The home in Owen Sound will be flipped and sold, with profits going to local charities, source: flippedgreybruce.ca/

You never know when inspiration will strike. Mike Seiler was watching a home renovation show while he and his wife were on holiday when had an idea. With the size of his brokerage, his realtor base and his ties to the community, he wondered: why couldn’t a home be flipped and the proceeds donated to local charities?

Indeed, why not? An energetic, excited Seiler, broker/owner of Century 21 In-Studio Realty Inc. in Owen Sound, Ont., got to work. The realtor, who has about a decade of personal home-flipping experience, spoke to a few colleagues. They loved the idea. Flipping is not new, but involving the community and charities makes this a fresh idea, Seiler says. “I’m notorious for coming up with ideas.”

Building a plan to give back

He created a business plan, putting his vision on paper. In a nutshell, the plan calls for a house to be purchased (done); renovated with the help of contractors using donated supplies and services in return for advertising/publicity; and cash from the sale to be donated to local charities.

The project relies on getting as much for free as possible—someone donating a product and someone giving their services to install it—in order to make as much for the charities as possible, Seiler says.

His goal is to sell the renovated home for “north of $800,000” with a couple of hundred thousand dollars or more going to the charities.

He and some agents in his office came up with the funds and purchased the house for cash (for an undisclosed amount).

Picking the right house 

He says the home is an ideal candidate for flipping. It has a “septic that is sized right, a new roof and it’s on a lot that’s over a half acre with mature trees. It’s on Highway 6, a main artery, but is set back from the road.”

The brick bungalow, built around 1978-‘80s, has been home to the second owners for about the last 40 years and shows pride of ownership, Seiler says. However, the renovation will transform its interior.

Community collaboration

Contractors and suppliers are trading skills/labour/products for advertising that includes being featured in a mini-series on Century 21’s YouTube page, as well as on social media.

Seiler hired two full-time videographers with the hopes that their work will go viral. He says the mini-series will let viewers live vicariously through every contractor and will also include fun time-lapse videos. “If we reach a million viewers, they’re happy and we’re happy.”

Instead of commercials for unrelated products/services, Seiler’s crew will create community spots for those involved with the project to offer them even more value. “We want to shine a light on our contractors and realtors.”

Local planners are on board and a new permit system that makes it easy to pull permits and ensure projects are done the right way will be highlighted, Seiler says. “The show will depict local planners as the superheroes they are.”

The seller is also excited to be involved and will provide some back story about the house in documentary-style interviews, he says. “The (former) homeowner is fuelled up to be part of the project.”

The show goes on 

Filming began in early January, with good buy-in from Seiler’s brokerage.  “We have north of 40 Realtors and the majority are on board,” he says. (Some bowed out because they are camera shy or were unsure about the type of exposure the show would bring.)

Seiler says it’s important that the project be respectful of everyone involved. “We have zero tolerance for naysayers or those who talk trash on social media.”

The eight-episode video series will be “a mash-up of fun,” with content suited to all ages. It will show homeowners, a target audience that will appreciate knowing how they can get the most from the sale of their house, and how Seiler and his team can help.

Adding value beyond the flip

“We’re not buying houses,” he says. Instead, “We can help you execute a project like this and make the most money.” 

The YouTube show will premiere on March 14. Episode 1 will include an introduction to the property. Items that can be recycled/reused (the goal is not to just fill a bin, but to find other uses for unneeded items taken out of the house) will be sold at a garage sale at the property on Friday (May 16) of the Victoria Day weekend.

On Saturday, items donated for staging will be sold during an auction run by Easter Seals, Century 21’s long-time charity of choice. Seiler says this event is expected to bring in $20,000 to $50,000.

“We are hoping that we’ll have a firm sale before the auction is over in case the purchaser wants to bid on certain items. We want a clean cash offer, a 30-60 day close and (the buyer to come) with deposit in hand.”

A community effort to spread the word

The five-month project’s benefiting charities will be announced halfway through the season.

In the meantime, Seiler is encouraging all of his realtors to reach out for publicity about the collaborative project led by the community brokerage. Broker Tim Matthews pitched this story, Seiler says. “Tim is a high performer and a friend.”

For more information about the house, events, sale and tickets, visit the project’s website.

With the meteoric rise in AI tools over the past couple of years, consumers are empowered to seek out answers where they would have otherwise needed a person’s help, and real estate is no exception to this disruption. It doesn’t help that stereotypes and misinformation around an agent’s role persist: are their contributions actually helpful, or just a money-grab?

Todd Shyiak, executive vice president of CENTURY 21 Canada, says that while AI tools will inevitably influence the real estate industry, the trust and connection agents build with their clients isn’t going anywhere. “We know that having to adapt and change is inevitable, and we encourage our brokers and agents to make use of AI tools. But any time saved with these tools should be reinvested in forging connections with their sphere of influence because once buyers jump into the market, they realize quickly just how important it is to have someone trustworthy serve their best interests.”

What the buyers don’t see behind-the-scenes

A study from the WAV group surveyed homebuyers and took a deep dive into what value they felt the agent they worked with brought to their home purchase. The results may not surprise industry veterans—buyers often have an incomplete idea of how much work an agent does on their behalf, but they value an agent who knows how to advocate for them when the process gets difficult. 

According to WAV’s study, “One-in-four buyers said their agent spent ten or fewer hours on their transaction”. While the time spent on each respective deal can vary, it indicates that agents aren’t communicating just how much work it takes to see a real estate deal through to the end, especially when problems arise in conversations with sellers or the property. 

Never underestimate human connection

So how does an agent bridge the gap between the value of their services and a client’s understanding of them? The study showed that the agent skills most highly appreciated were:

1. Providing a list of homes actively on the market
2. Negotiating with sellers
3. Deciding on a fair bid price. 

AI could spit out a bid, or suggest talking points, but any agent will know how stressful this process can be. For now, the negotiation of a home sale is still a conversation between humans, and agents who clearly communicate their negotiating strategy will have grateful clients with keys in their hands at the end of it. 

It’s also eye-opening that buyers appreciate agents who can provide property lists—responses clearly show that they don’t just want an AI-generated list of addresses, they want friendly and knowledgeable support that can help them identify their future home.

Prove value from start to finish

An agent will act as a guide through what will likely be one of the biggest financial transactions of their client’s life so that first meeting is crucial. Even well-informed buyers may not know what to look for in a cursory home inspection, or what the fairest deal in their current market may be. 

Study respondents indicated that fair price negotiation was an area where they would have liked more communication from their agent—it can be an emotional part of the process! According to WAV, buyers are also looking for a better understanding of all aspects of the buying process, including financing and home inspection. Don’t let your clients rely solely on digital tools to find information, have a roster of seasoned professionals you can vouch for to get them to the finish line—there is still nothing more trusted than a word-of-mouth referral. 

The AI genie won’t go back in the bottle anytime soon, but it’ll be a long time before robots tell us where to live. Until that day comes, buyer agents are still able to build trust, make authentic connections and prove their worth.  

AI can’t talk a nervous client out of buyer’s remorse or point out structural issues in a foundation, so agents can breathe easy—the human touch still holds the upper hand. 

The hardest part about being a real estate agent is the never-ending question of where your next lead will come from. And the best way to find your next lead is within your own network, but how does an agent communicate with their network in a way that provides value, and serves every single person at their level of need? Your audience could range from people ready to make an offer tomorrow to those just starting to think about a new home, and they’re probably receiving marketing materials from multiple agents in their area.

The CENTURY 21 Canada team worked with MoxiWorks (their current tech provider) to bring their network ActivePipe—a new email campaign tool that aims to revolutionize how C21 Canada agents engage with their sphere of influence.

Use your personal network to the fullest

“We wanted to give our network a tool that let them really make the most out of the network they’ve worked so hard to build,” says Todd Shyiak, executive vice president of CENTURY 21 Canada. “Your neighbours, past clients and friends all make up a sphere of influence that is the secret weapon for an agent. The challenge becomes reminding folks of your value, even if they’re not ready to use your services. The best agents know they have to reach out to different people in different ways, but that can mean a lot of never-ending work.

ActivePipe gives our agents and brokers the power to automate multiple email campaigns that talk to people about what they want to hear from you, depending on what services they need. And the best part is that it learns when those needs change. Maybe they need you to represent them today, or maybe they just want your expert opinion on their local market—with this tool, you can be all things to your entire network.”

A tool that evolves with your audience

The beauty of ActivePipe isn’t just the ease it gives in communicating with an audience, but how it learns what your audience needs and can adjust your communication accordingly. When someone curious about a neighbourhood becomes serious about finding a home there, they need different information, and the platform grants you the power to switch that lead to the campaign that suits them seamlessly. Instead of email outreach being too vague or too long, a client can experience an email campaign that feels intuitive and tailored to their needs, and they’re going to associate that level of customized service with the agent who provides it.

Deliver the content that resonates

But once the audience has been targeted and the schedule has been solidified, what exactly is the content that keeps an audience’s attention? This is where it pays to understand how you can serve different levels of need, even if they might be months away from becoming a firm lead. For those who may be watching the market, a monthly update on buying and selling conditions could be something they rely on if they want to strike while the iron’s hot.
If there’s a group expressing interest in an agent’s region of expertise, they should consider highlighting each neighbourhood they serve, and take the opportunity to show off just how much of a local expert they are. The best agent knows that even if their network may not all be champing at the bit to enter the market, it is always worth the effort to engage them regularly so that you remain top of mind, and crucially, demonstrate your skills and value long before the relationship becomes transactional.

Today’s outreach is tomorrow’s lead

Anyone who’s been in the real estate industry for a while will tell you that markets can fluctuate, and the tighter market of the last couple of years, while tough, isn’t new. That’s why it’s crucial for agents to take the time during slower markets to plant the seeds of success for a busier time, as an uptick in listings doesn’t necessarily translate to leads.
By targeting content to what potential clients actually need, they can focus their efforts on the most potential for lead conversion, stand out as an expert, and reap the rewards in a busy 2025 spring market.

Any good real estate agent knows that this is a people-first industry, where a firm handshake and a great first impression turn a lead into a client. A good broker knows that a good first impression when recruiting could lead to a new superstar for their brokerage—but do brokers know what agents rank as their most important need?

The team at CENTURY 21 Canada surveyed their new recruits, and gained some insights into what they feel they need the most from their brokers.

“Above all, agents want to know that they are coming into a brokerage where they’re being supported,” says Todd Shyiak, executive vice president of CENTURY 21 Canada. “You can wow them with the recruiting presentation, show them the efficiency of your CRM, but these are people who want to feel that they’re going to be taken care of and helped up when they stumble.”

For Shyiak and the team at CENTURY 21 Canada, the people-first mentality of an agent doesn’t just start at their brokerage, it starts at head office. “We will always try to bring our brokers the best tools and tech, but above all, they know that when the chips are down, they can pick up the phone and we will be there to answer every time.”

Of the new recruits surveyed, 66 per cent answered that they were new to the industry, and when asked what they were looking for, a common theme emerged: culture and support. Shyiak explains that while tech and tools are a big part of recruiting, those aren’t what potential recruits respond to the most.

“We’re seeing that a lot of new agents have a strong idea of what they want from their brokers, and they’re asking for mentorship, coaching and connection. They know real estate can be a dog-eat-dog industry, but they’re actively looking to join brokerages that have a culture of camaraderie.”

One respondent puts it plainly, “The office I have joined has a strong team approach, supporting each other in all ways. This is high on my list in working with a group.”

The CENTURY 21 Canada entrance survey also showed insight on what led recruits to seek out the brand, and how it aligned with what they were looking for. More than one mentioned pre-existing relationships—one respondent even cited the relationship she formed with the agent who sold her home.

Referrals were cited as the main reason for seeking out the brand by 23 per cent of respondents. In more detailed answers, a common theme emerged: respondents shared that meeting with the brokers ultimately sealed the deal. “I had a gut feeling that it was the right choice after meeting the brokers,” one respondent answered, proving just how important forming authentic relationships is to the recruiting process.

So what happens after a new recruit is successfully onboarded and settled into an office? The people-first strategy can’t end there, the first few months can make or break a real estate career and agents are not shy to share that a lack of support is what sends them into the arms of a new brokerage.

“Experienced agents who join our brand choose us because they know they’ll find the support they were missing at their old brokerage. A broker who takes the time to check in with their agents can quickly catch who might be drowning, hold an agent accountable, cheer their successes and will be remembered and rewarded with years of loyalty,” says Shyiak.

And it’s not all on the brokers —top professionals were once green themselves, and by taking the time to mentor their new colleagues, they might find future team members or lifelong referral sources.

The real estate industry can be appealing for its allowance of independence, but agents right out of the gate are going to seek out places where they can match their drive to leaders who want to see them thrive.

While technology will always be a vital tool to give an edge on the competition, the best brokers know that tech can only build on a solid foundation. That foundation starts with the first handshake where an agent knows they’ve found a brokerage that they can call home.

Are agents ready for the new kind of homeowner joining the market? A new report released by Century 21 took a deep dive into the stats behind the newest cohort of potential clients — young Millennials and Gen Z. But before you go looking up new slang, know that these buyers are serious about finding a home that not only has the right amount of space but also puts them in a neighbourhood and larger community that they can become a part of.

The right agents are involved in their communities and show potential buyers how to do the same

“The right agent doesn’t just know the nearest parks and schools, but they know and are involved in their community,” explains Todd Shyiak, executive vice president of CENTURY 21 Canada. “A lot of our C21 Canada brokerages support their local sports teams and hold events to get people out into the community, and it’s a big source of pride for our brand.”An agent who can paint the picture of how a couple of new neighbours can join the fabric of a community could see themselves become the go-to agent for young buyers and get referrals as more of their friends get into the market. All it takes is a solid understanding of what feelings and goals are driving their home needs.

Be a source of reassurance & prove your community connection to attract new clients

As younger buyers are coming into the age range where they’re looking to put down roots and purchase their first home, the Century 21 survey shows that 50 per cent of Gen Z homebuyers reported feeling joy around their move, though only 36 per cent felt hope. “An agent who wants to attract new clients needs to be a source of reassurance,” says Shyiak. “If they can prove their community connection, they’ll find buyers who respond to that local expertise.”

The report shows just how much community is increasingly becoming a higher priority on the list of considerations. The Gen Z cohort is grappling with the rise of loneliness and factoring mental wellness into their homebuying decisions.

Being closer to family & friends: Outrank traditional considerations for moving

According to the Century 21 study, “being closer to family” is the third most given reason for a move, with “being close to friends” ranking as fourth. These reasons outrank traditional considerations such as lower cost of living and job opportunities, demonstrating a shift in thinking in this new class of homebuyer. They don’t just want to find a community — they want to impact it, with one in four young buyers planning to get involved through local politics, school committees and other entrepreneurship.

With these goals in mind, they’re going to be searching for an agent who doesn’t just know the ins and outs of the neighbourhood market, but who can also act as a guide to a community through authentic lived experience.

Authentic community ties for agents

But what do authentic community ties look like for a real estate agent? It could mean participating in local activities or sitting on the boards of local charitable events. 65 per cent of intending homebuyers rate “getting involved in the local community after they move” as “very important,” and an agent who can make suggestions to their clients on how they can do that is demonstrating their value and building a foundation for a referral relationship that’s sure to last years.

Shyiak explains that agents have to be known to their community: “To be trusted, you need to get out, get involved and meet people. That effort gives agents the credibility to guide newcomers and make sure they’re matching the place to the person.”

With the strong sense of community connection that younger buyers are prioritizing, it stands to reason that their ties to the people who helped them find that community would be long-lasting. If an agent takes the time to demonstrate their love and knowledge of their local community, and their hand in shaping it, they’re sure to make a lasting impression on a buyer.

As the needs of Millennial and Gen Z homebuyers evolve over time, forward-thinking agents can set themselves up to reap the rewards of these first impressions and segue them into client relationships that will stand the test of time. But remember — authenticity is key, so don’t just talk the talk, get out into your community and walk in the shoes of the people who call it home.

Century 21 Granite Realty Group Inc. recently announced its merger with Century 21 All Seasons Realty. Led by broker Brandon Nimigon, the brokerage has been serving the Haliburton, Ontario area since 2021.

‘A great fit for everyone’

Nimigon started with Century 21 Canada in 2015 as an agent and took over the brokerage in 2021. As for the reason he decided to merge with All Seasons Realty, he sought a brokerage similar in location and culture.

The merged group now operates five offices in Haliburton, Algonquin Highlands, Bancroft and Minden.

“We have similar markets, similar clients and agents with a wide expertise in cottage country,” Nimigon explains. “We’ve already had the chance to work together for years and they’re a close-knit group just like us. Our abutting borders make this merger a great fit for everyone.”

What the future holds

Looking to the future, Nimigon seeks to continue growing the brand’s presence in the area and its culture of collaboration that has been successful for both brokerages.

“This is going to be a great opportunity for all of us to grow our expertise in the area, strengthen our brokerage name throughout cottage country and build a stronger referral network between our two areas,” he says.

Merger will benefit ‘every single agent’ serving Central Ontario communities

Nimigon notes that Century 21 Canada has consistently provided support for their agents and owners, including through technology: “Their online tools are second to none and the personal backing we receive from their corporate head office has always been great. That tied in with one of the strongest brands in real estate is why we all choose C21.”

“We really encourage our brokers to find ways to collaborate and become stronger together,” says Todd Shyiak, executive vice president of Century 21 Canada.

“This merger will lead to a much stronger brand presence in Central Ontario which will benefit every single agent who serves those communities, and of course, Brandon and the leadership team at C21 Granite will have our full support as he brings these two brokerages together.”

Canadian housing prices per square foot have generally remained stable in the first half of the year, with exceptions highlighting families are moving to more affordable communities, both close by and in other provinces, Century 21 Canada’s eighth annual Price per Square Foot survey found.

The survey compares prices in nearly 50 communities from January 1 to June 30, revealing data trends dating back to 2018 for both larger centres and smaller communities.

Regional insights

In Ontario, British Columbia and Atlantic Canada, prices remained steady, with some gains in smaller markets and suburbs. Downtown condominium prices declined, indicating continued migration away from metropolitan cores.

Significant price jumps were seen in Alberta markets including Calgary and Edmonton, though prices per square foot remain below those in B.C., Quebec and Ontario. Prairie provinces saw more moderate price increases.

Major condominium markets

In Alberta, Calgary condominium prices rose by over 17 per cent, and those in Edmonton by nearly 10 per cent. High River topped increases with more than 22 per cent, but remains affordable at $285 per square foot. Condominiums in Vancouver (the highest priced in Canada), Toronto and Montreal saw modest dips in price per square foot.

Historical pricing and sales levels

Even with some declines, pricing has not fallen below 2021 levels in any market. Sales volumes across Canada have declined from 2021 and 2022, particularly in larger cities.

“A number of our brokers are experiencing a slower market when compared to the conditions of just two years ago,” says Todd Shyiak, executive vice president of Century 21 Canada.

What’s next

“While across the Prairies and Atlantic provinces the market is quite active and balanced, increasing inventory and hesitant buyers in the GTA and the Lower Mainland (Vancouver and area) are resulting in a ‘wait and see’ market,” Shyiak notes. “With the next possible rate cut coming on July 24 buyers may be extending their ‘wait and see’ approach until the fall.”

He explains that inventory and interest rates will likely be major factors influencing future prices.

“Ultimately, we don’t know what the next six months holds for our housing prices, but it’s important not to get too focused on any single year and look at each data point within the larger context of ever-evolving trends. That’s why this survey becomes more valuable year-over-year, because it allows us to see the big picture of Canadian housing.”

Review the full report, including regional summaries, here.

Century 21 Green Realty in Mississauga recently renewed its long-term contract with Century 21 Canada, after 15 years.

Franchise owner Lakhvir Randhawa joined Century 21 Canada in 2009 as the owner of Century 21 Green Realty. Its main office serves Mississauga and the broader GTA. The team also operates branch and satellite offices in Mississauga and Milton.

A consistently-ranked, award-winning top office

In its first year, the company achieved Gold Medallion status. Then, throughout the next decade, they reached Grand Centurion status, the highest honor the company gives offices within its system. As well, the franchise has consistently ranked among the top offices in Century 21’s global network.

Randhawa’s franchise has grown to 265, 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.”

“Our entire head office team is looking forward to being there for their journey for many years to come”

The franchise gives back to its community by hosting an annual golf tournament that supports Easter Seals Canada. This summer will mark the seventh year.

“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 honored 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 Masters of Edmonton was honoured with Century 21’s Franchise of the Year award this month in Calgary at OneC21 2023, the brand’s national network conference.

The award is given by the company’s head office to a franchise that’s consistently shown record success, contributed to their local community and helped fundraise for the brand’s national charitable partner, Easter Seals.

This was the first time the brokerage earned the title since opening in 2004.

“It meant so much to accept the award in a room full of fellow C21 network members who I respect and admire,” says co-owner Geneva Tetreault. “Rarely do we get to truly say thank you to the people who have helped us, and we are so proud to work with an amazing and inspirational group of agents who help us to be better each and every day.”

Tetreault has been with Century 21 Canada since 2004, while the brokerage’s other owner, James Mabey, has run his company since 2006. They joined forces in 2018. “Over the last five years we have been able to find a new level of drive, growth, passion and success,” Tetreault explains.

“Geneva and James have really brought out the best in their team, they’re an incredible pair of leaders, and they continue to take their brokerage to new heights,” says Todd Shyiak, Executive Vice President of Century 21 Canada. “They’ve come so far in five years and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for them. We’re committed to supporting their growth every single step of the way.”