LakePlace.com Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

LakePlace.com offers real estate services specializing in lakeshore properties, helping clients buy and sell waterfront homes and cabins.

LakePlace.com is a specialized real estate franchise focused on waterfront and lakeshore properties. It began in 2003 as a classified-ads website and evolved into a full-service brokerage by 2010. Founded and headquartered in Bloomington, Minnesota, it remains part of the Dane Arthur Real Estate Agency group.

The LakePlace.com franchise model launched in 2015 with its first two offices in northern Wisconsin. Franchisees gain access to the Midwest’s most-visited lake-property platform, listing their lakefront real estate on a site that draws thousands of daily visitors.

LakePlace.com franchises sell a wide spectrum of lake properties—from modest cabins and lots to luxury estates—through expert agents using proprietary MLS data. The brand emphasizes digital marketing, local market knowledge, and client-first service.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $10,000
Rent and Security Deposit $2,500 to $7,500
Furniture $5,000 to $20,000
Signs $4,000 to $15,000
Computer System $2,000 to $3,000
Utility Deposits and Fees $1,000 to $1,500
Equipment and Fixtures $2,500 to $10,000
Inventory $300 to $1,000
Training-Related Expenses $200 to $1,000
Insurance $300 to $500
Business Licenses $500 to $1,000
Pre-Opening Advertising $500 to $1,000
Professional Services $2,000 to $8,000
Additional Funds – 4 months $20,000 to $35,000
Total $50,800 to $114,500
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $10,000
Rent and Security Deposit $2,500 to $7,500
Furniture $5,000 to $20,000
Signs $4,000 to $15,000
Computer System $2,000 to $3,000
Utility Deposits and Fees $1,000 to $1,500
Equipment and Fixtures $2,500 to $10,000
Inventory $300 to $1,000
Training-Related Expenses $200 to $1,000
Insurance $300 to $500
Business Licenses $500 to $1,000
Pre-Opening Advertising $500 to $1,000
Professional Services $2,000 to $8,000
Additional Funds – 4 months $20,000 to $35,000
Total $50,800 to $114,500

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

LakePlace.com Franchise provides a structured training program to equip franchisees with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the niche market of waterfront real estate. The training focuses on operational excellence, market specialization, and ongoing development. Here are the key components:

  1. Initial Onboarding & Brand Orientation
    Franchisees receive an in-depth introduction to the LakePlace.com brand, business model, proprietary systems, and operational procedures. This training ensures alignment with the brand’s standards and customer service expectations.
  2. Sales & Market Specialization Training
    This segment focuses on the unique aspects of selling lakefront properties. Franchisees are trained on local market dynamics, property types (such as cabins, waterfront lots, and luxury estates), and regulations that affect lakeshore transactions.
  3. Ongoing Agent Development
    Continuous learning is emphasized through workshops and resources that enhance negotiation skills, legal compliance, and high-end client service. This keeps franchisees and their teams updated with industry trends and best practices.
  4. Marketing & Lead Generation Support
    Training includes the use of LakePlace.com’s digital tools, advertising platforms, and lead generation systems. Franchisees learn how to optimize their marketing efforts to attract both buyers and sellers in the lake property market.

Territory Protection

LakePlace.com Franchise offers territory protection to its franchisees, but the exact terms are defined in the Franchise Disclosure Document and Franchise Agreement. Franchisees are generally granted a defined geographic area where no other LakePlace.com franchise can operate. This territory may be based on ZIP codes, population size, or other boundaries.

However, territory protection may come with conditions. The franchisor might reserve rights for online sales or national accounts within a protected area. In some cases, protection is contingent on meeting certain performance standards.

Competitors

Below are some of

LakePlace.com

key competitors in the

Broker/Realtor

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Upgrade
Gross Profit
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

6

New
+
-14%
-14%

$10,000

$51,000

$115,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Windermere Real Estate

Windermere Real Estate is a real-estate brokerage franchise offering home-buying, selling and leasing services across multiple states, serving agents and clients, and known for community-centred culture, advanced marketing tools and proven franchise systems.

Franchisees

?

299
+
-1%
-1%
Investment

?

$271,000 - $1,171,000

Intero Real Estate Services

Intero Real Estate Services is a real-estate brokerage franchise offering full-service buying, selling and leasing of homes and commercial properties, serving agents and clients, and known for strong training, agent-centric model and technology-enabled branding.

Franchisees

?

29
+
-19%
-19%
Investment

?

$210,000 - $855,000

Valbridge

Valbridge is a valuation-services franchise offering real-estate appraisal, review and consulting services for commercial and residential markets, serving lenders, brokers and property-owners, and known for national network, compliance focus and high-quality data standards.

Franchisees

?

0
+
-100%
-100%
Investment

?

$70,000 - $164,000

Harcourts

Harcourts is a real-estate brokerage franchise offering residential and commercial brokerage services, serving property buyers, sellers and agents, and known for innovative tools, global network backing and culture focused on growth and professionalism.

Franchisees

?

24
+
20%
20%
Investment

?

$151,000 - $360,000

Iron Valley

Iron Valley Real Estate is a real estate franchise offering brokerage services and agent support systems, serving buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals, and known for its agent-centric commission model, low startup costs, and modern technology.

Franchisees

?

44
+
47%
47%
Investment

?

$59,000 - $207,000

Watters International Realty

Watters International Realty is a real estate franchise offering comprehensive services for buying and selling homes, known for its innovative marketing strategies and client-focused approach.

Franchisees

?

10
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$49,000 - $201,000