Century 21 Real Estate Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs
Century 21 Real Estate LLC is an international franchise network offering residential and commercial real estate services. The brand was established in 1971 in Santa Ana, California, by Art Bartlett and Marsh Fisher, two entrepreneurs who sought to modernize the real estate industry through a strong franchise system.
The company’s headquarters are now located in Madison, New Jersey. Shortly after its creation, Century 21 adopted the franchise model and quickly became one of the most recognized names in real estate during the 1970s and 1980s.
Today, Century 21 operates in more than 86 countries, with about 14,250 independently owned offices and a network of over 147,000 real estate professionals. Its services include residential and luxury home sales, commercial real estate, and international property transactions.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Century 21 Real Estate franchise? It costs on average between $116,000 – $466,000 to start a Century 21 Real Estate franchised business.
This covers expenses such as office setup, technology systems, marketing materials, and initial working capital. The total investment varies based on several factors, including the office location, market size, and whether the franchisee decides to lease or purchase the business premises.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Facility and Space Planning | $9,000 – $17,500 |
| Security and Other Deposits | $7,500 – $17,700 |
| Furnishings and Communications Equipment | $27,000 – $87,500 |
| Prepaid Business Expenses | $3,000 – $4,600 |
| Additional Funds (first 3 months after opening) | $35,000 – $60,000 |
| Total Additional Investment for New Start-Up Office | $81,500 – $187,300 |
| Total Initial Investment for Conversion Office | $34,670 – $279,000 |
| Total Investment for New Start-Up Office | $116,170 – $466,300 |
Century 21 Real Estate Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
What funding options are available for a Century 21 Real Estate franchise?
Most franchise buyers in Century 21 Real Estate’s investment range finance their unit through an SBA 7(a) loan, with some multi-unit operators using SBA 504 loans for real estate. Buyers with rollable retirement funds sometimes use a ROBS structure to reduce debt service. See SharpSheets’ financial model hub for funding guidance.
How long does it take to pay back a Century 21 Real Estate franchise investment?
Payback periods for franchises in Century 21 Real Estate’s category typically run 3-7 years, depending on investment level, location performance, and financing structure. Actual payback varies significantly by unit performance and debt service obligations.
Who owns Century 21 Real Estate?
Century 21 Real Estate franchise is owned by Anywhere Real Estate Inc., a leading global provider of residential real estate services. Anywhere Real Estate Inc., formerly known as Realogy Holdings Corp., owns several well-known real estate brands, including Coldwell Banker, Sotheby’s International Realty, and Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate.
SharpSheets Editorial Team | sharpsheets.io | Last Updated: June 2026
Disclaimer
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What do Century 21 owners actually take home? See the full income analysis, payback period, and break-even breakdown: How Much Does a Century 21 Franchise Owner Make? →
Research Century 21 Real Estate franchise data: For the full FDD cost breakdown, investment tables, and Item 19 disclosures, visit FranchisePayback.com → Century 21 Real Estate FDD Review.
