C21 Communications, Author at CENTURY 21 MarketLink Realty - SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.

What are first-time homebuyers looking for?

November 11, 2020 By C21 Communications

Today’s first-time home buyers are a unique bunch. They are typically millennials, budget-conscious, and looking for smaller and less expensive homes. Many have been renting for a long time — longer than they wanted to — and when they get to the home buying stage, they’re excited and ready to go.

Here are four key things that today’s first-time home buyers are looking for.

Great photos: Millennials do most things online, including shopping for a home. To attract first-time home buyers, your listing needs to include a good number of high-quality photos. Before bringing in a photographer, consider completing cosmetic upgrades to improve the home’s aesthetic.

Small spaces: These days, first-time buyers tend to be OK with less square footage, as long as the home feels functional and flexible. Staging a smaller home with multi-use items, such as a fold-out bed and hideaway storage, can create a sense of efficiency and potential.

Be nice: For first-time buyers, the home buying process often feels very personal. Overly aggressive or dishonest tactics are likely to drive them off. On the other hand, simple gestures like being flexible during showings are a reliable way to generate good will and soothe nerves.

Eco-friendly features: Energy-efficient appliances, smart thermostats and solar panels tend to appeal to millennial first-time buyers. They’re savvy to the cost savings these technologies bring, and tend to be drawn to them as an easy way to reduce their overall carbon footprint.

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8 Covid-Friendly Ways to Honor Our Military this Veterans Day

November 9, 2020 By C21 Communications

Veterans Day is right around the corner, and our military deserves all the praise and recognition for serving our country.

Regardless of the circumstances, COVID-19 has brought upon us, on November 11th, join us in honoring their service in creative, safe, and socially distanced ways.

From Your Home

There are plenty of ways to get creative and show your thanks to our veterans from the comfort of your home.

Create a short video saying a special thanks.

Let the military personnel in your life hear how much you value them. Whip out your phone and create a quick video expressing your gratitude and appreciation. Sending this to them will undoubtedly put a smile on their face.

Create care packages for the soldiers overseas.

Care packages are a great way to celebrate and honor our military overseas. Grabbing some supplies from the store and shipping boxes of special items to Support Our Troops would be much appreciated by those currently deployed. Some things to include are:

Reading material
Baby wipes
Sunscreen
Non-aerosol deodorant
Lipbalm
Non-perishable food (beef jerky, protein bars, etc.)
Handwritten notes

Donating to organizations that specialize in sending care packages is another excellent option.

For Your Coworkers

While many companies are working remotely, you can still say thank you to your coworkers who have served our country.

Send out a special newsletter to your office highlighting those who’ve served.

This is an easy but thoughtful way to honor your coworkers and let them know they’re appreciated. Create a list of names and collect photos from when they were serving our country.

Send out the email first thing in the morning to make the whole day special for them, even if they’re working from home.

Incorporate red poppies.

The American Legion Auxiliary typically distributes red crepe paper poppies on Veterans Day nationwide. However, with limitations due to COVID-19, this may not be possible. Baking remembrance poppy cookies is a thoughtful and delicious option to say thank you to your coworkers.

Not much of a chef? Contact your local florist to see if they have any red poppies they could deliver to your coworkers’ house.

Prepare a special delivery of handwritten notes.

This might take some preparation, but collecting handwritten notes from coworkers and having them delivered to the veterans’ homes is sure to make their day.

In Your Community

Don’t know anyone personally in the military? That doesn’t mean you can’t still get involved in the celebrations.

Support veteran-owned businesses.

One of the easiest ways to honor a service member is to support their business. You can order from veteran-owned restaurants, share veteran-owned businesses on social media, shop in their store, and more. Can’t think of any businesses off the top of your head? Check out this directory of veteran-owned businesses.

Encourage others in your community to write thank you letters to those overseas.

A friendly note can go a long way. Spreading the word about programs like Operation Gratitude is a simple but impactful way to let our military know that we appreciate them, especially during a pandemic.

This would be a great thing to share on social media to get the word out about this program and encourage others to participate in Veterans Day celebrations.

Organize a drop off of supplies and thank you notes for those in veteran hospitals.

COVID-19 is undoubtedly a lonely time for everyone, especially those in care facilities and hospitals. Teaming up with friends and family, writing thank you notes, and putting together mini care packages for veterans needing extra care will let them know that their service is much appreciated no matter the circumstances.

COVID-19 has changed many things in all of our lives, but there’s one thing for certain that we shouldn’t have to change: our love and respect for our veterans.

Content proudly provided in partnership with Veterans United Home Loans. NMLS 1907

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Confessions of a #1

October 23, 2020 By C21 Communications

Securing the #1 spot as a top performer may not be easy, but it’s possible. Success isn’t necessarily something that just happens to you. It’s actually, quite the contrary. When you get the opportunity to learn the ropes from others who have implemented key methods that have helped them become #1 in their field, you can’t help but notice a theme. #WhatIf there are methods you could execute, day to day, and mindsets you could put into practice, right now, that could elevate your game 121%? #WhatIf you had the chance to sit down with a seasoned entrepreneur who has weathered the uncertainties of life and business and has come out on top?

Here’s your chance. Recently, we had the opportunity to speak with someone who’s taken success, by the horns, and hasn’t looked back. Joe Villaescusa is not only the Owner of CENTURY 21 Allstars in Pico Rivera, California, but he’s a top performer; and not just any top performer but, a #relentless one.

Don’t believe us? Read on.

Last year, Joe’s office closed over $18 million in sales with over 1800 closings. If that’s not enough, CENTURY 21 AllStars is on track to knock it out of the park again this year. To top that off (we know, right?) Joe has recovered from COVID19 and has worked each day to regain his momentum and build his strength. As you can see, it’s not just Joe’s tenacity but it’s the grit and grind mindset he’s taken on, day in and day out.

So here’s what you’ve been waiting for. Here are our top three confessions from Joe that he says has helped him to become a #1:

Show yourself accountable every day.- “We didn’t get into this business to be average.” Joe believes you don’t become complacent overnight. Over time, when you aren’t accountable to mentors and leaders, complacency can have a way of sneaking up on you. Allowing this to go on without the right accountability can lead to an overall lack of motivation before you realize it. Surround yourself with others who have reached milestones and goals, you’d like to achieve, to help you to push yourself and remain motivated.
Remove your choices so you have to do it “this way.”- When you have too many options, it can become second nature to choose the easiest route. The housing market crash of 2006, Joe says, helped him to develop a discipline in making decisions to help with his personal development and the growth of his business. “When your options are eliminated, you are forced to make decisions with what you have,” Joe says. During the crash, the options available to expand Joe’s business was greatly diminished. This put him in a position to have to choose the more difficult routes, in making day to day decisions. He’s been able to carry this mindset with him, even after the market made a turn for the better. When making decisions, it’s not uncommon to have a mix of easier and difficult choices among your options. Try removing the easier choices that don’t carry character developing challenges.
Get enough sleep.- This goes without saying. According to the CDC, one-third of adults don’t get enough sleep. Joe recommends getting a good night’s rest to get your day started bright and early. “If you can get out of the bed, you are 50% of the way there,” he says. Being intentional about getting adequate rest can help avoid playing the “catch up game” and set your things in motion to start your days off strong.

It’s a slow and steady pace that can lead one to a #1 spot but it’s not impossible. Be patient with your journey and surround yourself with others that are crushing goals you hope to accomplish. Being intentional about your growth and success is key and can help you #AlwaysElevate your game!

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The Top Secondary MSAs for CRE Investment

October 13, 2020 By C21 Communications

Which metro areas have performed best during the coronavirus pandemic?

COVID-19 has had a substantial impact on commercial real estate in top-tier metropolitan areas — particularly the gateway markets, many of which were forced to completely shut down businesses in an effort to control the pandemic. Most secondary markets suffered the same fate, but according to a recent report by data firm Trepp LLC, some fared better than others.

Trepp analyzed the performance of 21 secondary MSAs and created a list of the top 10 areas based on their commercial real estate investment potential. Here are the top five:

1. Austin-Round Rock, Texas. Austin ranked first due to a high rate of population growth, a low unemployment rate, a strong influx of high-tech and warehousing jobs and an increase in new CMBS issuance.

2. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, California. San Jose has strong employment and population growth, low CMBS delinquency rates and a high average occupancy rate.

3. Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, Colorado. Denver saw the largest growth in the total outstanding CMBS balance as well as a low delinquency rate and limited exposure for retail and lodging loans.

4. San Antonio-New Braunfels Texas. The MSA has had strong population growth and a minimal increase in its unemployment rate. The CMBS delinquency rate is low even though retail accounts for the largest balance.

5. Sacramento-Roseville-Arden-Arcade, California. The MSA ranks relatively high due to its average occupancy rate and low CMBS delinquency rate.

Wondering which MSAs didn’t perform as well? The lowest-ranking secondary metros were Cleveland-Elyria, Ohio and Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, Minn.-Wisc. Both MSAs had high delinquency and unemployment rates.

For more information, click here or use the contact information below.

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The Top Secondary MSAs for CRE Investment

October 13, 2020 By C21 Communications

Which metro areas have performed best during the coronavirus pandemic?

Trepp analyzed the performance of 21 secondary MSAs and created a list of the top 10 areas based on their commercial real estate investment potential. Here are the top five:

2. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, California. San Jose has strong employment and population growth, low CMBS delinquency rates and a high average occupancy rate.

3. Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, Colorado. Denver saw the largest growth in the total outstanding CMBS balance as well as a low delinquency rate and limited exposure for retail and lodging loans.

5. Sacramento-Roseville-Arden-Arcade, California. The MSA ranks relatively high due to its average occupancy rate and low CMBS delinquency rate.

For more information, click here or use the contact information below.

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PAVING THE WAY: Century 21 Latina Leaders Empower Tomorrow’s Real Estate Entrepreneurs

October 8, 2020 By C21 Communications

The real estate industry is one which uniquely serves communities across the country with one common goal, to help Americans achieve the dream of homeownership. From differences in gender to ethnicity to sexual orientation, the diverse makeup of home buyers and sellers has never been more prominent. And when it comes to delivering the extraordinary for these unique groups, the power of representation has never been more important than it is right now. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage month, Century 21 Real Estate is proud to honor the communities we serve and the relentless professionals who represent us on the front lines.

PAVING THE WAY: Century 21 Latina Leaders Empower Tomorrow’s Real Estate Entrepreneurs image 1

Did you know that the number of Latino business owners in the United States has surged by 34 percent over the past decade?[1] In an industry where 10% of Realtors® identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino[2], the number of brokers/owners leading the way continues to grow. This month we sat down with three of our top-performing Latina business leaders and 2020 NAHREP Top 250 honorees, Peggy Clemente of CENTURY 21 Keystone Realty, Paulina Hurtado of CENTURY 21 Global Connections Realty, and Peggy Pratt Calle of CENTURY 21 North East, to learn what drives them and how they’re breaking barriers for future generations of Hispanic real estate entrepreneurs.

In the world of entrepreneurship, we know that mentorship is a critical factor in driving success, especially among the Hispanic community. How has this played a role in your career?

PRATT CALLE: Throughout my career, I have learned that you can find mentors in many places. From my first broker to a loan officer I worked with earlier on, inspiration came from both within and outside my office. Today, I am proud to mentor fellow Latinas looking to make their way in business including the admins in my office and a high school intern who worked with us last year. It is so important to pay it forward.

HURTADO: Mentorship and having a support system are critical to succeeding in any career. I was lucky to have an extremely supportive father who encouraged me to get my real estate license after a few years working in the banking and mortgage industry. He had his license as well and I had the chance to work side-by-side with him in the same office learning from the ground up. I owe a lot of my success to him and the support of other great agents that I worked with throughout my career. Now I make it a part of my mission to mentor the agents in my office and truly commit to their success.

CLEMENTE: My first broker taught me to do the right thing and always put the interests of our clients’ ahead of our own. When I started my own brokerage, I wanted to be able to pass on the knowledge and experience I had gained over the years to my agents. I’m also a huge supporter of the Century 21 Empowering Latinas scholarship program. When I first heard about it, I was so proud to hear that C21 was giving opportunities to talented, smart and hard-working Latinas who wouldn’t typically have the resources to become licensed and the support to start their own business with a globally recognized brand.

What’s the best piece of advice you ever got and what’s your advice to other Hispanic real estate entrepreneurs just starting out in this industry?

HURTADO: My father once told me to “always work hard and push yourself, even when things feel like they will fall apart – you will find a way to make it happen.” My advice to others is to never stop seeking ways to grow. Pursue your dream and use your passion to fuel your desire for success. Real estate is not easy but determination and hard work will get you there.

CLEMENTE: The best advice I received was preparation meets opportunity and failing to plan is planning to fail. A few pieces of advice from me: believe in yourself, never give up and never stop learning; be honest and do for your clients what you would do for yourself and surround yourself with likeminded people that help you rise.

PRATT CALLE: The best advice I got was simple: Stay true to yourself. For those starting out, I’d say always help your client to do what’s best for them and their family. Even if it means, in that moment that you’re not making money, trust me it will come back to you tenfold.

What key things can today’s real estate agents do to drive growth within the Hispanic market?

CLEMENTE: The top three things you should do are: understand the culture and what drives them, provide value by educating your clients and most importantly become involved in the Hispanic community as much as you can.

HURTADO: One of the most important things that agents can do is to gain the trust of the Hispanic community by being supportive, knowledgeable and available. Many members of the community are faced with language barriers, lack of knowledge of the laws related to real estate and loan qualification requirements. As agents, it’s up to you to provide this information in a way that is relevant to the client and serve as their guide as we help them achieve their dream of home ownership.

PRATT CALLE: The first thing you should do is educate yourself, whether it’s taking advantage of online classes right now or joining organizations such as NAHREP, to gain that understanding of both the industry and the culture. Then, most importantly, really listen to your clients. Learn what worries them, what drives them and put their needs first.

As Century 21 gets ready to celebrate its 50-year milestone, what do you envision for the future of your own business?

CLEMENTE: My goal is to grow a multicultural brokerage of highly skilled and educated professionals that goes above and beyond to meet their clients’ and community’s needs, goals and expectations.

PRATT CALLE: I run a small team. My vision is for them to grow and learn as much from me as possible so that they can prosper in their own businesses. Building a team that is empowered and self-sufficient also allows me to free up my own time to focus on growth.

HURTADO: My vision is to create an environment where my agents can grow and become successful, not just professionally but on the personal side as well. My desire as a leader is to influence those around me, instill the desire to achieve and provide the tools necessary to do that. My ultimate vision is to achieve greatness as a team!

To learn more about the CENTURY 21 Empowering Latinas program, visit: C21EmpoweringLatinas.com

If you have questions related to the CENTURY 21 Brand and Franchising,

please visit century21.com/about-us/franchise.

[1] Stanford Graduate School of Business Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative, 2019 State of Latino Entrepreneurship Report, https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/sites/default/files/publication-pdf/report-slei-state-latino-entrepreneurship-2019.pdf

[2] 2020 National Association of Realtors Member Profile, https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/nar-member-profile-realtors-used-more-technology-cited-inventory-constraints

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Roof Talk

October 5, 2020 By C21 Communications

The unsung hero of a house, the roof is an essential construction and design element.

Though it sometimes doesn’t seem to be given as much consideration as other design elements, a house’s roof is a vital feature, both aesthetically and functionally. A roof is almost like a hat: some provide more shade than others; some are better for warm weather, and some are better for cold. Some are complex and trendy, while others are simple and straightforward. The difference is that you don’t need a hat to complete an ensemble, but you do need a roof to complete a house.

Compared with things like square footage, kitchen countertops and outdoor space, roofs sometimes sit low on the list of factors affecting home-buying decisions—but perhaps we should pay them more attention. There are countless designs, each with its own set of pros and cons. Different roofs are better suited for different environments, and each option offers various features that might affect how you enjoy your home. Here, you’ll find an overview of the roof variations that you’re likely to come across in your house search.

Hip

The earliest examples of the hip roof design date back to the 18th century, when the clean, handsome style was used atop buildings in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Compared with the gable, the hip roof is slightly more complex; instead of two slopes, the hip roof has four, which meet at points, or “hips.” This makes for a more wind-resistant design that is still capable of allowing water drainage, with the added advantage of a consistent, level fascia that enables full gutter installation around the house. A downside is that more seams and valleys mean more opportunities for potential water leaks to occur, but as long as the roof has been properly installed, this shouldn’t cause much concern. Aesthetically, the hip roof is favored by those looking for a bungalow or cottage look, and the design is said to potentially increase property value.

Gable

This classic structure, which is commonly found atop homes throughout the United States, consists of two roof sections that slope in opposite directions from a ridge. It’s a simple design, and one that has stood the test of time; gable roofs date all the way back to ancient Greece. Part of the reason that architects have long favored the gable roof is its functionality—the sloped design works as a drainage system that easily allows water or snow to run into the gutters, and the simplicity of the design means less potential for leaks and damage. Homeowners often favor a gable roof because of the amount of space it allows beneath—and because of its classic appearance.

In many environments, a gable roof is practical and sturdy, but in windy areas or those prone to hurricanes, they’re not always the best option. Under extreme conditions, the upper part of the roof can trap in wind that might build up and peel off roofing material—or even lift the roof from the frame of the house itself. With built-up snow and strong winds, gable roofs have been known to collapse. If gables are what you’re looking for, just ensure that you’ve inspected the quality of construction before you buy.

Dutch Gable

This roofing style is the result of the gable and the hip joining forces. The Dutch gable (also known as the gablet) comprises a shallow hip roof topped with a smaller gable roof, which allows for a greater amount of space (provided by the gable) and a sturdier structure with a gutter running the full way around (courtesy of the hip roof). The Dutch gable was first popularized during the Renaissance, and it made its way into Europe in the following centuries. A Dutch gable adds a little more architectural interest than a simple gable or hip roof, and with the addition of a window in the gablet, natural light is maximized. And while the paired constructions mean more materials and a complex design that takes more effort to build and maintain, the end result is striking and multifunctional.

Manard

Named after the French architect François Mansart, who was designing buildings during the baroque period of the 17th century, the mansard roof emerged crowning the tops of châteaus and grand townhouses throughout France. If you’re looking for some je ne sais quoi, the mansard roof delivers. The style is characterized by four roof sides that each contain two slopes, and decorative dormer windows. Devotees of this style love the extra space beneath the roof, which is substantial given the almost-flat upper slope and virtually vertical lower slope. The additional light from the dormers, better heat distribution and high-class look are other drawcards.

The design is not ideal for extreme weather regions; due to the flatter upper slope, the drainage system of the roof is not as efficient as compared to other, simpler options. Maintenance and repair costs can also be high due to the flat surface and the introduction of dormer windows.

Butterfly

As architectural styles evolved, roof design began to appear on some homes as their defining feature. The butterfly roof, although first used in 1930 by Le Corbusier in Chile, was popularized through mid-century modern design in Southern California in the late 1950s, and has been heavily associated with that movement in the years since—though it is still not particularly common. Also referred to as an inverted gable, the butterfly roof is named for its two surfaces that slope down from opposing edges to form a valley in the middle. The roof is appealing to home buyers for a few reasons, including its water-collecting design, and the taller external walls that support the higher edges of the roof, which allow for the installation of larger windows.

Butterfly roofs are notoriously difficult to build and maintain, and they can be pricey to install. They also don’t fare well with snow, which is why you’ll largely find this style in warmer environments like Palm Springs. But the aesthetic interest that comes from this silhouette is arresting, and perfectly suited to those who favor the mid-century look.

Flat

A persistent trend in modern design is simplicity and minimalism, and you can’t get much more minimal than a flat roof. And although they are now a marker of modernism, flat roofs have long been used in Middle Eastern building due to their simplicity, cost-efficiency and ability to keep out the sun’s heat. When roofing materials became more advanced, the style spread across Europe and into the United States.

Despite appearances, these roofs are not completely flat; they are designed with a slight pitch to allow water drainage, but they’re also flat enough to be used for a terrace or rooftop garden. A clean, crisp silhouette is achieved with a flat roof, allowing other features of the building design to shine.

The biggest drawback to a flat roof is the minimal slope as water buildup can cause damage, but advanced, modern roofing materials have largely solved that problem. These include single-layer membranes made of neoprene or polyvinyl chloride (PVC); modified bitumen, which gives durability and a rubber-like characteristic; and built-up roofing (BUR), which consists of several layers of materials designed to mitigate water infiltration.

The roofs that crown our homes have changed and adapted a lot over the years. Yet, whether your preference for roofing is a new architectural style or an innovative way of building, a roof will always have one central mission: to cover our heads.

Illustrations by Kane Grose. This article was originally published in the CENTURY 21 Fine Homes & Estates Magazine.

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Working Together as a Team: Negotiating with Commercial Tenants During COVID-19

September 24, 2020 By C21 Communications

The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread mandatory closures of all types of commercial properties. These closures, along with reduced consumer spending, have hampered business operations and created challenges for many businesses that lease office and industrial properties – some of which have asked their landlords for assistance in the form of rent abatements or deferrals.

Landlords facing this issue should refer to a research brief issued by the NAIOP Research Foundation that identifies best practices for triaging office and industrial tenant requests, offering reasonable accommodations to those tenants who need short-term assistance and responding to affected tenants.

Based on input from brokers and building owners as well as NAIOP data, the brief identified these common practices:

Rent relief. Building owners are generally willing to offer tenants reasonable rent relief to help them weather short-term disruptions due to COVID-19. The most common practice is to offer tenants a few months of deferred – not forgiven – rent that can be repaid over the remainder of the lease. Some landlords also agree to rent abatements, but only in exchange for a longer lease term.
Due diligence. Owners commonly request tenant financials to confirm that the request for relief is due to COVID-19 and to determine if the tenant is able to fulfill the lease terms.
Lender assistance. Many owners seek assistance from their own lenders to help them pay for property maintenance, taxes and insurance during periods when tenants are deferring rent payments. Lenders have been amenable to borrowers deferring principal payments as long as they can demonstrate need and maintain the property.

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Working Together as a Team: Negotiating with Commercial Tenants During COVID-19

September 24, 2020 By C21 Communications

Based on input from brokers and building owners as well as NAIOP data, the brief identified these common practices:

Rent relief. Building owners are generally willing to offer tenants reasonable rent relief to help them weather short-term disruptions due to COVID-19. The most common practice is to offer tenants a few months of deferred – not forgiven – rent that can be repaid over the remainder of the lease. Some landlords also agree to rent abatements, but only in exchange for a longer lease term.
Due diligence. Owners commonly request tenant financials to confirm that the request for relief is due to COVID-19 and to determine if the tenant is able to fulfill the lease terms.
Lender assistance. Many owners seek assistance from their own lenders to help them pay for property maintenance, taxes and insurance during periods when tenants are deferring rent payments. Lenders have been amenable to borrowers deferring principal payments as long as they can demonstrate need and maintain the property.

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The Power of the Network is the Network

September 24, 2020 By C21 Communications

Being a part of the CENTURY 21® Network gives each broker and agent access to a host of tools, tech resources, training, marketing materials, and some beautiful branding. But time and time again brokers and agents alike emphasize the valuable relationships that they’ve built with others around the country as the reason why they love this gold brand so much. Since 1971, members of the CENTURY 21 Network have been able to turn to fellow real estate professionals around the world for support with running their office, managing their business, and navigating the ups and downs of the market. With knowledge gathered from coast to coast (and beyond), CENTURY 21 affiliated brokers and agents expand their skills, gain new insights and ideas, and defy mediocrity together.

FROM ALASKA TO NEW JERSEY

An unlikely relationship under any other circumstances, Jessie Hoff from CENTURY 21 JRS in New Jersey and Mike VanSickle from CENTURY 21 Gold Rush Alaska, text regularly. Whether it’s to discuss difficulties with a new agent, looking for help with a new lease agreement, or just to vent about the changing real estate market, the support that Jessie experiences from Mike in Alaska helped her to survive a tumultuous transition into office management.

Jessie began her career in real estate as an agent in 2005 at CENTURY 21 JRS. After attending the brand’s International Management Academy* in 2015, she began to transition into a manager-lite position in her office. Shortly afterwards, her broker and mentor suddenly passed away. The closely-knit office was thrown into chaos and struggled to pick up the pieces. Jessie began to lead the office but, “constantly felt like I was drowning.” With nowhere else to turn Jessie began to lean on the relationships that she’d just begun to build at CENTURY 21. “I felt so alone during that time, so in over my head.” Jessie attended as many brand events as she could, seeking out wisdom and advice from whoever she met.

The Power of the Network is the Network image 1

And the CENTURY 21 Network did not disappoint. Fellow brokers gave tough advice, asked hard questions, and then offered to look through and fix up her contracts and documents. Emerging from years of navigating her company’s loss, Jessie attributes her success as now the company owner to the relationships that she has with other CENTURY 21 brokers – like Mike in Alaska.

TRANSPARENCY IN REAL TIME

The value of the CENTURY 21 Network has perhaps never more apparent than in 2020. As offices struggled to navigate the volatile market at the start of the pandemic, brokers were eager to share what they’d learned and resources that they’d compiled. CENTURY 21 president and CEO, Mike Miedler ran regular sessions for all brokers and agents where topics like transitioning to a virtual environment, market analysis, and mental health were discussed.

In early March, details were shared in one of these sessions on how to apply for agent and office funding via a PPP loan. The next day, the requirements changed. Melanie Banks and Ken Murawski, from CENTURY 21 Veterans in PA, created a YouTube video on how an agent should apply for their own loan and how they had completed the application as an office. Shared with brokers in their area, this tutorial went into details on how to enter agent wages, office expenses, as well as what to keep in mind when choosing a bank to apply through. The time and effort that Melanie’s video saved offices was invaluable as Real Estate had been deemed a non-essential business in PA. Local brokers came together for a weekly call where best practices were shared both while their offices were closed and then as the state began to re-open. CENTURY 21 Jackson Real Estate was located in one of the first counties that reopened in PA. They put together documents on how to run virtual open houses, as well as where to find compliant PPE for showing homes. Sharing knowledge transparently in real time helped PA brokers to survive months of uncertainty.

SUPPORT, NOT COMPETITION

The connections formed between brokers across the Network are so valuable that some have created groups that regularly meet to share best practices and resources. In meetings of the CENTURY 21® broker-organized Broker Business Advocacy Association, members are able to be open and be vulnerable about the issues they’re dealing with. Sensitive topics like value packages and recruiting are frequently addressed with sample contracts, recruiting materials, and comp plans compiled into a resource center without fear of competition. The group’s president Fernando Semiao from CENTURY 21 Semiao and Associates in New Jersey states that, “Because of the diversity of the group, we’ve been able to clearly distinguish myth from reality in real estate, especially when it comes to our competition. This has helped us put together strong value packages, pulling pieces from each of ours to create the very best version that we couldn’t have made alone.”

Another significant benefit for Semiao are the referrals that he’s received from feeder markets in Texas, Florida, and North Carolina. In the last few years, he estimates to have completed almost 100 deals based on referrals from the group. Holding about 6 huddles each year, the originally regional group recently opened their doors to any broker within the Network.

“IF I HAVE SEEN FURTHER IT IS BY STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS.”

The desire that brokers have to transparently collaborate and share with the CENTURY 21 Network is especially invaluable for growing companies. The top 100 female brokers recently created a group where they’re able to candidly discuss the trials and successes that they’ve experienced as women in real estate. While women make up 67% of real estate sales associates in the US, yet more men lead real estate companies as a broker-owner (NAR 2019 Member Profile.) The mentorship that the owners of the smaller companies in the group are able to access from women who run some of the most successful companies in the Network has radically changed their mentality towards the way that they’re able to grow their business.

The Power of the Network is the Network image 2

Chrissie Wright, a broker from CENTURY 21 Wright-Pace Real Estate in Arkansas, recently posted on Workplace, the CENTURY 21 internal communications platform, searching for any advice on building a mortgage business in house. She had first been inspired to streamline the real estate process for her clients after attending a brand event focused on elevating the customer experience. “I’m trying to create a one stop shop. I’ve seen other C21® brokers do the same thing who found it very successful. Our markets and demographics may be different, but every consumer is looking for a seamless experience.” She began by bringing a closing company in house, choosing the final moment of the real estate process as her starting point. After successfully implementing the new process where clients physically come into her office to sign their closing paperwork, Chrissie was ready to take the next step.

Because of her post on Workplace, Chrissie connected with another CENTURY 21 broker who was looking to do the same thing. They are now researching together how to best bring a mortgage company in house. “The network is what keeps me here, the ability to build ideas off each other. Everyone is very honest and willing to share their opinions. They’re willing to tell about their success and failures. C21 has a lot of history and knowledge between the agents, brokers, and the corporate team that we can learn from and use as a guide.”

The insights and connections that brokers and agents gain access to simply by being a member of the brand might come freely, but their value is priceless. From the brokers just starting out to those looking to bring their business to the next level, there is someone who has been there before. The comradery, support, and transparency that’s the norm within the CENTURY 21 Network is exactly what makes it so powerful.

*The International Management Academy is a training program designed for CENTURY 21® Franchisees, Responsible Brokers, and Senior Management team members. The focus of the course includes recommendations on effectively leveraging the CENTURY 21® brand in order to position companies for growth including attracting and retaining agents and developing strong business strategies in 4 core areas: Recruiting and Retention, Agent Productivity, Agent Coaching and Development, and Company and Office Culture

Syndicated via Century 21®. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/kwAdIYv5qoQ/

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