Communication and technology have expanded the real estate marketplace. Global real estate markets and investment opportunities have never been more accessible with the internet at the fingertips of every client - be it a first-time homebuyer or global investor. While many things have changed, some requisites remain irreplaceable: reputable and trustworthy brands such as CENTURY 21 Real Estate and its leadership position throughout Asia-Pacific. Pioneering solutions that paved the way for the modern global real estate landscape, the CENTURY 21 brand continues to help shape the industry - for franchisees, affiliated agents and consumers alike. The most recognised brand in real estate in the United States and in many parts of the world based on the Millward Brown 2014 Ad Tracking Study, it has more than 100,000 independent sales professionals and 6,900 franchised broker offices in 78 countries and territories globally. "Consumers around the world know our brand and view CENTURY 21 real estate professionals as a valuable and trusted resource whether they are involved in continent-to-continent, country-to-country or city-to-city transactions," says Rick Davidson, president and CEO of CENTURY 21. "The key for us is the platform, tools and value proposition we bring to market. Our franchise owners have access to a system that helps them run more successful and profitable businesses, and consumers receive recommendations from highly qualified and experienced real estate professionals who are able to navigate the nuances of an international transaction, while understanding the important details of local markets and cultures." With century21.com, the company also attracts more unique online visitors than any other real estate franchise brand site. Plus, century21global.com, an exclusive repository of approximately 300,000 C21 listings worldwide, provides international home buyers and real estate investors with the ability to interact with the properties and with CENTURY 21 affiliated agents in the language and currencies to which they are accustomed. "We are positioning our system members to collaborate, connect and engage buyers, sellers and investors around the world, so they can transact business confidently," Davidson says. "We take pride in enabling our franchisees and their independent agents to deliver a positive real estate transaction experience. Whether our customers are in San Diego or Shanghai, CENTURY 21 affiliated sales professionals will be able to assist them with all of their real estate needs." Along with its global listing website, the brand also launched Global Connector, an international referral platform. Global Connector allows CENTURY 21 franchise offices to refer business cross-continent or cross-market with a comprehensive yet easy-to-use referral management platform. "These innovative online components complement the services offered by our operators in each market," says Chris Kervandjian, vice-president of international service and operations. "They provide for a better understanding of local economies and transactional procedures, as well as the nuances and characteristics of the market's culture and its people." The company envisions further strengthening its global foothold in key markets such as Asia-Pacific, where it is working with operators in Malaysia and Vietnam. The brand's footprint in the region to date is impressive, with 2,514 offices and 25,079 affiliated sales professionals serving real estate customers on the mainland and in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, New Zealand, India, Cambodia and South Korea. "Extending the brand's leadership presence in the Asia-Pacific region is consistent with our strategic plans for international growth," Davidson says. "We are always looking to expand through new franchisees in dark and underperforming markets, not only in the US, but around the world, and to leverage and continue building relationships with our operators in every country. "Our goal is to understand more about their business and the consumers they work with, their challenges and offer solutions to help improve their performance." CENTURY 21 Real Estate: http://www.century21.com
