Century 21 vs Commission Express Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Century 21 vs Commission Express including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Century 21 Franchise
Commission Express Franchise
Investment $24,700 - $451,350$112,800 - $301,500
Franchise Fee $12,500 - $25,000$15,000 - $60,000
Royalty Fee 6%Varies
Advertising Fee 2%-
Year Founded 19711992
Year Franchised 19721996
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Century 21 Franchise
Commission Express Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills

  • General business experience

  • Financing Options

     
    Century 21 Franchise
    Commission Express Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees Yes/YesNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/No
    Equipment No/YesNo/No
    Inventory No/NoNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Century 21 Franchise
    Commission Express Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Field operations/evaluationsNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Field operations/evaluations
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising
    Operations

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed.

    15% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 1

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


    Expansion Plans

     
    Century 21 Franchise
    Commission Express Franchise
    US Expansion --
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About Century 21

    When you become part of the CENTURY 21® System, you’ll have the flexibility and entrepreneurial opportunity of being independently owned and operated along with the brand presence and buying power of the world’s most iconic real estate brand. 
     
    • Global Exposure
    • Comprehensive Training
    • In-Market Support
    • World-Class Marketing
    • The Scale and Buying Power of a Global Partner
     
    According to the 2013 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Real Estate Firms, those real estate firms affiliated with a franchise report an 87% boost in name recognition, an 85% increase in enhanced use of technology, and an 83% improvement in acquiring listings. 
     
    Find out what more than 8,000 independently owned and operated franchise brokers across 80 countries and territories already know. The CENTURY 21 System is the most recognized real estate company as chosen by consumers from a list of real estate agencies.*
     
    The CENTURY 21 System is accepting franchise applications in key markets for individuals that are interested in setting a new standard of service, quality, and commitment.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a CENTURY 21 franchise is approximately $24,700 to $264,050 for a conversion real estate office, and $106,200 to $451,350 for a start-up real estate office. This includes $0 to $25,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate. The standard initial franchise fee for a residential franchise is $25,000 for the first office and $10,000 for each additional office.

    Veteran Incentives Franchise fee waived

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    "franchiserankingscom"
    #80 on Franchise Rankings.com
    #362 in Franchise 500 for 2021.  Not in Franchise 500 for 2020.






    About Commission Express

    John L Stedman and Joseph M. Giovannelli founded Commission Express, based in Fairfax, Virginia, in 1992. With most real estate transactions, an agent waits between 30 and 90 days to receive his or her commission. In the meantime, the agent still has to cover the costs of running an office and paying employees.
    Commission Express franchisees essentially offer agents cash advances by purchasing an agent's outstanding commissions at a discount. When the home purchase is completed and the commission is received, Commission Express withholds between 8 and 14 percent in fees. Franchisees provide their own capital to purchase the commissions.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Commission Express franchised business with a protected development territory ranges from $172,300 to $301,500. This includes $10,000 (for a small territory), $25,000 (for a medium territory) or $50,000 (for a large territory) that must be paid to the franchisor.
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Commission Express franchised business with an open market development territory ranges from $112,800 to $192,500. This includes $25,000 that must be paid to the franchisor.