Stephen Bowen and Michael Falotico have been HomeVestors® of America, Inc. franchisees for more than 14 years, serving the greater Boston area as business owners and through charitable works. By Patty Horansky
GIVING BACK
Stephen Bowen and Michael Falotico have been HomeVestors® of America, Inc. franchisees for more than 14 years, serving the greater Boston area as business owners and through charitable works.
The national brand is well-known for its We Buy Ugly Houses® advertising, including billboards that dot the country. Founded and franchised in Dallas in 1996, HomeVestors is a large and long-running network of homebuying franchises in the U.S.
The brand institutionalized the fix-and-flip market, providing stability and profitability in a fragmented industry. There are about 1,000 HomeVestors’ franchises, and over the years, the franchises have purchased over 140,000 houses quickly. Bowen and Falotico own one of the top-performing HomeVestors franchises in the country.
Bowen, a nurse practitioner, and Falotico, a medical supply professional who had dabbled in real estate, were looking for a business that would help them grow financially and give back. Their research led them to HomeVestors, whose franchisees buy homes that need repair or aren’t suited for a traditional listing.
People call HomeVestors for a variety of reasons, including the condition of their houses and the expense of repairing them, because the houses were inherited or because of life changes that necessitate a quick sale. Bowen and Falotico provide a way to help homeowners sell their property easily, within the owner’s timeframe and without making costly repairs. There are no commissions, closing costs or months-long listings or showings.
Bowen oversees operations, including renovation and finance, while Falotico manages buying, selling and business development. They also have been development agents for the brand for the past decade, helping other HomeVestors franchisees to succeed.
Bowen and Falotico like the flexibility that the brand’s proven model provides. Whether through flipping houses or rehabilitating properties as rentals, they have tailored their business to fit their financial and personal goals. As co-owners, they enjoy building relationships within the franchise and with clients, their community and the broader real estate industry.
The company provides support, including in-person networking at HomeVestors conventions. It emphasizes compassion and integrity, and Bowen and Falotico find fulfillment in helping homeowners through difficult situations. Moreover, they are committed to giving back to their community through multiple nonprofits.
The two have volunteered with the Greater Boston Habitat for Humanity, and Falotico is a board member of the South Shore Habitat organization. Together, they have sponsored and donated to its Give Moor Charity Golf Tournament.
Additionally, Bowen and Falotico have supported Circle of Stuff, an organization that saves and repurposes unwanted furniture and other goods for families in need, and they’ve contributed to Family Promise MetroWest, which helps people transition to safe housing. Their charity also donates to local food pantries and holiday toy drives for children.
After more than two decades, Bowen and Falotico’s franchise, like their giving, continues to grow.
“We’ve been fortunate to be a part of the system for almost 15 years, and we’re proud to contribute to our community while growing a successful business,” Bowen said. “It’s all about helping people and making a difference one home at a time.”
Patty Horansky