LakePlace.com offers real estate services specializing in lakeshore properties, helping clients buy and sell waterfront homes and cabins.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
6
+
-14%
-14%
Franchise fee
?
$10,000
Investment
?
$51,000 - $115,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Upgrade
LakePlace.comis 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
The initial investment required for a LakePlace.com franchise is
$51,000 - $115,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance 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
Create a free account to access this table and more. For more information see our plans here.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
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
Below is LakePlace.com's 2023 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
LakePlace.com had 12 total units in 2023, of which 6 were franchised-owned and 6 company-owned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the royalty fee?
The royalty fee for a LakePlace.com franchise is 6% - 10%. In addition, you would have to pay the advertising (or national brand fund) fee of n.a..
What is the total investment?
The initial investment required for a LakePlace.com franchise is $51,000 - $115,000. That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee for a LakePlace.com franchise is $10,000. This is typically paid upfront as part of the total initial investment, after signature of the Franchise Agreeement.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.