HomeVestors® of America, otherwise known as the We Buy Ugly Houses® people, is the #1 buyer of houses in the U.S. HomeVestors was founded and began franchising in 1996. Since then, its independently owned and operated franchises have bought more than 125,000 houses. Our franchisees buy homes that are hard to sell, paying cash to owners who often are in difficult situations ... they rehab houses ... and sell and lease homes, improving neighborhoods in the process and providing opportunities for first-time homebuyers and renters. With about 1,100 franchises in 47 states and Washington D.C., HomeVestors enforces strict codes and systems to ensure high ethical standards and responsible business practices.