Compare real estate franchise models
If you are exploring real estate franchise options, this page gives you a straightforward way to compare costs, ongoing fees, and the kind of support each model is built around. Our goal is to help you sort through the details with clarity, so you can figure out what feels like the right fit before you take the next step.
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The table below gives you a side-by-side look at some of the biggest points people care about when comparing real estate franchise opportunities, including startup costs, fee structure, and the general way each business is set up to operate. As always, exact numbers and terms can change over time, so it is smart to confirm details directly with each brand.
| Feature | Home Guys | HomeVestors | Joe Homebuyer | KeyGlee | Red Barn Homebuyers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial franchise fee | $50,000 | ~$85,000 (Full) / ~$39,000 (Assoc) | $50,000 | ~$100,000 | ~$34,500 |
| Royalty model | 0.75% transaction fee on purchase and 0.75% on sale | Transaction fee (commonly ~$2.5k to $8.5k per deal) or tiered percent, plus ad fund contributions | 4% to 9% of gross revenue (sliding) | 9% of gross fee | 10% of gross revenue |
| Ad or brand fund | Managed in-house | ~$300 to $1,000 per deal, strict national fund | $200 per month plus local spend | 1% of gross sales | Managed locally |
| Primary operating model | High-volume flipping with repeatable systems | Brand-led lead generation | Wholesale / wholetail | Wholesale focused, dispositions | Hybrid / lifestyle |
| Total estimated investment | ~$150k to $250k | $155k to $461k | $131k to $444k | $122k to $297k | $59k to $257k |
Initial franchise fee
Royalty model
Ad or brand fund
Primary operating model
Total estimated investment
Use official documents before you decide
Fees, investments, and terms can change. For decision-making, review official disclosure documents and confirm details for your market.
One of the most important parts of comparing real estate franchise models is understanding how the numbers work once you start doing deals. Some brands use a percentage of gross revenue or gross fees. Others rely on a lower fixed percent per transaction. Looking closely at that difference can help you see how margins may hold up as your business grows.
When fees are tied to gross revenue, the total paid to the franchisor can rise quickly as deal size and volume increase. A lower, fixed transaction-based percentage can change how much margin an operator retains at higher volume.
If you want to dig deeper into the details, request franchise information and review the official documents with your advisor. You can also explore the program overview on Home Guys.
Educational content only. Verify all figures directly with each franchisor and their official disclosure materials.
A comparison of real estate franchises is about more than lining up fees on a spreadsheet. The best decision usually comes down to how well the model fits the way you want to build your business, the kind of support you want around you, and whether the brand’s values match your own.
When people compare real estate franchises, they are usually looking at a few core questions. Does the brand help with marketing and technology? Does it offer strong training and learning opportunities? Does it have real consumer recognition and trust? Just as important, does the culture feel like a place where you can actually grow for the long haul?
A comparison of residential real estate franchises matters because franchising continues to hold a meaningful place in the industry. According to the 2025 Residential Franchise Report, 38% of NAR members were affiliated with a franchise company in 2025, which matched the share reported in 2012. The same report points to recurring themes that people weigh carefully before joining a brand, including ownership, consumer trust, marketing and technology support, learning opportunities, and culture fit.
For many investors, that means the right option is not always the one with the lowest entry point or the flashiest pitch. It is the one that gives you a business model you can understand, support you can actually use, and a reputation you feel good about building in your market.
Want to take a closer look at a specific brand? These comparison pages make it easier to see how each option stacks up, so you can think through the numbers, the business model, and the kind of support that matters most to you.
If you want to talk through the opportunity in a little more detail, use our online form or visit Home Guys for the full program overview.
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