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 $36,000 - $473,000 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.
Century 21 Real Estate discloses separate investment estimates for converting an existing brokerage and establishing a new office. These single-unit options are identified as Conversion Office and Start-Up Office.
| Office Format | Initial Investment Range |
|---|---|
| Conversion Office | $35,770 – $286,100 |
| Start-Up Office | $117,270 – $473,400 |
The detailed breakdown below covers the Conversion Office format and the expenditures associated with converting an existing brokerage.
Additional information regarding these estimated costs is provided in the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
| Expense Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $0 – $25,000 |
| Real Estate | Not included in total |
| Leasehold Improvements | $0 – $105,000 |
| Computer Equipment and Electronic Data System | $6,000 – $12,000 |
| Signs – Exterior | $750 – $25,000 |
| Yard Signs/Posts/Frames, | $5,200 – $10,000 |
| Open House Signs | $800 – $2,000 |
| Miscellaneous Rider Signs | $250 – $500 |
| Name Badges (approx. 7 to 70) | $120 – $400 |
| Miscellaneous | $250 – $500 |
| Other Advertising, including Grand Opening Promotion | $0 – $10,000 |
| Legal Expenses | $0 – $4,000 |
| Office Supplies and Stationery | $5,100 – $7,500 |
| Website | $0 – $30,000 |
| Multiple Listing Services | $0 – $3,000 |
| Data Feed Transmission | $0 – $5,000 |
| International Leadership Academy | $1,800 – $2,200 |
| Insurance Deposits and Premiums | $500 – $4,000 |
| Additional Funds (3 months) | $15,000 – $40,000 |
| Total Estimated Initial Investment | $35,770 – $286,100 |
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
Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. SharpSheets is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing any franchisor mentioned on this website. Where noted, figures are taken from the franchisor’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). In some cases, we may provide independent calculations or estimates based on publicly available information. We do not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the information presented in the article. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other professional advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.
All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial and/or legal advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.
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.
