Century 21 vs 1st Class Real Estate Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Century 21 vs 1st Class Real Estate including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Century 21 Franchise
1st Class Real Estate Franchise
Investment $24,700 - $451,350$14,420 - $209,475
Franchise Fee $12,500 - $25,000$5,000 - $25,000
Royalty Fee 6%-
Advertising Fee 2%-
Year Founded 19712012
Year Franchised 19722018
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Century 21 Franchise
1st Class Real Estate Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    Century 21 Franchise
    1st Class Real Estate Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees Yes/YesYes/-
    Start-up Costs No/NoYes/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/Yes
    Inventory No/No-/Yes
    Receivables No/No-/Yes
    Payroll No/No-/Yes

    Training & Support

     
    Century 21 Franchise
    1st Class Real Estate Franchise
    Training - Classroom Training: 16 hours Additional Training: Virtual training
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Field operations/evaluations Ongoing Support Newsletter Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising Co-op Advertising Ad Templates Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    Operations

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed.

    Number of Employees Required to Run: 3

    Expansion Plans

     
    Century 21 Franchise
    1st Class Real Estate Franchise
    US Expansion --
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    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 1st Class Real Estate

    "1st

    1st Class Real Estate is a full-service real estate company that desires to help YOU grow your business! Like everyone else we offer competitive splits & support; however, it is our culture that sets us apart from the rest! We’ve made it possible for you to grow your business with a team of individuals without breaking the bank!

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a 1st Class Real Estate Full-Service Model is $55,870- $209,475.
    This includes $25,950 that must be paid to the franchisor or affiliate.
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a 1st Class Real Estate Incubation Model is $14,420-$71,795.
    This includes $5,950 that must be paid to the franchisor or affiliate.

    Seeking new franchise units in the following regions/states: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia and Wyoming