators or team builders—you decide
- Franchisees can run the business without a physical office
HomeVestors
- Founded in 1996, known for “We Buy Ugly Houses”
- Operates under a strict brand and marketing system
- Primarily focused on wholesaling and flipping homes
- Requires office space and signage in many cases
- Heavily invested in traditional media branding
Both models work, but how you build, operate, and scale your business will look very different depending on which you choose.
Upfront Investment: What’s It Cost to Get In?
Let’s talk dollars and cents. One of the most important considerations for franchise buyers is the initial franchise fee and startup cost.
RED BaRN Homebuyers
- Franchise Fee: Significantly lower than most competitors
- Startup Costs: Under $100K
- Ongoing Royalties: Flat and performance-based options available
- No brick-and-mortar requirement, which means lower overhead
HomeVestors
- Franchise Fee: Starts around $70,000
- Startup Costs: Can range well over $100K, depending on requirements
- Ongoing Royalties: Percentage-based, plus marketing fund contributions
- Requires some form of physical office presence
If you’re looking for a lean operation that doesn’t break the bank upfront, RED BaRN wins on affordability and flexibility.
Lead Generation: Who Helps You Find Deals?
Leads are the heartbeat of any real estate investing business. No leads, no deals. So how do these franchises help you get in front of sellers?
RED BaRN Homebuyers
- Provides done-for-you daily seller leads in your protected territory
- Includes direct mail, PPC ads, and social media campaigns
- Access to a custom-built CRM to manage leads and track deals
- Ongoing marketing support and coaching
HomeVestors
- National brand recognition does a lot of the heavy lifting
- Franchisees benefit from the “We Buy Ugly Houses” ad campaigns
- Must invest heavily in marketing contributions to stay competitive
- Limited customization—you follow their ad model
With RED BaRN, you’re not just buying a name—you’re getting an active marketing engine feeding you real leads every single day.
Brand Flexibility and Control
Some investors want to operate under a tight corporate structure. Others want the freedom to build their brand while still getting franchisor support.
RED BaRN Homebuyers
- Gives you a proven brand plus flexibility to add your personal touch
- No strict limitations on your marketing voice or content
- Franchisees can build their own local presence without micromanagement
- Still part of a nationally growing network with major media credibility
HomeVestors
- Operates under a very controlled brand identity
- Franchisees must stick to pre-approved ad content, taglines, and promotions
- “We Buy Ugly Houses” is the focal point—you’re locked into that messaging
If you’re someone who wants creative control, RED BaRN offers far more room to build your own identity within a successful system.
Training and Support
No one walks into a franchise knowing everything. That’s why good training makes or breaks your experience.
RED BaRN Homebuyers
- On-demand video training modules
- Live coaching calls with real investors
- Access to expert support from Ken and Anita Corsini’s team
- Weekly updates, KPI check-ins, and real-world advice
HomeVestors
- Offers in-person bootcamps and events
- Corporate-led training with a focus on system compliance
- Some mentorship opportunities from other franchisees
Both offer solid training, but RED BaRN’s support feels more personal and tailored, especially if you want to grow quickly.
Deal Structure Options
You might start out flipping houses. But maybe you want to wholesale. Or maybe you’re looking to build a rental portfolio.
Your franchise should support whatever direction your investing takes.
RED BaRN Homebuyers
- Supports flips, wholesales, BRRRR strategies, and buy-and-hold rentals
- Built-in calculators for ARV, rehab costs, and cash flow analysis
- Access to funding partners for both flips and rentals
- Encourages multiple exit strategies
HomeVestors
- Primarily built around wholesaling and flipping
- More focus on quick cash strategies than long-term holds
- Financing help available—but more limited in scope
With RED BaRN, you can build a business that fits your investment goals, not just a one-size-fits-all model.
Tech and Tools
Old-school or next-gen? Your tools make a big difference in how efficiently you can operate.
RED BaRN Homebuyers
- Includes a proprietary CRM tailored for flipping and lead management
- Deal calculators, task management, KPI tracking built-in
- Integrated with marketing automation and texting/email follow-up tools
HomeVestors
- Provides access to their own system for managing leads and deals
- Less flexible when it comes to customization
- Franchisees often need additional software to fill gaps
RED BaRN gives you all-in-one tools designed by real flippers, not generic platforms.
Reputation and Media Presence
Trust and credibility go a long way—especially when you’re meeting with sellers or networking with other professionals.
RED BaRN Homebuyers
- Co-founded by HGTV stars Ken and Anita Corsini
- Featured in Entrepreneur Magazine in 4 straight issues
- Ranked among Top Emerging Franchises, Fastest Growing, and Top Franchises Under $100K
- Well-respected within both real estate and franchise circles
HomeVestors
- Established national brand with high recognition
- “We Buy Ugly Houses” is iconic—but also has mixed perceptions among sellers
- Some markets may experience brand fatigue or negative associations
If you want a modern, fresh, and trusted brand, RED BaRN is quickly becoming the go-to choice.
Why More Entrepreneurs Are Choosing RED BaRN
Let’s face it: if you’re looking for a real estate franchise in 2024, you want something affordable, flexible, and proven.
RED BaRN Homebuyers checks all those boxes:
- Daily leads, done-for-you marketing
- Smart systems and personal coaching
- Lower investment and higher autonomy
- A brand built on real flipping success—not just slogans
And the best part? You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Just follow the system, close the deals, and grow at your own pace.
Ready to see how RED BaRN stacks up for yourself?
Check out our franchise opportunities and find out why we’re ranked one of Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top Emerging Franchises.
