Featured Archives - CENTURY 21 MarketLink Realty

Century 21® 2022-07-26 09:32:39

July 26, 2022 By C21 Communications

Eugene F. Pridgett III, owner of CENTURY 21 The Gene Group in Dayton, Ohio, has a long list of roles he’s played: Air Force veteran, stockbroker, software engineer, real estate broker, business owner, husband. Now he can add another – television star.

He was recently featured in an episode of “Military Makeover: Operation Career,” hosted by Montel Williams highlighting Century 21 Real Estate LLC. This special episode explored how the real estate industry and the CENTURY 21® brand provides great opportunities for military service members looking for a new profession as they transition to civilian life.

The CENTURY 21 brand is proud to support veterans who affiliate with a CENTURY 21 brokerage through its exclusive Recruiting America’s Heroes program for newly retired veterans, transitioning veterans, active military, reservists, military spouses and surviving military spouses. Where applicable, participating agents receive up to 40% off the online real estate pre-licensing course, up to 40% off continuing education courses through the CE Shops (in select states) and a welcome gift from the CENTURY 21 brand.

Skills That Last a Lifetime

Gene enlisted in the Air Force after college, specializing in avionics and programming software for F15 fighter jets. “It was my job to get the sorties in the air,” Gene says, which meant being responsible for the jet’s software and fixing things that went awry. He learned skills that have lasted a lifetime – analytical problem solving, quick thinking, working under pressure, teamwork, attention to detail, dedication to serving.

He expected these would translate well to a career as a stockbroker after he left the military, but ironically, it was the sales part that didn’t suit the future real estate broker. “I was too truthful. I’d tell clients, ‘You know, this isn’t a smart move because these fees are crazy. You can’t make the kind of money you’re looking for this way.’ Finance is, obviously, all about the money, but I was more about watching out for my clients’ interests.”

So, he returned to what he knew best, beginning what would become a 20-year career in software engineering for a major aerospace corporation that supported the military. Gene worked in configuration management, ensuring completed software was clean with no backdoors or additional software added in that could create issues.

Looking for a new challenge after two decades, he again turned to those invaluable skills he learned in the Air Force. Real estate had always interested him, so he began investing in and flipping houses. Over time, he developed algorithms to identify the best investment opportunities and how to best evaluate properties. (Because that’s what you do when you’re an ex-military software engineer who goes into real estate.)

What he found was that he loved helping people more than anything.

(Don’t) “Show Me the Money”

“It all came back to that foundation of service, which is what the military is all about – I wasn’t the warfighter, I supported the warfighter. Anything you do consistently over time becomes the baseline, becomes absorbed. Our greatest purpose on this planet is to be of service to others. You never see a
U-Haul following a hearse, because you can’t take it with you. I wasn’t in it for the money.”

So, he earned his real estate and then broker’s license and started his own independent brokerage. As his business grew, the offers started coming in – offers to merge, be purchased, affiliate with a brand. He’d always listen politely to what they had in mind, but he was never interested because they were always just about the money.

“When the CENTURY 21 brand approached me, they talked about a partnership, and that got my attention. My affiliated agents know I’m not sitting in the command quarter making decisions, I’m out on the battlefield with them,” Gene says, peppering his comments with military terms. “The CENTURY 21 brand operated the same way as me. I was talking to the heads of the departments and the president and CEO, Mike Miedler. They have approximately 14,000 offices, but he took the time to get to know me. I could reach out to him if I needed to talk, and that meant a lot. It still does.”

Gene was also attracted to the brand’s 50-year track record and reputation as the most recognized and respected name in real estate¹. “The CENTURY 21 name is known around the world, which makes a big difference. They also had a robust tool set and systems that allowed me to plug in and help me grow my business. I didn’t have to reinvent the wheel and I didn’t have to use any tools that maybe didn’t align with my approach.”

Military – The Making of a Good Agent

Gene has seen from experience that veterans often make great real estate agents because of their transferable skills. Both the military and real estate are all about service and working toward the greater good. Veterans are dependable and value consistency, so they seek careers with systems and processes in place that create predictable outcomes. They’re very goal oriented and excellent problem solvers. They’re used to quality training so they can continuously improve and grow their skills. They want a reliable source of correction when things start to go off track, so they’re very coachable. They thrive in environments where they work alongside leaders who want to contribute to their success for a mutually beneficial outcome.

“A diamond is coal – the only difference is pressure. Veterans have just been under different pressures. That’s not saying the diamond is better than the coal, because the coal will heat your home. It’s just that we need to be in a different setting to be our best. And I think real estate is that type of setting.”

While he doesn’t specifically focus on recruiting veterans, they naturally find their way to him based on his proximity to the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. But he says most of his military-related agents are actually military or veteran spouses, which he considers to be veterans, too. “When your spouse is active duty, you are, too. You’re part of the squadron.”

Hungry and Humble

CENTURY 21 The Gene Group currently has 40 affiliated agents in Dayton and four in Cincinnati, with another 30 in the queue waiting to affiliate. But he’s very selective about who he chooses to partner with.

“They have to be hungry and humble. When I meet with prospects, I tell them real estate is work, it’s effort. You have a great responsibility and there will be challenges. But you’re the one that helps clients work through the emotions of buying and selling a home. You are their trusted advisor, and you have to be committed to that.”

Gene lives by three rules, both in business and in life:

Do what’s right because it’s right.
Trust can’t be granted – it must be earned.
Give more than you expect to receive.

“If you’re not in alignment with these, you won’t be a good fit for my brokerage.”

Many of the agents Gene affiliates are new to real estate, which is by design because he can mentor them on the right way to do things. He developed an onboarding system that helps agents move from “green to gold” quickly. There’s a team that walks them through the affiliation process, helps with the paperwork, orders business cards and guides them on all aspects of real estate. His goal is to remove obstacles and decision fatigue, so they remain excited about their new profession and do not become overwhelmed.

He also plugs them into everything the brand offers, from C21 University® to the marketing and productivity tools. “If they want to go into commercial real estate, build a team – whatever direction they want to head in, I know the CENTURY 21 brand and I can help them.”

Working with agents and supporting them as they build a business has been a perfect match with Gene’s focus on service. “I’ve always met sales milestones and that’s been great. But helping an agent make an income she never thought was possible, enough to take her kids to Disney World – that means so much more to me.”

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, the typical agent handles 9-10 transactions a year². “Those statistics are based on the wind shear agents face. But what if I could take that wind shear away? That’s what I’m trying to do – create an environment where challenges are minimized so agents can grow faster and go farther with the right systems and tools. My philosophy is, ‘If you want to go fast, go it alone. If you want to go far, go with a team. If you want to go real far and real fast, go with us!’”

Wind shear… Spoken like a true aerospace engineer.

Serving Those Who Serve

The Realogy Military Rewards program, available through Anywhere Real Estate Inc. (formerly Realogy Holdings Corp.), the parent company of Century 21 Real Estate LLC, supports military and veteran family homebuyers and sellers by offering $350-$7,500 in cash back³ after closing when they buy and/or sell a home with a participating agent, based on the home sale and/or purchase price.

CENTURY 21 The Gene Group is also invested in supporting members of the military who are relocating to or from the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Gene believes having a veteran leading the agency adds a level of confidence because they know he understands their unique challenges.

Gene’s team has a special process in place to help military clients with a PCS (permanent change of station), who typically have a very limited time to find a home and a tight deadline to move. Prior to the client arriving, they have several phone conversations to understand their needs and aspirations. The agent blocks several days off and prepares a showing execution plan so properties that meet their criteria are lined up and ready to view. His team shows them how to apply for VA financing, walks them through making an offer, and ideally, they leave with a contract so there’s one less thing to worry about.

Gene quotes Chaka Khan lyrics to illustrate his relentless approach to service, whether it’s to relocating military families, non-military clients or agents: “Through the fire, to the limit, to the wall.”

And that perfectly sums up how Gene rolls.

¹ Study Source: 2021 Ad Tracking Study. The survey results are based on 1,200 online interviews with a national random sample of adults (ages 18+) who are equal decision makers in real estate transactions and active in the real estate market (bought or sold a home within the past two years or, plan to purchase or sell a home within the next two years). Brand awareness question based on a sample of 1,200 respondents. Results are significant at a 90% confidence level, with a margin of error of +/-2.4%. Recognition question based on consumers aware of brand in question. Results are significant at a 90% confidence level, with a margin of error of +/- 2.4%.

The study was conducted by Kantar Group Limited (formerly Millward Brown), a leading global market research organization, from November 9-27, 2021.

² 2021 National Association of REALTORS® Member Profile.

³ The cash back bonus is offered in most states. In some states, a gift card or commission reduction at closing may be provided in lieu of the cash back bonus. The program is not available for employer-sponsored relocations or transactions in Iowa or outside the United States. The cash back bonus is not available in Alaska and Oklahoma. In Kansas and Tennessee, a MasterCard MAX gift card will be issued. In Mississippi, New Jersey, and Oregon, a commission reduction may be available at closing. The cash back bonus is only available with the purchase and/or sale of your home through the use of a program-introduced real estate agent. The actual amount you receive is based on the purchase and/or sale price of your home. The program award is not available in certain transactions with restricted agent commissions (including many new construction, For Sale by Owner, or For Sale by iBuyer transactions). Your assigned agent can help you identify any transactions where the award would not be available. All real estate commissions are negotiable. Other terms and conditions may apply. This is not a solicitation if you are already represented by a real estate broker. Please check with a program coordinator for details. Program terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice. Additional terms, conditions, and restrictions apply.

©2022 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All rights reserved. CENTURY 21® and the CENTURY 21 Logo are trademarks of Century 21 Real Estate LLC. The CENTURY 21® System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. This is not intended, and shall not be deemed to constitute, an offer to sell a franchise. Franchise offerings made only by a Franchise Disclosure Document. THESE FRANCHISES HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE FRANCHISE INVESTMENT LAW OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. SUCH REGISTRATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE APPROVAL, RECOMMENDATION OR ENDORSEMENT BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORPORATIONS NOR A FINDING BY THE COMMISSIONER THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN IS TRUE, COMPLETE AND NOT MISLEADING. This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by a prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. Such filing does not constitute approval by the Department of Law. The Minnesota registration number for this franchise system is #F186. Century 21 Real Estate LLC, 175 Park Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940.

The post first appeared on Century 21®.

Syndicated via Century 21®. Source: https://www.century21.com/real-estate-blog/11925-2/

Defying Mediocrity is Game Changing

June 3, 2022 By C21 Communications

21 Years with the CENTURY 21® brand

When Jamie Skeen boldly purchased his town’s largest brokerage after fewer than two years as an agent and just two years out of college, some thought he was crazy. But this game-changing move kicked off an illustrious professional path as the broker/owner of CENTURY 21 Legacy in Northeast Tennessee.

In his (quite fittingly) 21^st year with the CENTURY 21® brand, it’s no surprise that Jamie has been named to the 2022 RealTrends Game Changers list. Honoring those who have dramatically grown their brokerage in the past five years – a time when the real estate industry was shuttered by a global pandemic and the virtual halting of the economy – Jamie significantly grew his brokerage.

CENTURY 21 Legacy is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, boasting 10 offices that stretch from Athens, just north of Chattanooga through Maryville to Knoxville, the tourist meccas of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Townsend, and up to Greeneville, Johnson City and Kingsport, just south of the Virginia border. A Greeneville native, Jamie is passionate about the local communities and the picturesque mountains, which he explores on his two American Quarter horses.

Starting with just 24 agents in 2003, CENTURY 21 Legacy has skyrocketed to 330 agents. Last year, CENTURY 21 Legacy was the #1 CENTURY 21 company in Tennessee in units, and the #8 CENTURY 21 company in units in the US.

Defying Mediocrity is Game Changing image 1

Best Thing That’s Ever Happened to My Business

After acquiring the former CENTURY 21 Billy Williams & Associates, Jamie continued to sell real estate personally while managing his growing brokerage. Just five years into business, the subprime mortgage crisis hit, forcing him to quickly change his priorities. He found the most crucial need was coaching nervous agents on how to handle the challenging market and recession. But in crisis, he found a new purpose. He quit personal production and began devoting all his time to running the brokerage and providing the services, coaching, tools and training agents needed to handle the challenging market and recession. Ensuring agents had the ability to be relentless and succeed became his top priority.

“It was a tough time, but it was probably the best thing that’s ever happened to my business. I realized I couldn’t continue to run a company that size and continue to sell. You get to the point where you ask yourself: am I going to work in my business or on my business? It was a big change in mindset, but I knew I couldn’t do it all and do it well.”

Jamie’s experience has taught him that each market has its own unique set of circumstances. In 2008, inventory was high and sellers were desperate, but there were few buyers. Today, buyers are plentiful but exhausted by the low inventory, and competition for listings is fierce. Despite the two markets being almost complete opposites, the impact on agents can be quite similar.

“Regardless of how the market is performing, agents want the same things — support, services, more leads, better training and a beneficial split.”

That’s when working with the CENTURY 21 brand, the most recognized name in real estate and the most respected brand in the industry* is invaluable. Jamie shows agents how the C21® brand offers quality leads, industry-leading tools that help agents work more efficiently, as well as valuable support and coaching, which agents can use to significantly impact their success. In the end, Jamie knows these resources can position an agent to relentlessly manage any market.

One Big Family

After 21 years with the CENTURY 21 brand – considerable longevity for any broker, but especially one who joined so early in his professional – Jamie says it’s had a tremendous impact on his business.

“It’s like one big family. From the brand team to the brokers, they care and are always willing to help. From day one, I’ve had great learning opportunities and the support to help me succeed as I grew in my profession. I can still call the brand team or other C21 affiliated brokers, and they’re always available to offer advice and answer questions. The C21 brand has given me what I need, and the collaboration has helped me so much.”

Jamie particularly values the sharing culture, especially among the broker/owners. From the start, he focused on building relationships with larger C21 affiliated brokers to ask questions and hear their perspectives on challenges and opportunities. It’s something he continues today, and he also readily passes on what he’s learned to other brokers who are starting out.

Creating a Legacy

Throughout his professional growth, Jamie’s business philosophy has been simple – do the right thing.

“When you focus on doing the right thing for your agents to succeed, consumers will achieve their homeownership dreams. By running a business based on solid ethics, you usually win in the end.”

It’s clear that giving back is baked into the brokerage’s DNA. Jamie created a ”Leaving a Legacy” fund, which enables agents to contribute part of their commissions as a charitable donation, and Jamie matches a portion. At the end of the year, part of the fund is donated to Easterseals by the brokerage — the CENTURY 21 brand has supported Easterseals since 1979. Then each office gets to choose a local community charity to donate the rest of the funds raised, so they make a local impact.

Through this program, CENTURY 21 Legacy is the #1 contributing CENTURY 21 company in Tennessee for Easterseals and has donated more than $200,000 dollars to Easterseals and local charities since 2017.

With CENTURY 21 Legacy’s focus on giving back, you might assume the name CENTURY 21 Legacy was chosen because Jamie wanted to create a legacy of charitable giving. But it was actually inspired by the previous owner.

“Billy Williams was someone I really looked up to. He was one of the first brokers in Tennessee to start a franchise, the president of the Tennessee Association of REALTORS® and was always just the most professional, progressive guy. I saw he was leaving a legacy in our community, the real estate industry and within the CENTURY 21 network, and I wanted to continue that legacy.”

It must be working, because Billy’s son, Mark Williams, remains affiliated with CENTURY 21 Legacy and is a top-producing and CENTURY 21 Hall of Fame agent. “He’s just as solid as his dad, too.”

Jamie has a message to any brokers considering becoming a CENTURY 21 franchisee: “This is probably the number one move you can make for your business. The level of support is incredible, and the tools and systems will make a significant difference.”

Would he ever consider leaving the C21 family? Jamie admits that during one renewal, he did shop around with other brands, and he’s glad that he did.

“It was an important business decision, so I wanted to make sure that I was making the right choice. And what I found just reinforced that I was in the right place. There was no comparison, so I ran back and renewed. I didn’t really realize how far ahead the C21 brand was, until I looked!”

The post Defying Mediocrity is Game Changing first appeared on Century 21®.

Syndicated via Century 21®. Source: https://www.century21.com/real-estate-blog/11911-2/

Robert Hirsch 2020’s- It’s a trusted name, and we’re cutting edge.

September 8, 2021 By C21 Communications

If you’ve been following our series, we’ve been revisiting each decade, since the start of C21. We’ve strolled through the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, the ‘00s, and we are wrapping up with 2020 and beyond. We’ve accomplished so much, as a brand, and we’ve been celebrating our 50^th, with our #relentless affiliates who continue to defy and deliver, day in and day out.

We spoke with Robert Hirsch of CENTURY 21 Downtown in Baltimore, Maryland and he began to share his sentiments on how impactful its been, is, and will be, as a CENTURY 21 Real Estate agent. We’ll be honest. We had no intentions of speaking so futuristically with Robert but once he began to share his thoughts of where the brand is going and what it means for him, well, keep reading.

Joining the ranks of our #relentless in 1975, Robert has been with CENTURY 21 Real Estate for his entire career.

“I never imagined you could have a career that would last 45 years.”

Robert says he believes that C21 has provided him with everything he’s needed, over the years to grow his business and it’s survived even through the most challenging times of real estate. He says, with such a trusted name, like CENTURY 21 Real Estate behind you, you’re a player in the game, despite the competition.

As Robert shared the things he remembered most, throughout his career, he talked about every intention the brand has made to remain progressive to help affiliates have an edge in the market. From the gold blazers to being one of the 1^st real estate brands to leverage television for advertising, he recalls a simpler time to when Co-Founders Art Bartlett and Marsch Fisher would personally visit the awards parties, hosted by offices across each region.

“They were approachable. Corporate is still very approachable.”

Over the course of Robert’s 45 years in real estate, he posed a question.

“ The C21 technology makes us a player, right off the bat. Are you brand new? You’ve got all these resources.

Why reinvent the wheel, when you don’t have to?”

Robert Hirsch 2020's- It's a trusted name, and we're cutting edge. image 1

When he started as a small office with two dozen agents, he realized he was surrounded by other real estate companies who were larger and who had been around longer. Robert says, because he was with C21, he had all the print material, support, and marketing collateral he needed, which he says, made him equal to the companies that had a dominant market share. He didn’t have to invent a mailout or a door-hanger. Robert says, this was a game-changer, and it made him a player.

Robert believes that because the brand has always worked to stay ahead of the curve, with technology, it’s given him an edge and that same edge will take his business to the next level.

“It’s a trusted name, and we’re cutting edge. You still have to talk to people, despite things like social media and things becoming generally electronic. When people see C21, by your name, people will talk to you because it’s a nationally recognized name.”

Even when recruiting new agents, Robert shares his sentiment on the direction the brand is going with leveraging the latest technology.

Robert Hirsch 2020's- It's a trusted name, and we're cutting edge. image 2

“C21 is cutting edge and I press this in recruiting meetings. I tell potential recruits that we are a high-tech organization. I mean, you can access our tools, courses and, technology from your bedroom. That is our culture today. It’s become a selling point in how new agents will be able to leverage C21 technology right from where they are.”

Robert believes that as new technology emerges, CENTURY 21 Real Estate will remain ahead of the curve, for the industry. In continuing to take on the latest advancements, and making them available for affiliates to access them, wherever they are, is the leverage, Robert believes, makes CENTURY 21 Real Estate the brand that can take your business to the next decade and beyond. #OurBrandofRelentless

The post Robert Hirsch 2020’s- It’s a trusted name, and we’re cutting edge. first appeared on Century 21®.

Syndicated via Century 21®. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/T2MLJOLUkU8/

OJ Rodriguez 2010’s- “Keeping up with the times.”

August 3, 2021 By C21 Communications

For many decades, whether it was from a television commercial, a newspaper advertisement, a yard sign, or from our signature gold blazers, CENTURY 21 Real Estate had become a household name. We’ve been sharing the stories of our #relentless, who’ve been a part of our growth and momentum, throughout the decades, and though each recount was different, there have been consistencies from every story.

As a brand, we’ve been intentional from the start, in defying mediocrity and delivering the extraordinary to those who are among our ranks. This mindset is carried throughout our affiliates and has impacted the lives of those who seek to achieve the dream of homeownership, throughout the world. We’ve looked for ways to push the bar and set the standard, and disrupt the real estate industry with unconventional partnerships, progressive marketing, and by offering tools that have helped our affiliates more than keep up with the trends in an ever-changing market.

OJ Rodriguez, of CENTURY 21 Citrus, purchased his first franchise in 1998 and then, fifteen years later, acquired another franchise that opened in 1972. Altogether, he’s celebrating #121wins with 49 years in and CENTURY 21 Citrus topped 2020 in the top 5 for the state of California. When we spoke with OJ about what he remembers most about the 2010s, without hesitation, he shared, “A monumental moment was probably when they did the rebranding.”

OJ Rodriguez 2010's- — CENTURY 21 Real Estate advertisement, prior to the rebrand of 2018.

OJ’s says the branding was more than just a good idea. He believes it was a strategic move, and it’s given agents an edge in today’s competitive market.

Over the decades, OJ says he’s seen the evolution and progression of the brand. Through advertisements, yard signs, and the marketing collateral made available for affiliates, OJ shared that the new branding has a modern and luxury feel that, he says, has helped him reach an extended market.

“Everyone considered the old logo tried and true. In my opinion, trying to go into luxury will be easier because the rebrand looks more like a luxury brand logo than you know.”

In the modern digital age, OJ says, the refresh was needed and helps him keep up with the times. From the colors to the wordmark, to the step and repeat patterns, he’s embraced the new design and is looking forward to the continued momentum of the brand for the next decade.

Be sure to check back in for the last decade we will cover, in this series, as we continue to share the stories of our affiliates who have experienced the evolution of the brand throughout the decades. #OurBrandofRelentless

The post OJ Rodriguez 2010’s- “Keeping up with the times.” first appeared on Century 21®.

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

Sandy Tams 2000’s- The Decision that Saved My Career

July 8, 2021 By C21 Communications

By the start of the 2000s, there had been numerous technological advances that changed the landscape of real estate as we knew it. In hearing some of the stories of our #relentless throughout the decades, we’ve seen how from the start of the ‘70s, through the year 1999, real estate transactions had gone from a handshake to wearing gold blazers as a form of marketing, to CENTURY 21 Real Estate becoming the official sponsor of Major League Baseball. We had many firsts in the real state game all while continuing to push the bar and not settling to just be your average real estate company.

Sandy Tams of CENTURY 21 Beggins Enterprises was no rookie to the industry in the 2000s. She had been in real estate for 30 years, specializing in new home sales. It was the year 2006 when Sandy began being approached by agents and managers from other real estate companies, who encouraged her to join them. Sandy considered but she was looking for a certain level of professionalism and didn’t find it with the companies who initially reached out to her. Then, a CENTURY 21 Real Estate agent encouraged her to give their office a try, and Sandy was introduced to the manager. Sandy said that as soon as she walked through the doors of CENTURY 21 Beggins, she was taken back by the level of professionalism she experienced. It was then, that Sandy left new home sales and became a real estate agent.

Sandy Tams 2000’s- The Decision that Saved My Career image 1

It may be safe to say that most agents can recall the housing crash of 2008. Just after Sandy left new home sales and started her new career as a real estate agent, she says the market crash impacted just about every agent she knew.

“It was a tough time. People were still wanting to buy and sell, and agents didn’t know how much the homes would be from the first time we took clients to view them, until the time they closed.

The struggles we all went through to survive. Commissions were cut, because the value of the property was reduced, and we had to be out there every day, finding a new client or customer. It was because I was a CENTURY 21 [real estate] agent, that I got through it. It was the strength of the brand and the name recognition that definitely helped.”

Sandy Tams 2000’s- The Decision that Saved My Career image 2

“It was a tough time. People were still wanting to buy and sell, and agents didn’t know how much the homes would be from the first time we took clients to view them, until the time they closed.

The post Sandy Tams 2000’s- The Decision that Saved My Career first appeared on Century 21®.

Syndicated via Century 21®. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/xfdCU0m5Pc4/

Inclusivity and Representation Matter

June 25, 2021 By C21 Communications

In October of 2020, David Walsh and Juan Sanchez set out to launch CENTURY 21 Bear Facts Realty in Denver, Colorado. They met over 20 years ago, while both in real estate. David and Juan are both passionate about the empowerment of others, with strong beliefs in the importance of representation and inclusivity. Setting their intentions early on, both David and Juan have had their sights on building culture from the ground up.

After only 8 months, David and Juan have attracted over 20 agents from diverse backgrounds. They’ve taken their knowledge and experience to fill what they call gaps in the market for those who are underrepresented. They believe that knowing and understanding their agents, and what they’re trying to do with their businesses, will help them provide more tailored and customized training to fit each of their agent’s individual needs. David and Juan have strong beliefs that it’s very important to affiliate people who represent, look like, sound like, and think like the clients they are serving in the marketplace, across a broad spectrum of life.

“It has been inspiring to see the growth of our new office since October 2020. As a diversity-based, Latin-owned and LGBT-run new business Juan and I felt strongly about our role in the community and the importance of our agent family being as representative of the broad spectrum of clients they serve.”- David Walsh, Co-Owner of CENTURY 21 Bear Facts Realty

Inclusivity and Representation Matter image 1 — The grand opening of CENTURY 21 Bear Facts Realty. Watch a video from David here.

CENTURY 21 Bear Facts Realty is a 2020 Inclusive Ownership Organization, and when we asked David what that means to him and Juan, he spoke to the bigger picture of how he foresees making an impact outside the four walls of their brand-new office. With a heart for community outreach, the agents of C21 Bear Facts Realty are intentional about reaching out to volunteer and serve others in their market, and to work with other LGBTQ+ and minority-owned businesses to create more representation, and community, as a larger entity.

“Our agent count has grown rather quickly and we have professionals who can serve clients in English, Spanish, German, Czech, Russian, and even Southern Drawl. We have affiliated amazing gay and straight agents in roughly equal numbers and created a collaborative and supportive office environment that values and respects everyone, regardless of their background and lifestyle.” – David Walsh, Co-Owner of CENTURY 21 Bear Facts Realty

Juan is the networker, out of the two, and by David’s own account, Juan has never met a committee he didn’t like. Juan is a part of NAHREP and belongs to the Gay Alliance of Real Estate, and he’s intentional about building those meaningful connections with various organizations to further their efforts of LGBTQ+ representation in real estate.

David and Juan hold to their authenticity and decided on a more tactical approach to building their team. What’s their secret? When we asked David and Juan, their answer was simple. David says, “We decided to take more of a grassroots approach. It’s about building and helping others grow their LGBTQ+ businesses. We are allies with the LGBTQ+ community and other less-represented markets. The companies we partner with, the photographer all the way down to the closing gifts our agents provide to their clients are other LGBTQ+ businesses. This is an effort to cross-market and build partnerships for broader SEO efforts.”

Inclusivity and Representation Matter image 2

Juan, having previously owned a brokerage, shared that since affiliating with CENTURY 21 Real Estate, he’s felt more empowered and supported, by the brand, to help other agents recognize their potential. Juan shared that being a part of C21 has given him an additional value proposition when connecting with agents who, he feels, are the right fit for their office. Leveraging the brand power of CENTURY 21 Real Estate, Juan feels, the tools provided help bring out and empower who they are.

“Real Estate is a very personal business; you make your business your own. If you’re not really being your true self, how can you succeed in your business?” – Juan Sanchez, Co-Owner of CENTURY 21 Bear Facts Realty

David believes that as the country looks different, lives different, and talks different, that it’s important to be capable of helping others achieve the dream of homeownership.

“Less than a year into our fledgling business and partnership with Century 21 [Real Estate], we have already made a difference to a wide swath of the Denver real estate market, learned a lot, and had a great time doing it. This is exactly why Juan and I started this endeavor and this is just the beginning! We can’t wait to grow into what comes next for our team and our business.”– David Walsh, Co-Owner of CENTURY 21 Bear Facts Realty

The post Inclusivity and Representation Matter first appeared on Century 21®.

Syndicated via Century 21®. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/vkvGv1l3lhE/

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!

The post Confessions of a #1 first appeared on Century 21®.

Syndicated via Century 21®. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/JOK91fbrzfY/

This Doesn’t Have to be Awkward

September 22, 2020 By C21 Communications

This time last year, the term “new normal” was unheard of. Fast forward to today, and it’s become a term that just about all of us (like it or not) has adapted as every day language to sum up, the unexpected turn of events of 2020. A year ago, it was common to muster up a casual conversation with someone, while grabbing coffee at your favorite barista. Trying to initiate this same conversation today, and it can become a mildly awkward moment where two people are attempting to speak to one another through muffled words while wearing face masks with misinterpreted hand gestures. When you’ve become accustomed to interpreting facial expressions such as a smile, or someone mouthing the word, “Hello,” the challenge we’ve all come to face, at some point, is how do we continue interacting with one another and building relationships day to day, when our main lines of communication have been impacted through the measures of social distancing? How can we avoid making things awkward?

Century 21 real estate agent, Bernz Fernandez, hasn’t missed a beat with his clients and says he’s found the sweet spot in making things less awkward in his day to day interactions. Building and maintaining relationships is the bread and butter for most real estate professionals and entrepreneurs alike, and the measures of social distancing can make it difficult to communicate and show yourself friendly to others.

In California, when masks were first mandated, Burnz began hand-delivering them to his clients to continue fostering those relationships. “It’s about making sure people understand that you are here to help them,” Burns says. It’s in times like this where you may have to consider thinking outside the box for simple ways to communicate through thoughtful gestures while interacting with those you encounter.

According to psychologists, increased levels of social interaction can cause the hormone oxytocin to be released in the brain. Known as the “soothing hormone” studies have shown the release of this hormone can have a positive impact such as wellbeing, stress reduction, and even health promotion. Though we have a new normal with our person to person interaction, there are other ways we can create non-awkward social experiences. Paul J. Zak, Professor of Economic Sciences, Psychology & Management and Director, Center for Neuroeconomics Studies at Claremont Graduate University, believes that using technology to communicate and stay connected with others may be 80% as effective as face to face interaction.

Entrepreneurs can follow the necessary safety precautions while still building relationships. Implementing technology such as texting, video chatting, email, and social media can be ways to build awareness for your business and simultaneously build the relationships you and your business need. “Social media has helped a lot,” Burns says. “I post a lot about work and personal life and I try to be genuine. People see this and when they see they can learn from you or relate form you, they are more inclined to reach out to you and they feel like they can trust you.” He has continued to generate new leads through the use of social media. He has also used technology as leverage to communicate “what to expect” with his clients during the homebuying process to help put them at ease and build their trust.

Engaging with others doesn’t have to be awkward, and in speaking with Burnz, he shares some of the ways he’s been able to not only continue building his business, despite social distancing measures, but he’s also strengthened relationships and built new ones.

Over iterate- Burnz shares, “I am very expressive and I talk with my hands. I also have very expressive eyebrows.” Even wearing a mask, you can communicate with others in a meaningful way. Whether it’s through a gentle head nod or smiling with your eyes, adding some extra expression can go a long way.
Be sensitive- “I keep things short and quick, in a caring way, instead of going straight to asking them if they want to buy a house. You just don’t know what they’re going through, with all that’s happening,” he says. Putting others first and considering them outside of your work relationship can help build a solid foundation moving forward.
Be authentic- “Be your authentic self. There is only one you and you can’t alter yourself because of what’s happening. Learn to work around you.” Creating authentic workarounds to new communication challenges can help put an end to those awkward encounters.

If you’ve found yourself struggling with what to say, or wondering if the person you said “hello” to as you walked past each other even heard you; know you’re not alone. We are all learning to find our new footing with what’s become our new normal. Taking just a few moments, each day, to intentionally communicate, in a more meaningful way, can help things feel…well, less awkward.

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

Century 21® 2020-08-27 09:27:26

August 27, 2020 By C21 Communications

ALL IN: Building on a foundation for exponential growth

Earlier this year when Broker/Owners Phillip Bolte and Renee Bolte-Stein held a team meeting to announce their decision to affiliate with the C21 Brand and become CENTURY 21 Bolte Real Estate, they knew there was a lot at stake. What can be considered an institution in their area, the Bolte name celebrated a unique history with their local community that extended back to 1936. Not only did they have tenure, they had notable wins as well, all ingrained in an unshakable culture that has carried their company – and clients – through generations. As recent as 2019, the real estate company completed a key acquisition in their local market, effectively growing their reach. All indications point to a successful company with great longevity and momentum. So, from an outsider’s viewpoint one cannot help but wonder, “Why join the C21 Brand now?”

A Good Fit

A general rule of thumb for job seekers is that the interview process is a two-way street – it’s an opportunity for the company to interview you and more importantly, for you to interview the company for fit. The same rules apply when positioning your business for a potential partnership. The CENTURY 21 Brand takes pride in our mission: to defy mediocrity and deliver extraordinary experiences. That is in the DNA of everything we do and business decisions, projects, partnerships, etc. are all taken on with that filter in mind. Spend 5-minutes with Phillip and Renee and the commonalities in their business approach to ours are evident. They often cite their unique company mission, to “have fun, treat people right and make money.” How this translates to business is through their ultimate focus on growth. As Renee said, every decision they make must answer one of two questions, “will this help our brokerage grow? or “will this help our agents grow?” – if the answer is no, they will not move ahead – simple as that. For the C21 Brand, the journey to affiliation did not occur overnight, but was 5-years’ worth of building relationship on both sides of the conversation to evaluate alignment. What was mutually discovered in the process?

We both have a growth-oriented mindset
The desire to continue to improve is core to our success
We believe in delivering exceptional experiences to our clients and maintaining a commitment to excellence by taking a personal approach with customers

The challenge the Bolte team was experiencing is that, despite the efforts they took in working towards some of these needs, they ultimately began to learn there was a limit to what they could achieve on their own when it came to their growth aspirations. With dedicated consultants from the C21-side as well as platforms and resources available to spur growth and productivity, value was supported on both sides of this conversation.

It’s About Time…

But back to that team meeting. CENTURY 21 Bolte Real Estate consists of 48 agents with an agent age range spanning 50 years, the youngest agent clocking in at 24. The decision to affiliate not just extended to their culture and community – but also to their agents, who all have unique needs. A reality they had to consider is this announcement and could result in an agent deciding to leave, also known as breakage. As Phillip recalls, the moment he knew this transition would go well is when the oldest agent in his office, at 74, approached him after the announcement and simply said, “it’s about time.” What it showed Bolte leadership was that their team recognized there was more opportunity out there to individually – and collectively achieve their goals. The transition to the CENTURY 21 Brand for the Bolte team ultimately saw 0 breakage. What’s more, despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across the U.S., the company had two consecutive record-breaking months in June and July 2020. They went into that meeting confident, and cautiously optimistic. They came out on the other side – ready.

Bolte 2.0

According to the Harvard Business Review, there are two qualities to be a coachable person: demonstrate a commitment to development and have the capacity to reach a desired skill level. Our team across the global C21 network all have that in common – despite our location in the world, we are all 121% committed to delivering extraordinary and we are dedicated to success. This common denominator came into play in affiliating with CENTURY 21 Bolte. The Bolte team has a long history of being trailblazers in their own right, going back to their founder, Ann Bolte being the first female Broker in Ohio. In addition, they understood the importance of technology in their business but often felt it was a challenge to maintain a competitive edge. That combination of qualities opened the door for the C21 Brand to provide the right resources to the Bolte team to make these attainable realities. The Bolte team is a leader in their local market and arguably know the real estate landscape in their area better than anyone, they made the conscious decision to become students of the brand – and absorb all of the learning, training and tech opportunities they could from Century 21 Real Estate. This allowed that team to build on their fundamentals and create a new space to push through the barriers they might have previously experienced and effectively impact their business with best-in-class resources.

The best way Phillip captured the company’s reasoning to affiliate, “we knew it was something we had to do – to get to the next level…and once we committed, we were all in.” There are some things that just won’t change. Although Buckeyes might visit CENTURY 21 Bolte Real Estate to a slightly different name and look, the fundamentals of this organization are sound, steeped in 80-years’ worth of growth and culture that has left – and will continue to – leave an indelible mark on the communities they serve in the Northern/Central Ohio area.

Syndicated via Century 21®. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/9Cmv55Mc9jI/