HomeVestors Awards First Associate Franchise in the U.S.

Scott Arnold, of Dallas, to become first home-based franchisee for nation’s largest home buyer

DALLAS - (October 21, 2008) - HomeVestors® of America, Inc., the company famous for its "We Buy Ugly Houses"® billboards and America’s #1 Home Buyer, has awarded its first associate franchise to Scott Arnold, of Dallas.  Arnold is the first home-based franchisee for the nation’s largest home buyer, kicking off a new program for the franchisor that is expected to rapidly grow the brand.

“This marks a new era for HomeVestors and for franchising,” said John Hayes, president and CEO of HomeVestors.  “Companies must continually look for innovative ways to grow their services and their market share, all while helping the customers who need them most.  The associate franchise program will do just that.  And awarding this opportunity to Scott is an entry into real estate investing under the most-recognized brand that he will champion for many more who follow.”

Hayes said the new opportunity will allow people to experience the HomeVestors business for a smaller entry fee and less overhead.  Associate franchisees can operate from home, buy fewer properties than full-time franchisees, and begin a career with HomeVestors on a smaller scale even while maintaining other careers. 

Arnold, a real estate broker in Dallas for more than five years, had researched the HomeVestors franchise opportunity before.

“I’ve always been interested in the business,” Arnold said.  But the financial requirements and the commitment to make HomeVestors a full-time occupation with additional employees and overhead was a hurdle to his entry. Until now.

With the recent introduction of the associate franchise program, Arnold saw an opportunity without limits.  A lower-franchise fee, the ability to keep his full-time job and operate his HomeVestors franchise from home, along with a strong mentor and training program were just the right ingredients for Arnold to apply.

The associate franchise program also pairs Arnold with a HomeVestors Development Agent – a top-tier full-time HomeVestors franchise who will coach and mentor him to cooperatively share in Arnold’s success and extend home buying services to more people in the area.

Arnold’s Development Agent will be C&C Residential Properties, Inc., of Dallas, owned by Chas Carrier and John Cantleberry.  The franchisee, which has bought hundreds of houses, continues to be a national leader in the HomeVestors network and the perfect teacher with hands-on knowledge of residential real estate in the greater-Dallas market.

Arnold has already purchased four houses on his own as an independent investor. But he adds that being part of HomeVestors will take his experience to a new level.

About HomeVestors® of America, Inc.

Founded in 1989 and franchising since 1996, Dallas-based HomeVestors® of America, Inc., has more than 220 franchises throughout the United States. The first franchise company of its kind, HomeVestors® trains and supports franchisees who specialize in buying homes in need of repair. Most commonly known as the “We Buy Ugly Houses”® franchise, HomeVestors® strives to make a positive impact in each community.  More information is available at www.homevestors.com.

PHOTO:  (Left to Right) Scott Arnold, the first associate franchisee for HomeVestors, John Hayes, HomeVestors president and CEO, and John Cantleberry and Chas Carrier, of C&C Residential Properties, Inc.

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For more information, contact:

Monica Feid, BizCom Associates
(972) 490-8053 / MonicaFeid@BizComPR.com