Some things get better with age, and Century 21 is one of them. The leading real estate company is proudly celebrating its 50th anniversary in July 2021. That's half a century of doing nothing halfway. One of the most recognised brands in the world, Century 21 boasts 150,000 sales professionals in about 13,500 offices across 86 countries and territories. Every day, a Century 21 property professional lives their mission - to defy mediocrity and deliver extraordinary experiences for buyers, sellers, tenants, and landlords.
Century 21's 'relentless' history
Century 21 was founded in July 1971 by Art Bartlett and Marsh Fisher in Orange County, California. Bartlett wanted a name that sounded like it had been around for a long time. Picking up on the time period, Century 21 was eventually chosen. And while the name might seem a little futuristic, it perfectly encapsulates Century 21's drive to keep changing the real estate game for the better.
Throughout the years, Century 21 has maintained its brand with professional aesthetics, tools, and quality services every step of the way. In recognition of its global brand dominance, Century 21 was named the #1 Fastest-Growing Franchise in the Entrepreneur 2021 list of the Fastest Growing Franchises. In another global survey conducted by Franchise Direct - Top 100 Franchises 2021, Century 21 took the number one spot globally for a Property Franchise Company.
Century 21's investment in its brand and international footprint has definitely paid off. Beyond winning the hearts and minds of clients, the company has become a pop culture mainstay. Century 21 has featured and been referenced in films like Minority Report, and popular television shows including Friends and Modern Family.
Century 21's milestones
With a tagline like "SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.™", Century 21 is one real estate business that hasn't stopped pushing the envelope. Harry Nicolaides, CEO at Century 21 South Africa, highlights some of Century 21's most prestigious accolades:
- When Realogy, Century 21's parent company, was listed on the New York Stock Exchange to fund Century 21's global growth, it raised the 2nd highest investment capital after Facebook in that year.
- In 2018, Century 21 launched a complete rebrand to give the business a clean, sophisticated appearance. With a focus on agents, the campaign included new listing flyers, business cards, new-agent ads, yard signs, and even decor ideas for the office. The impressive part is that this change occurred simultaneously in one instance, overnight, in every office around the world.
- In 2020, Century 21 launched an internal online Global Referral Network system that instantly connects over 150,000 Century 21 agents in 86 countries to assist buyers and sellers with their international cross-border property transactions.
Nicolaides says the 50th anniversary marks the culmination of Century 21's investment in its branding, service delivery, and ethos.
"This milestone is important because it shows that our clients are indeed finding favour and benefits in appointing Century 21 as their preferred property agency. As the saying goes, 'you cannot fool so many people for such a long time', so, being 50 years old and still growing, must prove that the brand and its ethos are desirable, in demand, and finding favour within the property sales and letting community."
Century 21, a real estate success story
Century 21 has continued to grow thanks to its all-encompassing training, management, and administrative and marketing support. The company also stays true to its core values: family, innovative, awesome, integrity, and professional. These have served the company well even during the COVID-19 pandemic. By sticking to its business fundamentals, it has continued to grow its franchises through tough times.
"Heritage and history, relevance and sustainable future growth are characteristics at play here," says Nicolaides. "The only way Century 21 has achieved these and which will contribute to its future success is by offering an honest and professional approach and personal service to its clients whilst embracing new technologies to the fullest over these magnificent 50 years of its history."
At Century 21, teamwork makes the dream work
Key to Century 21's success over the years is its property professionals across the globe. Century 21 believes agents make the brand and not that a brand makes an agent. By recruiting top talent and providing ongoing training and support, Century 21's franchises have made their mark in the industry. Nicolaides has a personal message for his team and their clients.
"A massive 'thank you' to all our clients and to our Century 21 property professionals for having assisted them. As a close family, we like to refer to ourselves as the "C21 Coalition" and are humbled and grateful for the ongoing support from our clients. We feel honoured and privileged to be able to assist them in realising their dreams and aspirations with respect to their personal property needs and property investments.
"As a brand, we are committed to assisting every South African, no matter which demographic grouping or financial status they may currently find themselves in, in achieving their property ownership dreams and aspirations. We look forward to being part of the growth and development of our beautiful country and its people for the next 50 years and beyond."
Century 21's global celebration
Century 21 will observe the anniversary with a global virtual gathering on 28 July 2021 from 3:00 PM-4:30 PM EST. It will bring together the power of Century 21 across the globe, including some surprise guests and extraordinary musical entertainment. There will be inspiring talks from Century 21 President and CEO, Mike Miedler, CMO, Cara Whitley, and COO, Greg Sexton, looking ahead to the next 50 years and how the company will continue to elevate its brand. You can also follow the celebration on social media with the hashtag #C21Celebrates50.