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Decorate Your Walls with These Alternatives to Basic Frames
Decorate Your Walls with These Alternatives to Basic Frames
You have a lot of décor for your walls, but you’re getting a little tired of using the same old basic black frames. Make sure your favourite photos get the attention they deserve with these stylish alternatives.
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Mounted plaques
If you like the look of gallery walls, turning your photos into mounted plaques is a sleek option that allows you to try different layouts to suit the size of your wall. A few removable strips to the back will also make removal and rearrangement a breeze, no nails or backing wire required.
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Canvas Wraps
If you have a wide wall and a lot of blank space, canvas wraps could be the perfect solution. The texture of canvas can be very forgiving for low-resolution photos, and the process is substantially cheaper than professional framing for a piece of the same size. You’ll have a great conversation piece in your home and a piece that will surely last for years to come.
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Hanging Poster Frame
A modern twist on old-fashioned tapestry hangings, these sleek poster frames are as simple as a wooden strip on the top and bottom of your poster to keep it in place. It’s sleek and unobtrusive, so if you’re tight on space and want to maximize the look of your poster or photo, this could be the best solution. The wooden strips are held together by magnets, so you’ll have no problem switching out the poster to suit your mood.
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Photo light strings
Polaroids are making a comeback, and if you want to display these in a fun way, grab some string lights and a handful of clothespins. Affix your lights to the wall with small hooks or non-marking tape and pin your photos along the line – it’s that easy!
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Floating glass frames
If you want the structure of frames but want to avoid the wood edges and thick mats, floating glass frames are sleek, modern looking and fit in well with any design style. Since the photo or print can sit however you’d like it to in the frame, this is also a great option if you have something that doesn’t fit the standard frame sizes.
Monthly Features
DIY Project: DIY Floral Photo Hoop
A great piece of decoration for an event or just for your home, this cute photo hoop will let you show off your design style as well as your memories.
Recipe: Greek Couscous Salad
A filling and hearty salad that mixes colourful ingredients and bursts with flavour. Throw it together as a dinner side or make ahead for a great weekday lunch.
CENTURY 21 Quantum Realty aims to become a big part of Edmonton real estate
February 26, 2024, Edmonton – One of Edmonton’s top real estate agents has struck out on his own to helm the wheel at his own brokerage. Tushar Bhutani, formerly a RE/MAX agent, has opened the doors of CENTURY 21 Quantum Realty and has big plans for his new path as a brokerage owner.
“I have been in real estate since 2015 and also ranked as one of the top agents in Edmonton for the RE/MAX brand throughout my tenure with them since 2016 to 2023 until I decided to open up my own brokerage and transition myself into C21 brand,” says Tushar. When the time came for him to take his career in a new direction, CENTURY 21 Canada was top of mind and the support he received from the beginning played a large part in his decision to choose the legacy brand as his new home.
“They have such a strong brand presence throughout the province, and I was really impressed by the technology offered to agents to use in their business. The CENTURY 21 Canada team had such a quick response time when I first inquired about opening a C21 franchise, and the support from their management has remained strong to this day.”
Looking to the future, Tushar has big plans to grow his brokerage into a fixture in the Edmonton region. “I want to have the most agents, and the most deals,” he says. “In my past offices and when I was looking for brokerages to work with, I kept finding gaps, especially in supporting agents’ success. Now that I have my own office, I want to implement these systems that will help agents succeed, and I’ve had a great response so far. Now I want to continue this momentum.”
“Tushar has come in with so much enthusiasm and we want to help him every step of the way as he implements his big plans,” says Todd Shyiak, Executive Vice President of CENTURY 21 Canada. “We pride ourselves on standing out amongst Canadian real estate brands because of the level of support we provide our brokers, and they know that our entire head office team is ready to help them succeed.”
A big part of the agent success plan that Tushar envisions is a team atmosphere where every one of his agents can find support and prosper. “I want to hire a mix of new and experienced agents, so that those of different skill levels can find mentorship and support. By thinking of human support first and foremost for my agents, I am sure I will be able to make this office one of the most successful ones with the CENTURY 21 brand.”
CENTURY 21 Quantum Realty opened in December 2023 and already has 13 agents as part of their franchise. Additionally, Tushar Bhutani earned a CENTURION Producer award from the brand for the 2023 fiscal year.
Carl Oake Rotary Swim marks 38 years of a beloved Peterborough tradition
Peterborough, ON (March 2024) – For another year, the Peterborough YMCA hosted a beloved community tradition, the Carl Oake Rotary Swim. CENTURY 21 United Realty and the Peterborough Rotary Club brought the event to life, continuing a 38-year streak of supporting the local community and Easter Seals Canada.
Vanessa Oake Hogan, owner of CENTURY 21 United Realty, took up the mantle of pulling the event together from her father. “[Our Dad] put so much into this event every year, and he built so much momentum that it wouldn’t make sense not to carry it on. It’s great to see the ambassadors from the organizations where the money is donated come out to support the event, and it feels great for all of us to give back to the community.”
This year’s event saw 19 teams compete, including the Special Olympics swim team, which has been participating for five years. In addition to supporting Easter Seals Canada, the national charitable partner of CENTURY 21 Canada, the event raised funds for a literacy non-profit, Breakfast for Kids, and local homeless shelters.
“We’re a close community here in Peterborough, and it’s so important to our company that we support the people around us,” says Oake Hogan. To better include everyone who wanted to participate in the swim, this year saw the addition of the ‘Cannonball’ and the ‘Floating Catwalk’ challenge for anyone who could not join the swim or were supporting the event solo. “It was a great addition, I think it’s definitely something we would want to continue.”
One of this year’s supporters was the local lacrosse team, the CENTURY 21 Lakers, which CENTURY 21 United Realty has been a major sponsor of since 2014. The brokerage recently renewed their sponsorship for another three seasons. “This partnership made sense for a lot of reasons. One being community support and I think there is synergy in partnerships like this. The team benefits, our team benefits and I think the community benefits from this partnership (and) I know it’s valuable to our agents to see us being a part of the community this way.”
The Lakers donated $1000 towards this year’s Swim, and with the funds raised over the history of this event, the total has now reached over $1.4 million.
Make Spring Cleaning a Year-Round Habit
Make Spring Cleaning a Year-Round Habit
The weather’s turning sunny and it’s the perfect opportunity to clear out your entire house – but if you find yourself feeling daunted by the prospect of a marathon cleaning session, why not plan to make spring cleaning an all-season goal? These steps will help you keep on top of your big cleaning chores from spring all the way to winter, so you spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying the sunshine.
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Make a list of your big cleaning chores
You probably have a regular cleaning schedule for your counters and floors, but there are parts of your home that don’t get tackled very regularly. Take the time to list out the places you don’t often get to, such as the top of your fridge or the spot behind your toilet. Think about the chores that are more time intensive, such as changing air filters or deep-cleaning your carpets.
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Track your chores on a yearly schedule
Spring cleaning is a great opportunity to tackle some underserved areas of your home, but it can be overwhelming to tackle everything at once. Instead, spread out the list of your annual or semi-annual cleaning projects so that you only tackle one a month. This way, you don’t get intimidated by your to-do list and you keep a regular eye on the hidden corners of your home, so there are no surprises come spring.
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Plan your time wisely
An often overlooked part of cleaning is thinking about how much time each task takes. When putting your cleaning schedule together, mixing and matching tasks of different time-intensities will keep things even month to month. Or maybe you expect certain times of the year to be busier than the others, in which case you’ll be able to manage your chore list and time as effectively as possible.
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Find your favourite way to stay on track
Now that you’ve got yourself organized, you have to stick to your schedule! But making a plan is one thing and sticking to it can be hard after the first couple of months. Be sure to utilize the tracking system that works for you – you might like a wall chart to easily visualize what needs to be done, or a phone calendar with regular notifications. And if rewards keep you on track, then be sure to treat yourself when you cross something off your list!
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Teamwork makes the dream work
Whether you live with roommates or want to split chores among your kids, having more than one set of hands can make keeping the house clean a breeze. Think about whether it would be better if each person alternated months or if everyone should take a chore – this might be the better option if younger helpers need supervision!
Monthly Features
DIY Project: 8 Homemade Cleaners you can make at home
Get out stubborn stains with ingredients you can find in your own kitchen! Besides being free of potentially harmful chemicals, they’re a cheaper alternative to store brands.
Recipe: Overnight Pineapple Banana Oatmeal
Start your day right with this healthy breakfast packed with protein! Bursting with flavours from the fruit, you’ll have energy to last the whole day.
CENTURY 21 Green Realty renews long-term contract with CENTURY 21 Canada
March 2024, Mississauga – CENTURY 21 Green Realty in Mississauga has chosen to renew their contract with CENTURY 21 Canada long-term, continuing a relationship with the legacy brand that has produced numerous accolades and fifteen years of continued success.
Franchise owner Lakhvir Randhawa joined CENTURY 21 Canada in 2009 as the owner of CENTURY 21 Green Realty, and in its first year, the company achieved Gold Medallion® status. The climb over the next decade would see them epitomize excellence and reach Grand CENTURION® status, the highest honour given to offices within the CENTURY 21 Canada system. CENTURY 21 Green Realty has consistently ranked among the top offices in the Global Century 21 network, most recently as the #21 Office by Production in the world for the 2023 fiscal year.
Randhawa has grown his franchise to 265 strong, 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.”
CENTURY 21 Green Realty is also the host of an annual golf tournament in support of Easter Seals Canada, the brand’s national charitable partner, which is now looking forward to its seventh outing later this summer.
“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 honoured 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.”
CENTURY 21 Green Realty’s main office serves Mississauga and the broader GTA. They also operate branch and satellite offices in Mississauga and Milton.
How homebuyers can tune out the noise and navigate a difficult housing market
The Mortgage Pre-Qualification Tool by CENTUM Financial Group for CENTURY 21 Canada helps buyers take the first step
It’s no secret that the housing market is currently going through its fair share of ups and downs, and prospective homebuyers are feeling the emotional rollercoaster. Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions of your life and many potential homebuyers are quickly overwhelmed.
“There’s no end to the alarmist headlines, from interest rate hikes to inventory stats to endless market analyses,” says Todd Shyiak, executive vice-president of the CENTURY 21 Canada real estate brand. “Naturally, anyone who’s thinking of entering the market is hesitant to make any big moves and we see the ripple effect of that throughout the industry.”
But there are ways for buyers to regain confidence, and a big part of that comes from knowing what they need and what they can afford. Reaching out to a mortgage broker is a good step, but one that a gun-shy buyer may not be ready to take. Still, even if they’re unsure how serious they are about committing to a search, they’ll only benefit from having a hard number to work with. That was the driving factor behind a collaboration between CENTURY 21 Canada and Centum Financial Group, which resulted in their cutting-edge Mortgage Pre-Qualification Tool.
“We realized there wasn’t anything for a consumer to do once they found a listing they liked, but didn’t know if they could afford it,” explains Chris Turcotte, president and CEO of Centum Financial Group. “We wanted them to have a strong idea of what payments they could expect to make and whether or not that fit their lifestyle. That way, when they were ready to reach out to an agent or a mortgage broker, they could have productive conversations and, if necessary, make quick decisions with a high degree of confidence.”
Mortgage pre-qualification isn’t a binding agreement, so if it turns out buyers aren’t ready to take that step, then they’ll have the advantage of a number in the back of their mind whenever they decide to return to that search. And as interest rates fluctuate or more inventory comes into the housing market, having concrete information will stave off the stress that comes from doomsday headlines or the next analyst trying to predict the future.
“At the end of the day, we can only make informed predictions about what the housing market will do, but we can’t make any guarantees,” says Turcotte. “If you’re in the market for a new home, take the time to know your numbers and take control where you can — more preparation means less stress in the long run.”
To search for listings and try out the Mortgage Pre-Qualification Tool, visit c21.ca.
How You Can Use Feng Shui Practices to Improve Your Space
How You Can Use Feng Shui Practices to Improve Your Space
Feng Shui is an ancient practice that originated in China in 4000 BC. In its earliest form, it relied on astronomy to inform important building sites. It underwent many changes throughout history and often played an important role in China’s cultural evolution. Today, feng shui practitioners help people be more mindful of their space and carefully consider how the set-up of a room can make it feel peaceful and balanced.
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Understand the command position
A basic tenet of Feng Shui is the ‘command position’. In any room, this is the spot where you can see the door and have an easy overview of the entire space. The command position is where you want to place the focal point of the room, whether that’s your bed, your biggest couch or your desk. This gives you good energy and helps you feel at ease within the room.
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Keep space for energy to flow throughout your home
‘Chi’ is a term meant to refer to the vital flow of energy through people and places, and when using feng shui to design a room it is important to keep chi as balanced as possible. Too much clutter blocks energy and stifles a room, whereas too much emptiness will make you feel lost. Find a balance and keep doorways clear so that Chi can move easily through your home.
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Different plants for every purpose
Feng Shui extends to the natural world and can offer some insight into how to bring greenery into your home. As part of the ‘wood element’, plants are said to inspire compassion and connection. Ferns will purify the air for freshness, snake plants make a great statement and offer protection, and bonsai trees are said to bring money to your home. Above all, don’t keep dying plants around, they’ll bring the energy of your home way down.
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Be mindful about colours
It’s no surprise that the colours of a room can drastically change how you feel in it, and feng shui has many principles to help you choose which colours are right for you. Green is heavily connected to families, so could be good for rooms where you spend the most time together. Brown is considered ‘grounding’ and represents stability, good for a study or a bedroom. Purple has connotations of wealth, and use of it in your space could invite feelings of power and strength.
Monthly Features
DIY Project: Make a mini blooming garden
Show off your favourite succulents with a blooming garden that fits right on your tabletop!
Recipe: Quick Beef Stir Fry
This simple stir-fry is easy to throw together, even on your busiest weeknights.
CENTURY 21 SYSTEM RAISES NEARLY $3.1 MILLION FOR EASTERSEALS IN 2023 BRINGING LIFETIME SUPPORT TO $138.5 MILLION
CENTURY 21 COO Greg Sexton Appointed to Easterseals Board of Directors Further Enhancing Brand’s Commitment to the Organization
MADISON, N.J. (February 12, 2024) — Today, Century 21 Real Estate LLC announced that in 2023 the CENTURY 21® System raised more than $3 million for Easterseals, one of America’s largest nonprofit healthcare organizations that for more than 100 years has worked tirelessly with its partners to enhance quality of life and expand access to healthcare, education, employment, and transportation and mobility for millions of people with disabilities, including veterans and seniors. This includes the more than $60,000 raised during the brand’s first-ever International Week of Giving in July 2023. The CENTURY 21 network’s independent franchisees and affiliated relentless sales professionals have collaborated to raise $138.5 million since this philanthropic partnership began in 1979.
“For the CENTURY 21 Brand, giving back to the communities our system members serve every day has always been an integral part of who we are as a brand and our 45-year-long commitment to Easterseals is a true testament to that,” said Greg Sexton, COO of Century 21 Real Estate LLC who this past year was appointed to the Easterseals National Board of Directors. “I am so proud of the relentless efforts of CENTURY 21 affiliated brokers and agents across the country as they not only raise money but drive awareness for the important work of this remarkable organization. I’m excited to continue working even more closely with Kendra Davenport and the entire leadership team as we continue to elevate this relationship and truly make an impact for this community.”
“Easterseals’ relationship with the CENTURY 21 Brand is unique and powerful,” said Kendra E. Davenport, President and CEO, Easterseals. “CENTURY 21 System members are truly dedicated to Easterseals and our mission. We are fortunate to benefit from their integrity and commitment. CENTURY 21 affiliated brokers and agents across North America are helping Easterseals lead the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through life-changing disability and community services. We are thrilled to have Greg Sexton join our National Board of Directors and I look forward to building upon our 45-year relationship.”
In 2023, for the tenth consecutive year, the top two Easterseals fundraisers from the CENTURY 21 System were:
- CENTURY 21 Town & Country; Utica, Michigan
- CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company; Dallas, Texas
This is the 27th straight year that CENTURY 21 Town & Country has held the top spot among brokerages for fundraising efforts to benefit Easterseals.
This year, 13 of the Top 21 CENTURY 21® System fundraisers are Canadian firms, led by CENTURY 21 Foothills Real Estate in Alberta. The “Top 21” North American Fundraisers for Easterseals in 2023 were:
- CENTURY 21 Town & Country, Utica, Michigan
- CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company, Dallas, Texas
- CENTURY 21 Foothills Real Estate, High River, Alberta, Canada
- CENTURY 21 Millennium Inc. Brokerage, Brampton, Ontario, Canada
- CENTURY 21 B.J. Roth Realty Ltd. Brokerage, Barrie, Ontario, Canada
- CENTURY 21 Fusion, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
- CENTURY 21 Assurance Realty Ltd., Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
- CENTURY 21 Scheetz, Carmel, Indiana
- CENTURY 21 North Homes Realty, Lynnwood, Washington
- CENTURY 21 Leading Edge Realty Inc. Brokerage, Markham, Ontario, Canada
- CENTURY 21 Green Realty Inc. Brokerage, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
- CENTURY 21 Frontier Realty, McMurray, Pennsylvania
- CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold, Southampton, Pennsylvania
- CENTURY 21 Heritage House Ltd. Brokerage, Woodstock, Ontario, Canada
- CENTURY 21 Bamber Realty Ltd., Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- CENTURY 21 Bachman & Associates, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- CENTURY 21 Dome Realty Inc., Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
- CENTURY 21 Tenace, Coral Springs, Florida
- CENTURY 21 Novus, Carrollton, Georgia
- CENTURY 21 Trident Realty Ltd., Westphal, Nova Scotia, Canada
- CENTURY 21 Executives Realty Ltd., Vernon, British Columbia, Canada
A reception recognizing the achievement of the “Top 21” offices will be held on March 4th during the brand’s 2024 global conference, the One21® Experience, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The CENTURY 21 brand is looking forward to hosting its second annual International Week of Giving, July 24 -28, 2024, during which it will showcase philanthropic activities and fundraising efforts conducted by its global network of affiliates supporting communities across the country and around the world.
About Easterseals
Easterseals is leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through life-changing disability and community services. Trusted by families for more than 100 years, the organization has worked tirelessly with its partners to enhance quality of life and expand local access to healthcare, education, employment, and transportation. And we won’t rest until every one of us is valued, respected, and accepted. Through its national network of Affiliates, Easterseals provides essential services and on-the-ground supports each year to 1.5 million children and adults with disabilities, including veterans and older adults – from early childhood programs for the critical first five years to autism services, medical rehabilitation and employment programs, transportation and mobility services, veterans’ programs, and more. The organization’s public education, policy, and advocacy initiatives positively shape perceptions and address the urgent and evolving needs of one in four Americans with disabilities today. Together, they’re empowering people with disabilities, families, and communities to be full and equal participants in society. To learn more, visit www.easterseals.com.
CENTURY 21 Canada signs 26 franchises to renewals in 2023
January 26, 2024, Vancouver- CENTURY 21 Canada had many brokerages choose to remain in the fold, with 26 franchises renewing their contracts in 2023. Out of all franchises eligible for renewal last year, a notable 97% opted to for renewal, continuing a long trend of brand loyalty that stretches back decades.
“We pride ourselves on developing long-standing bonds within our network, and it’s great to see so many of our franchisees respond to that,” says Todd Shyiak, Executive Vice President of CENTURY 21 Canada. “We deeply appreciate their dedication to our brand and in turn we are going to continue providing the best tech and tools in the industry. More than anything, our team will always be a phone call away.”
Renewals include:
Franchise Renewals
CENTURY 21 Franchise owners have repeatedly spoken about what the personal support from the brand’s head office has meant to them, and how the brand’s reputation brings in both clients and agents. Grace Kelleher opened the doors to CENTURY 21 Kelleher Real Estate Inc. Brokerage in Mississauga in 1968 and chose to continue her decades-long relationship with CENTURY 21 Canada for another five years. “CENTURY 21 Canada is a very well-known brand; people are more likely to trust us when we display the gold seal on our signs and advertisements. This was a huge factor in me choosing to become a CENTURY 21 Canada franchisee. Being a part of this brand gets you in the door because everyone knows who we are; clients recognize the name and trust it,” says Kelleher.
Complementing the personal support from head office, CENTURY 21 Canada is also committed to providing the cutting-edge tools and technology brokerages need to thrive. Multiple training opportunities are also provided throughout the year, and the brand recently hosted their annual Canadian Management Academy, open to all owners in their network. The brand is looking forward to another year of success and helping each broker reach their full potential in the industry.
CENTURY 21 Canada Opens 18 New Offices in 2023
January 19, 2023, Vancouver- CENTURY 21 Canada ended 2023 on a high-note with a total of 18 new offices opening across the country.
“We didn’t know how the year was going to go, but we stood by our value proposition and once again, brokers responded,” says Todd Shyiak, Executive Vice President of CENTURY 21 Canada. “As the real estate market in Canada comes down from the high of the past few years, more and more brokers are seeing the value in the training, tech and personal support that we aim to provide each and every one of them. Our team is the best in the business and there’s nothing we haven’t experienced, so if one of our brokers needs a word of advice, we’re here for them.”
New Franchises and Offices
| CENTURY 21 Smart Realty | Edmonton, AB |
| CENTURY 21 Twin Realty | Hinton, AB |
| CENTURY 21 River’s Edge Ltd. | Winchester, ON |
| CENTURY 21 Shield Realty Ltd. | Lancaster, ON |
| CENTURY 21 Property Zone Realty Inc. | Brampton, ON |
| CENTURY 21 Percy Fulton Ltd. | Brighton, ON |
| CENTURY 21 Green Realty Inc. | Mississauga, ON |
| CENTURY 21 Creekside Realty Ltd. | Chilliwack, BC
Chilliwack, BC |
| CENTURY 21 Creekside Realty Ltd. | Agassiz, BC |
| CENTURY 21 Creekside Realty Ltd. | Abbotsford, BC |
| CENTURY 21 Gillany Realty | Whitecourt, AB |
| CENTURY 21 Northern Realty | Vaughan, ON |
| CENTURY 21 Quantum Realty | Edmonton, AB |
| CENTURY 21 Trident Realty Ltd. | North Sydney, NS |
| CENTURY 21 ACE | Calgary, AB |
| CENTURY 21 Profusion | Montreal, QC |
| CENTURY 21 Power Realty Ltd. | Calgary, AB |
Owner of CENTURY 21 Gillany Realty, Rizwan Sayed, has seen the advances in real estate technology and created an innovative space for agents under the CENTURY 21 Canada brand. “I had heard great reviews of the brand, and I liked that they innovate,” says Sayed. “They are constantly looking for ways to improve and evolve, they provide a full suite of technology tools to help us push forward and the physical human support I get from the head office has no equal in the industry.”
Vikaas K. Kwatra opened the first office of 2023 in Edmonton, CENTURY 21 Smart Realty. “My main motivation is to help new agents because if they don’t have the right teacher, they leave within six months of joining the industry,” he explains. “I was with the brand for a long time and when I wanted to open my own brokerage, my experiences with their tools, culture and support system made them better than anyone.”
CENTURY 21 Canada now boasts approximately 400 offices across Canada and, in addition to its new franchises, renewed contracts with 26 brokerages in 2023.
