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]]>Century 21 Granite Realty Group Inc. recently announced its merger with Century 21 All Seasons Realty. Led by broker Brandon Nimigon, the brokerage has been serving the Haliburton, Ontario area since 2021.
‘A great fit for everyone’
Nimigon started with Century 21 Canada in 2015 as an agent and took over the brokerage in 2021. As for the reason he decided to merge with All Seasons Realty, he sought a brokerage similar in location and culture.
The merged group now operates five offices in Haliburton, Algonquin Highlands, Bancroft and Minden.
“We have similar markets, similar clients and agents with a wide expertise in cottage country,” Nimigon explains. “We’ve already had the chance to work together for years and they’re a close-knit group just like us. Our abutting borders make this merger a great fit for everyone.”
What the future holds
Looking to the future, Nimigon seeks to continue growing the brand’s presence in the area and its culture of collaboration that has been successful for both brokerages.
“This is going to be a great opportunity for all of us to grow our expertise in the area, strengthen our brokerage name throughout cottage country and build a stronger referral network between our two areas,” he says.
Merger will benefit ‘every single agent’ serving Central Ontario communities
Nimigon notes that Century 21 Canada has consistently provided support for their agents and owners, including through technology: “Their online tools are second to none and the personal backing we receive from their corporate head office has always been great. That tied in with one of the strongest brands in real estate is why we all choose C21.”
“We really encourage our brokers to find ways to collaborate and become stronger together,” says Todd Shyiak, executive vice president of Century 21 Canada.
“This merger will lead to a much stronger brand presence in Central Ontario which will benefit every single agent who serves those communities, and of course, Brandon and the leadership team at C21 Granite will have our full support as he brings these two brokerages together.”
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]]>The post Canadian housing prices hold steady with movement toward more affordable communities: Century 21 appeared first on REM.
]]>Canadian housing prices per square foot have generally remained stable in the first half of the year, with exceptions highlighting families are moving to more affordable communities, both close by and in other provinces, Century 21 Canada’s eighth annual Price per Square Foot survey found.
The survey compares prices in nearly 50 communities from January 1 to June 30, revealing data trends dating back to 2018 for both larger centres and smaller communities.
Regional insights
In Ontario, British Columbia and Atlantic Canada, prices remained steady, with some gains in smaller markets and suburbs. Downtown condominium prices declined, indicating continued migration away from metropolitan cores.
Significant price jumps were seen in Alberta markets including Calgary and Edmonton, though prices per square foot remain below those in B.C., Quebec and Ontario. Prairie provinces saw more moderate price increases.
Major condominium markets
In Alberta, Calgary condominium prices rose by over 17 per cent, and those in Edmonton by nearly 10 per cent. High River topped increases with more than 22 per cent, but remains affordable at $285 per square foot. Condominiums in Vancouver (the highest priced in Canada), Toronto and Montreal saw modest dips in price per square foot.
Historical pricing and sales levels
Even with some declines, pricing has not fallen below 2021 levels in any market. Sales volumes across Canada have declined from 2021 and 2022, particularly in larger cities.
“A number of our brokers are experiencing a slower market when compared to the conditions of just two years ago,” says Todd Shyiak, executive vice president of Century 21 Canada.
What’s next
“While across the Prairies and Atlantic provinces the market is quite active and balanced, increasing inventory and hesitant buyers in the GTA and the Lower Mainland (Vancouver and area) are resulting in a ‘wait and see’ market,” Shyiak notes. “With the next possible rate cut coming on July 24 buyers may be extending their ‘wait and see’ approach until the fall.”
He explains that inventory and interest rates will likely be major factors influencing future prices.
“Ultimately, we don’t know what the next six months holds for our housing prices, but it’s important not to get too focused on any single year and look at each data point within the larger context of ever-evolving trends. That’s why this survey becomes more valuable year-over-year, because it allows us to see the big picture of Canadian housing.”
Review the full report, including regional summaries, here.
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]]>The post Century 21 Green Realty renews contract with Century 21 Canada appeared first on REM.
]]>Century 21 Green Realty in Mississauga recently renewed its long-term contract with Century 21 Canada, after 15 years.
Franchise owner Lakhvir Randhawa joined Century 21 Canada in 2009 as the owner of Century 21 Green Realty. Its main office serves Mississauga and the broader GTA. The team also operates branch and satellite offices in Mississauga and Milton.
A consistently-ranked, award-winning top office
In its first year, the company achieved Gold Medallion status. Then, throughout the next decade, they reached Grand Centurion status, the highest honor the company gives offices within its system. As well, the franchise has consistently ranked among the top offices in Century 21’s global network.
Randhawa’s franchise has grown to 265, including agents and support staff. “Our mission is dedicated to being the premier full-service brokerage,” he explains. “We are committed to supporting, empowering and guiding real estate agents, buyers and sellers alike. Our unwavering focus on providing unparalleled service, expertise and personalized attention ensures that our agents achieve their business goals with confidence and success.”
“Our entire head office team is looking forward to being there for their journey for many years to come”
The franchise gives back to its community by hosting an annual golf tournament that supports Easter Seals Canada. This summer will mark the seventh year.
“A franchise is only as strong as its people, and under Lakhvir’s leadership, the team at Century 21 Green is stronger than ever!” says Todd Shyiak, executive vice president of Century 21 Canada. “We are honored to have supported their growth and watched them come this far, and our entire head office team is looking forward to being there for their journey for many years to come.”
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]]>The post Century 21 names Edmonton brokerage Masters brokerage of the year appeared first on REM.
]]>Century 21 Masters of Edmonton was honoured with Century 21’s Franchise of the Year award this month in Calgary at OneC21 2023, the brand’s national network conference.
The award is given by the company’s head office to a franchise that’s consistently shown record success, contributed to their local community and helped fundraise for the brand’s national charitable partner, Easter Seals.
This was the first time the brokerage earned the title since opening in 2004.
“It meant so much to accept the award in a room full of fellow C21 network members who I respect and admire,” says co-owner Geneva Tetreault. “Rarely do we get to truly say thank you to the people who have helped us, and we are so proud to work with an amazing and inspirational group of agents who help us to be better each and every day.”
Tetreault has been with Century 21 Canada since 2004, while the brokerage’s other owner, James Mabey, has run his company since 2006. They joined forces in 2018. “Over the last five years we have been able to find a new level of drive, growth, passion and success,” Tetreault explains.
“Geneva and James have really brought out the best in their team, they’re an incredible pair of leaders, and they continue to take their brokerage to new heights,” says Todd Shyiak, Executive Vice President of Century 21 Canada. “They’ve come so far in five years and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for them. We’re committed to supporting their growth every single step of the way.”
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]]>The post Century 21 refocuses on growth in Quebec, names new VP of operations appeared first on REM.
]]>The post How one brokerage defies the odds and boosts agent retention appeared first on REM.
]]>I sat down with Gary Busch, owner of Century 21 Fusion in Saskatoon, to hear his thoughts on how to beat this statistic and discovered that his office is already ahead of the curve.
Busch shares that at his brokerage, 70 per cent of new agents make it to their third year, and it all comes down to implementing strategies for onboarding, development, engagement and making sure that no agent falls through the cracks.
Start strong on day one
“An agent joins your office with knowledge from their real estate course, but they don’t actually know how to sell,” Busch explains. In his experience, new agents want to jump in headfirst and find the biggest listings they can get, but what they really need is a solid foundation of skills.
“That’s where onboarding comes in. They need to know the basics to move on to the next level. You’ve got to learn how to run an open house, how to talk to people, how construction works.”
A lot of onboarding programs don’t go further than a few Zoom meetings outlining what training programs are available, but a hands-on approach will make an agent feel like part of a team from the get-go and give a good broker a chance to not only teach them the fundamentals but connect them with essential staff.
Busch explains, “New agents are given ‘passports,’ which take them through business essentials while connecting them with different people in the office.
“We don’t leave anyone out, and my staff can sit down with each agent one-on-one and walk them through their department. It’s a bit of a culture shock, but they need the building blocks, and to build those up, you have to start at the bottom.”
The job’s not done once they know the ropes
So, you’ve done everything you can to set your new agent up for success. Does the job end there? Absolutely not.
Agents are constantly learning and growing, and a big part of success in retention is recognizing that they still need guidance even as they settle into a new brokerage.
“We have constant professional development classes,” Busch says. “We aren’t just teaching how to open a lock box; we discuss business philosophies, we have in-house lawyers and condo professionals to offer expertise, and it’s ongoing learning all the time.”
This philosophy of ongoing development will result in excited and engaged agents who recognize their broker’s commitment to helping them grow and, as a result, not only stay loyal but become valuable sources of success testimonials for future recruits.
“I see my agents as my clients, and my staff and I will do whatever we can to get them comfortable with our programs. We’ll take the scariness out of all the technology, sit down with them one-on-one to teach them what they need to know, and that not only creates loyalty, it creates a better agent.”
Also offering an in-house marketing team to let agents focus on the nuts and bolts of getting and selling listings, Busch’s methods prove that providing value to agents can result in long-term dedication.
Build a culture that leaves an impression
Once you’re doing everything you can to help agents grow and develop, take a page out of Busch’s book and consider your company culture.
“We’re always looking to do things that treat people like family,” he says. “No agent is just a name or a number; we are transparent with them; we tell them how our business is going. Weekly meetings are very important to us, and we spend a lot of time preparing for each one to make it as engaging as possible so that they’re open to sharing their ideas.”
It’s not all business, though, and the Century 21 Fusion “fun committee” is hard at work year-round planning social events, from the Christmas party to family barbeques to hockey and lacrosse games.
A culture of collaboration and openness keeps agents engaged and helps them see that they have a broker willing to go the extra mile to ensure their company is a place that takes care of its own.
In talking with Busch, it’s clear that the work he and his team have put into onboarding and training is paying off, but none of it would be possible without a broker who genuinely cares enough to put in the effort with every agent.
If a broker wants to see their new recruits succeed well into their fifth, sixth and tenth year, they need to reach out. Have an open door policy and make the time to check in, whether that’s five minutes or two hours. Send updates about the company and help them feel like they have a stake in its success from the moment they walk through the front doors.
I hope any broker who wants to get their agents more engaged finds inspiration in Busch’s strategies for success. And if you’re an agent who might be new to the industry, maybe that three-year statistic doesn’t seem so scary if you’re willing to work with your broker to chart a path to success.
Chiyoko Kakino is senior vice president of Brand Growth at CENTURY 21 Canada, and host of The Real Estate: Real Success Podcast.
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]]>With an illustrious career spanning over four decades, Kelleher is defying the odds, remaining committed to serving the needs of homebuyers and sellers in her community.
Trailblazing a path in a male-dominated industry
Back in 1969, when the real estate industry was predominantly male-dominated, Kelleher embarked on her real estate career with an unwavering determination to break through the glass ceiling.
As a single mother at the time, she navigated the challenges and obstacles with resilience and emerged as a successful female real estate broker. In 1978, Kelleher founded Century 21 Kelleher Real Estate Inc. Brokerage, which has since become one of the longest-running franchises under the brand.
Fond memories of the “gold jacket era”
Reflecting on her early days in the industry, Kelleher recalls the nostalgia-inducing “gold jacket era,” where wearing a gold jacket signified being a real estate professional. The jacket served as a conversation starter, Kelleher remembers. “Back then, everyone assumed you worked in real estate when you wore a gold jacket. By wearing it, you could meet so many potential clients.”
A close-knit work family and community involvement
At present, Kelleher Real Estate Inc. consists of a small team of five agents, some of whom have been with the brokerage for an impressive 30 years.
The close-knit group considers themselves not only colleagues but also a work family. Even outside of office hours, they make time to meet for coffee, fostering strong bonds that have endured over the years.
Community engagement has always been a priority for Kelleher. She fondly recalls the brokerage’s annual car wash fundraisers, which supported Century 21’s national charitable partner, Easter Seals Canada.
Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, Kelleher continues to lend a helping hand to those in need, assisting with grocery shopping and other necessities in her spare time.
A driving force for an active lifestyle and meaningful connections
When asked about her decision to keep working rather than retiring, Kelleher emphasizes the importance of staying active and connected to the community.
“Working allows me to get out of the house, talk to people, and be a part of the community; I am not the type of person who wants to stay at home all day doing nothing,” she explains.
“My biggest high is when I am putting together and presenting an offer. I cannot even sleep on those days because I am so excited; it is such a wonderful feeling.”
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]]>The post Swimming for a cause: Century 21 United Realty helps raise $40,000 for charity appeared first on REM.
]]>“Honoring my father’s tradition is really important to me personally,” Oake-Hogan says. “The agents themselves that are a part of our brokerage really do appreciate that they’re part of an organization that does support our local community.”
While the event is back at full strength, she is well aware of the lingering effects of the past few years and stresses the importance of continuing with traditions, especially ones that help so many. “We embraced the fact that we could go full-swing this year and be back to normal. It’s ingrained in our culture as a company to be a part of the community, and our communities are definitely in need right now. A lot of cities across Canada are managing rising numbers of addictions and mental health issues, and here in Peterborough, we’re tight-knit. We support the people around us.”
That support manifested in teams of participants coming out to take a dive for the hour-long swim — some of them even had extra flair. “We know that not everyone might want to come out in a bathing suit, so we encourage people to have some fun. Some people jump in wearing their office clothes, some people like to dress up, and my favourite costume from this year was a fluffy unicorn — it added twenty pounds, so I’m not sure how he finished the lap, but he did!”
Overall, the event raised just over $40,000, with proceeds going towards Easter Seals Canada, and local Rotary Club projects, including youth emergency services, a school breakfast program, and a new nursing station at Camp Kawartha.
Oake-Hogan is already looking forward to 2024 and how the event will evolve. “We want to see more teams; we’re going to encourage more groups to come out and bring back everyone who came this year. And more costumes! We just want everyone to feel comfortable being a part of this, and we’re going to try to build on everything we’ve accomplished this year.”
The Carl Oake Rotary Swim was started by Carl Oake in 1987 and has raised over $1.2 million over its history.
The Carl Oake Rotary Swim, image courtesy Century 21
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]]>The post Century 21 welcomes new team member appeared first on REM.
]]>A realtor since 2021, Roberts covers Princeton, B.C. and the surrounding area. According to a press release from Judy Klassen, managing broker at Horizon West, Roberts joined the team to take advantage of the company’s technology platform.
She grew up in Fernie, B.C., and has a passion for the industry and interior design. Roberts prides herself in providing quality service to build relationships with clients and create a positive experience.
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]]>The post Century 21 names Heritage House Franchise of the Year appeared first on REM.
]]>The award honours one franchise in the national brand’s system that has not only had a successful year in business but also strengthened its ties to its local community and contributed to Century 21’s official charity partner, Easter Seals Canada.
“We have been with Century 21 Canada since 1978, and this is our first time winning this award,” says Nick Lalli, broker and owner of Heritage House. “There are so many great franchises in our network, and it’s incredibly special and motivating to be ranked as the best in the country.”
Heritage House earned the distinction after earning Centurion status (the brand’s highest award for top-performing offices) every year since 1986 and ranking among the Top 30 of Century 21 Canada offices since 1990.
In October 2021, they acquired Redline Properties in Brantford, Ont. and are currently represented in six locations, with four satellite offices and 187 agents. Additionally, the company has raised more than $200,000 for Easter Seals Canada.
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