iRealtee OS Glossary

Century 21

Founded in 1971 by Arthur E. Bartlett and Marsh Fisher in Orange County, California, Century 21 Real Estate LLC has grown into one of the world's largest reside...

Century 21

Century 21 is an American real estate franchise company that provides independent brokers and agents with branding, training, and operational support to conduct property sales and leasing services globally.

Founded in 1971 by Arthur E. Bartlett and Marsh Fisher in Orange County, California, Century 21 Real Estate LLC has grown into one of the world's largest residential real estate sales organizations. The system consists of approximately 14,250 independently owned and operated franchise broker offices across 86 countries and territories, with over 147,000 sales professionals.

Core Mandate

Century 21 operates as a franchisor that:

  • Licenses the CENTURY 21® brand to independent real estate brokerages
  • Provides marketing, technology, and training resources to franchisees
  • Maintains brand standards and quality control across its global network
  • Supports brokers and agents in delivering real estate transaction services

The company's stated mission is to "defy mediocrity and deliver extraordinary experiences" in real estate transactions.

Key Services

  • Brand Licensing: Franchisees gain access to the CENTURY 21® trademark, logo, and marketing materials
  • Technology Platform: Proprietary tools for listing management, client relationship management, and transaction coordination
  • Training Programs: Education and certification courses for agents and brokers
  • Marketing Support: National advertising campaigns and local marketing resources
  • Global Referral Network: Access to leads and referrals across 86 countries

Franchise Structure

Century 21 operates on a franchise model with the following general structure:

  • Initial Franchise Fee: USD 0–25,000 (varies by market and office type)
  • Royalty Fee: 6% of gross revenue (minimum USD 500/month)
  • Total Investment Range: USD 24,700–456,750 (conversion offices: USD 34,670–279,000)
  • Net Worth Requirement: USD 150,000
  • Liquid Capital Requirement: USD 75,000

Jurisdiction

Century 21's international headquarters is located in Madison, New Jersey, USA. The franchise operates in 86 countries and territories worldwide through master franchise agreements and direct franchising arrangements.

Philippine Real Estate Context

While Century 21 does not have a significant presence in the Philippines as of 2025, its franchise model serves as a reference point for Philippine real estate organizations seeking to understand international brokerage structures.

Philippine brokerages comparing their operations to Century 21 should note key differences:

  • Licensing: Philippine real estate brokers must be PRC-licensed under RA 9646 (RESA Law), unlike the US where licensing requirements vary by state
  • Commission Structures: Philippine brokerages typically use commission schemes that may include network-based or multi-level structures, whereas Century 21 franchises generally operate on traditional split commission models
  • Regulatory Oversight: Philippine brokerages answer to DHSUD for developer-related compliance and PRC for professional licensing, compared to state-level regulation in the US

For Philippine realty hub operators evaluating franchise versus independent brokerage models, Century 21's approach demonstrates how brand recognition, standardized training, and technology platforms can scale real estate operations across multiple offices.

Official Resources

References

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