20 March 2024

Understanding the NAR Settlement and its Impact on Canadian Real Estate

Over the past few weeks, the Canadian real estate industry has been carefully watching the developments with the National Association of Realtors (NAR) lawsuit in the United States. The recent $418 million settlement has raised questions about its potential effects north of the border and while it’s tempting to speculate, the reality is that the decision primarily concerns the practices of realtors governed by the NAR, not those in Canada.

 

Unanswered Questions in the US

First, let’s understand where things stand. In the US, the settlement introduces two significant changes. Firstly, all buyers must enter into a buyer’s agency agreement before viewing a listing, specifying compensation for their buyer’s agent. This compensation could be paid upfront by the buyer or come from various sources but crucially, it cannot be communicated through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Additionally, the buyer’s agent cannot receive compensation exceeding the agreed-upon amount.

 

Potential Confusion for Buyers

These changes could introduce confusion for buyers, especially first-time buyers. They may need to commit to paying their buyer’s agent a commission on top of their down payment and closing costs. The source of this commission—whether from the seller, listing brokerage, or the buyer themselves—may not be easily accessible on the MLS. Buyers and selling agents may need to search individual brokerage sites to find this information.

 

Impact on Dual Agency and Transactions

The settlement’s provisions could potentially lead to more transactions being ‘double-ended’ by listing agents. This shift seems contrary to the previous industry push to limit or ban dual agency, raising questions about whether it truly benefits consumers.

 

Canadian Context

So what effect does a lawsuit like this have on Canada? We’re not without similar cases to keep an eye on; the Sunderland and McFall cases are two class-action lawsuits which were brought by the same Canadian law firm and revolve around competition act violations and alleged price-fixing. However, in these specific situations, the allegations seem out of place given the competitive and negotiable commission rates that have long existed across Canada. Canadian law surrounding competition differs from that of the US, so we won’t see a trial determined by a jury of disgruntled renters.

 

Separate Markets, Separate Rules

It’s important to keep in mind that the real estate markets in the US and Canada are distinct entities, each with its own regulations and industry associations. As such, the NAR settlement’s direct impact on Canadian realtors is likely to be minimal.

 

What Comes Next

In my opinion, the only benefit of the NAR settlement appears to be the substantial settlement received by the lawyers who brought the class-action lawsuit. However, the impact on buyers and buyers’ agents remains to be seen and could potentially complicate the home buying process, particularly for first-time buyers.

 

While the NAR settlement may not directly impact Canadian real estate practices, it does provide an opportunity to reflect on our industry’s principles. Canadian buyers and sellers are familiar with negotiating commission rates, and agents can offer rebates or reduce commissions to facilitate deals. As we observe the developments in the US market, it’s essential to remember the unique characteristics of the Canadian real estate landscape and continue to prioritize transparency and consumer interests.

 

Todd Shyiak, Executive Vice President, CENTURY 21 Canada Todd Shyiak is the Executive Vice President at CENTURY 21 Canada

12 March 2024

Make Spring Cleaning a Year-Round Habit

Make Spring Cleaning a Year-Round Habit

The weather’s turning sunny and it’s the perfect opportunity to clear out your entire house – but if you find yourself feeling daunted by the prospect of a marathon cleaning session, why not plan to make spring cleaning an all-season goal? These steps will help you keep on top of your big cleaning chores from spring all the way to winter, so you spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying the sunshine.

 

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  1. Make a list of your big cleaning chores

You probably have a regular cleaning schedule for your counters and floors, but there are parts of your home that don’t get tackled very regularly. Take the time to list out the places you don’t often get to, such as the top of your fridge or the spot behind your toilet. Think about the chores that are more time intensive, such as changing air filters or deep-cleaning your carpets.

 

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  1. Track your chores on a yearly schedule

Spring cleaning is a great opportunity to tackle some underserved areas of your home, but it can be overwhelming to tackle everything at once. Instead, spread out the list of your annual or semi-annual cleaning projects so that you only tackle one a month. This way, you don’t get intimidated by your to-do list and you keep a regular eye on the hidden corners of your home, so there are no surprises come spring.

 

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  1. Plan your time wisely

An often overlooked part of cleaning is thinking about how much time each task takes. When putting your cleaning schedule together, mixing and matching tasks of different time-intensities will keep things even month to month. Or maybe you expect certain times of the year to be busier than the others, in which case you’ll be able to manage your chore list and time as effectively as possible.

 

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  1. Find your favourite way to stay on track

Now that you’ve got yourself organized, you have to stick to your schedule! But making a plan is one thing and sticking to it can be hard after the first couple of months. Be sure to utilize the tracking system that works for you – you might like a wall chart to easily visualize what needs to be done, or a phone calendar with regular notifications. And if rewards keep you on track, then be sure to treat yourself when you cross something off your list!

 

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  1. Teamwork makes the dream work

Whether you live with roommates or want to split chores among your kids, having more than one set of hands can make keeping the house clean a breeze. Think about whether it would be better if each person alternated months or if everyone should take a chore – this might be the better option if younger helpers need supervision!

 

Monthly Features

Life@Home_March 2024_Project

DIY Project: 8 Homemade Cleaners you can make at home

Get out stubborn stains with ingredients you can find in your own kitchen! Besides being free of potentially harmful chemicals, they’re a cheaper alternative to store brands.

Get the DIY project here

 

Life@Home_March 2024_Recipe

Recipe: Overnight Pineapple Banana Oatmeal

Start your day right with this healthy breakfast packed with protein! Bursting with flavours from the fruit, you’ll have energy to last the whole day.

Get the recipe here

 

Image Credit: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4Image 5

6 March 2024

CENTURY 21 Green Realty renews long-term contract with CENTURY 21 Canada

March 2024, Mississauga – CENTURY 21 Green Realty in Mississauga has chosen to renew their contract with CENTURY 21 Canada long-term, continuing a relationship with the legacy brand that has produced numerous accolades and fifteen years of continued success.

Franchise owner Lakhvir Randhawa joined CENTURY 21 Canada in 2009 as the owner of CENTURY 21 Green Realty, and in its first year, the company achieved Gold Medallion® status. The climb over the next decade would see them epitomize excellence and reach Grand CENTURION® status, the highest honour given to offices within the CENTURY 21 Canada system. CENTURY 21 Green Realty has consistently ranked among the top offices in the Global Century 21 network, most recently as the #21 Office by Production in the world for the 2023 fiscal year.

Randhawa has grown his franchise to 265 strong, 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.”

CENTURY 21 Green Realty is also the host of an annual golf tournament in support of Easter Seals Canada, the brand’s national charitable partner, which is now looking forward to its seventh outing later this summer.

“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 honoured 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 Green Realty’s main office serves Mississauga and the broader GTA. They also operate branch and satellite offices in Mississauga and Milton.

23 February 2024

How homebuyers can tune out the noise and navigate a difficult housing market

The Mortgage Pre-Qualification Tool by CENTUM Financial Group for CENTURY 21 Canada helps buyers take the first step

It’s no secret that the housing market is currently going through its fair share of ups and downs, and prospective homebuyers are feeling the emotional rollercoaster. Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions of your life and many potential homebuyers are quickly overwhelmed.

“There’s no end to the alarmist headlines, from interest rate hikes to inventory stats to endless market analyses,” says Todd Shyiak, executive vice-president of the CENTURY 21 Canada real estate brand. “Naturally, anyone who’s thinking of entering the market is hesitant to make any big moves and we see the ripple effect of that throughout the industry.”

But there are ways for buyers to regain confidence, and a big part of that comes from knowing what they need and what they can afford. Reaching out to a mortgage broker is a good step, but one that a gun-shy buyer may not be ready to take. Still, even if they’re unsure how serious they are about committing to a search, they’ll only benefit from having a hard number to work with. That was the driving factor behind a collaboration between CENTURY 21 Canada and Centum Financial Group, which resulted in their cutting-edge Mortgage Pre-Qualification Tool.

“We realized there wasn’t anything for a consumer to do once they found a listing they liked, but didn’t know if they could afford it,” explains Chris Turcotte, president and CEO of Centum Financial Group. “We wanted them to have a strong idea of what payments they could expect to make and whether or not that fit their lifestyle. That way, when they were ready to reach out to an agent or a mortgage broker, they could have productive conversations and, if necessary, make quick decisions with a high degree of confidence.”

Mortgage pre-qualification isn’t a binding agreement, so if it turns out buyers aren’t ready to take that step, then they’ll have the advantage of a number in the back of their mind whenever they decide to return to that search. And as interest rates fluctuate or more inventory comes into the housing market, having concrete information will stave off the stress that comes from doomsday headlines or the next analyst trying to predict the future.

“At the end of the day, we can only make informed predictions about what the housing market will do, but we can’t make any guarantees,” says Turcotte. “If you’re in the market for a new home, take the time to know your numbers and take control where you can — more preparation means less stress in the long run.”

To search for listings and try out the Mortgage Pre-Qualification Tool, visit c21.ca.

Consumer NewsConsumer NewsConsumer NewsConsumer News 13 February 2024

How You Can Use Feng Shui Practices to Improve Your Space

How You Can Use Feng Shui Practices to Improve Your Space

Feng Shui is an ancient practice that originated in China in 4000 BC. In its earliest form, it relied on astronomy to inform important building sites. It underwent many changes throughout history and often played an important role in China’s cultural evolution. Today, feng shui practitioners help people be more mindful of their space and carefully consider how the set-up of a room can make it feel peaceful and balanced.

 

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  1. Understand the command position

A basic tenet of Feng Shui is the ‘command position’. In any room, this is the spot where you can see the door and have an easy overview of the entire space. The command position is where you want to place the focal point of the room, whether that’s your bed, your biggest couch or your desk. This gives you good energy and helps you feel at ease within the room.

 

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  1. Keep space for energy to flow throughout your home

‘Chi’ is a term meant to refer to the vital flow of energy through people and places, and when using feng shui to design a room it is important to keep chi as balanced as possible. Too much clutter blocks energy and stifles a room, whereas too much emptiness will make you feel lost. Find a balance and keep doorways clear so that Chi can move easily through your home.

 

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  1. Different plants for every purpose

Feng Shui extends to the natural world and can offer some insight into how to bring greenery into your home. As part of the ‘wood element’, plants are said to inspire compassion and connection. Ferns will purify the air for freshness, snake plants make a great statement and offer protection, and bonsai trees are said to bring money to your home. Above all, don’t keep dying plants around, they’ll bring the energy of your home way down.

 

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  1. Be mindful about colours

It’s no surprise that the colours of a room can drastically change how you feel in it, and feng shui has many principles to help you choose which colours are right for you. Green is heavily connected to families, so could be good for rooms where you spend the most time together. Brown is considered ‘grounding’ and represents stability, good for a study or a bedroom. Purple has connotations of wealth, and use of it in your space could invite feelings of power and strength.

 

Monthly Features

Life@Home_February 2024_Project

DIY Project: Make a mini blooming garden

Show off your favourite succulents with a blooming garden that fits right on your tabletop!

Get DIY Project Here

 

Life@Home_February 2024_Recipe

Recipe: Quick Beef Stir Fry

This simple stir-fry is easy to throw together, even on your busiest weeknights.

Get recipe here

 

Image Credit: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4

In The Community 12 February 2024

CENTURY 21 SYSTEM RAISES NEARLY $3.1 MILLION FOR EASTERSEALS IN 2023 BRINGING LIFETIME SUPPORT TO $138.5 MILLION

CENTURY 21 COO Greg Sexton Appointed to Easterseals Board of Directors Further Enhancing Brand’s Commitment to the Organization

MADISON, N.J. (February 12, 2024) — Today, Century 21 Real Estate LLC announced that in 2023 the CENTURY 21® System raised more than $3 million for Easterseals, one of America’s largest nonprofit healthcare organizations that for more than 100 years has worked tirelessly with its partners to enhance quality of life and expand access to healthcare, education, employment, and transportation and mobility for millions of people with disabilities, including veterans and seniors. This includes the more than $60,000 raised during the brand’s first-ever International Week of Giving in July 2023. The CENTURY 21 network’s independent franchisees and affiliated relentless sales professionals have collaborated to raise $138.5 million since this philanthropic partnership began in 1979.

“For the CENTURY 21 Brand, giving back to the communities our system members serve every day has always been an integral part of who we are as a brand and our 45-year-long commitment to Easterseals is a true testament to that,” said Greg Sexton, COO of Century 21 Real Estate LLC who this past year was appointed to the Easterseals National Board of Directors. “I am so proud of the relentless efforts of CENTURY 21 affiliated brokers and agents across the country as they not only raise money but drive awareness for the important work of this remarkable organization. I’m excited to continue working even more closely with Kendra Davenport and the entire leadership team as we continue to elevate this relationship and truly make an impact for this community.”

“Easterseals’ relationship with the CENTURY 21 Brand is unique and powerful,” said Kendra E. Davenport, President and CEO, Easterseals. “CENTURY 21 System members are truly dedicated to Easterseals and our mission. We are fortunate to benefit from their integrity and commitment. CENTURY 21 affiliated brokers and agents across North America are helping Easterseals lead the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through life-changing disability and community services. We are thrilled to have Greg Sexton join our National Board of Directors and I look forward to building upon our 45-year relationship.”

In 2023, for the tenth consecutive year, the top two Easterseals fundraisers from the CENTURY 21 System were:

  1. CENTURY 21 Town & Country; Utica, Michigan
  2. CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company; Dallas, Texas

This is the 27th straight year that CENTURY 21 Town & Country has held the top spot among brokerages for fundraising efforts to benefit Easterseals.

This year, 13 of the Top 21 CENTURY 21® System fundraisers are Canadian firms, led by CENTURY 21 Foothills Real Estate in Alberta. The “Top 21” North American Fundraisers for Easterseals in 2023 were:

  1. CENTURY 21 Town & Country, Utica, Michigan
  2. CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company, Dallas, Texas
  3. CENTURY 21 Foothills Real Estate, High River, Alberta, Canada
  4. CENTURY 21 Millennium Inc. Brokerage, Brampton, Ontario, Canada
  5. CENTURY 21 B.J. Roth Realty Ltd. Brokerage, Barrie, Ontario, Canada
  6. CENTURY 21 Fusion, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
  7. CENTURY 21 Assurance Realty Ltd., Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
  8. CENTURY 21 Scheetz, Carmel, Indiana
  9. CENTURY 21 North Homes Realty, Lynnwood, Washington
  10. CENTURY 21 Leading Edge Realty Inc. Brokerage, Markham, Ontario, Canada
  11. CENTURY 21 Green Realty Inc. Brokerage, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
  12. CENTURY 21 Frontier Realty, McMurray, Pennsylvania
  13. CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold, Southampton, Pennsylvania
  14. CENTURY 21 Heritage House Ltd. Brokerage, Woodstock, Ontario, Canada
  15. CENTURY 21 Bamber Realty Ltd., Calgary, Alberta, Canada
  16. CENTURY 21 Bachman & Associates, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
  17. CENTURY 21 Dome Realty Inc., Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
  18. CENTURY 21 Tenace, Coral Springs, Florida
  19. CENTURY 21 Novus, Carrollton, Georgia
  20. CENTURY 21 Trident Realty Ltd., Westphal, Nova Scotia, Canada
  21. CENTURY 21 Executives Realty Ltd., Vernon, British Columbia, Canada

A reception recognizing the achievement of the “Top 21” offices will be held on March 4th during the brand’s 2024 global conference, the One21® Experience, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The CENTURY 21 brand is looking forward to hosting its second annual International Week of Giving, July 24 -28, 2024, during which it will showcase philanthropic activities and fundraising efforts conducted by its global network of affiliates supporting communities across the country and around the world.

 

About Easterseals

Easterseals is leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through life-changing disability and community services. Trusted by families for more than 100 years, the organization has worked tirelessly with its partners to enhance quality of life and expand local access to healthcare, education, employment, and transportation. And we won’t rest until every one of us is valued, respected, and accepted. Through its national network of Affiliates, Easterseals provides essential services and on-the-ground supports each year to 1.5 million children and adults with disabilities, including veterans and older adults – from early childhood programs for the critical first five years to autism services, medical rehabilitation and employment programs, transportation and mobility services, veterans’ programs, and more. The organization’s public education, policy, and advocacy initiatives positively shape perceptions and address the urgent and evolving needs of one in four Americans with disabilities today. Together, they’re empowering people with disabilities, families, and communities to be full and equal participants in society. To learn more, visit www.easterseals.com.

26 January 2024

CENTURY 21 Canada signs 26 franchises to renewals in 2023

January 26, 2024, Vancouver- CENTURY 21 Canada had many brokerages choose to remain in the fold, with 26 franchises renewing their contracts in 2023. Out of all franchises eligible for renewal last year, a notable 97% opted to for renewal, continuing a long trend of brand loyalty that stretches back decades.

“We pride ourselves on developing long-standing bonds within our network, and it’s great to see so many of our franchisees respond to that,” says Todd Shyiak, Executive Vice President of CENTURY 21 Canada. “We deeply appreciate their dedication to our brand and in turn we are going to continue providing the best tech and tools in the industry. More than anything, our team will always be a phone call away.”

 

Renewals include:

Franchise Renewals

CENTURY 21 King’s Quay Real Estate Inc. Markham, ON

 

CENTURY 21 United Realty Peterborough, ON
CENTURY 21 Greenway Realty Hay River, NT
CENTURY 21 Kootenay Homes (2018) Ltd. Trail, BC
CENTURY 21 Goldleaf Realty Inc. Ottawa, ON
CENTURY 21 Kelleher Real Estate Inc. Mississauga, ON
CENTURY 21 Amos Realty Oliver, BC
CENTURY 21 Briscoe Estates Ltd. Whitby, ON
CENTURY 21 Shield Realty Ltd Cornwall, ON
CENTURY 21 Lakeside Cove Realty Ltd. Lagoon City, ON
CENTURY 21 Titans Realty Inc. Toronto, ON
CENTURY 21 Élite Cantley, QC
CENTURY 21 Action Power Team Ltd. Ottawa, ON
CENTURY 21 Horizon West Realty Princeton, BC
CENTURY 21 Team Realty Georgetown, ON
CENTURY 21 Twin Realty Edson, AB
CENTURY 21 Connect Realty Wainwright, AB
CENTURY 21 Tremblant Mont-Tremblant, QC
CENTURY 21 Westcountry Realty Ltd Rocky Mountain House, AB
CENTURY 21 Nord-Sud Rivière-du-loup, QC
CENTURY 21 Reward Realty St. Albert, AB
CENTURY 21 All-Pro Realty (1993) Ltd. Cobourg, ON
CENTURY 21 Big Land Realty Limited Labrador City, NL
CENTURY 21 Miller Real Estate Ltd. Oakville, ON
CENTURY 21 Creekside Realty Ltd. Chilliwack, BC

 

CENTURY 21 Franchise owners have repeatedly spoken about what the personal support from the brand’s head office has meant to them, and how the brand’s reputation brings in both clients and agents. Grace Kelleher opened the doors to CENTURY 21 Kelleher Real Estate Inc. Brokerage in Mississauga in 1968 and chose to continue her decades-long relationship with CENTURY 21 Canada for another five years. “CENTURY 21 Canada is a very well-known brand; people are more likely to trust us when we display the gold seal on our signs and advertisements. This was a huge factor in me choosing to become a CENTURY 21 Canada franchisee. Being a part of this brand gets you in the door because everyone knows who we are; clients recognize the name and trust it,” says Kelleher.

Complementing the personal support from head office, CENTURY 21 Canada is also committed to providing the cutting-edge tools and technology brokerages need to thrive. Multiple training opportunities are also provided throughout the year, and the brand recently hosted their annual Canadian Management Academy, open to all owners in their network. The brand is looking forward to another year of success and helping each broker reach their full potential in the industry.

Franchise NewsFranchise NewsFranchise News 19 January 2024

CENTURY 21 Canada Opens 18 New Offices in 2023

January 19, 2023, Vancouver- CENTURY 21 Canada ended 2023 on a high-note with a total of 18 new offices opening across the country.

“We didn’t know how the year was going to go, but we stood by our value proposition and once again, brokers responded,” says Todd Shyiak, Executive Vice President of CENTURY 21 Canada. “As the real estate market in Canada comes down from the high of the past few years, more and more brokers are seeing the value in the training, tech and personal support that we aim to provide each and every one of them. Our team is the best in the business and there’s nothing we haven’t experienced, so if one of our brokers needs a word of advice, we’re here for them.”

 

New Franchises and Offices

CENTURY 21 Smart Realty Edmonton, AB
CENTURY 21 Twin Realty Hinton, AB
CENTURY 21 River’s Edge Ltd. Winchester, ON
CENTURY 21 Shield Realty Ltd. Lancaster, ON
CENTURY 21 Property Zone Realty Inc. Brampton, ON
CENTURY 21 Percy Fulton Ltd. Brighton, ON
CENTURY 21 Green Realty Inc. Mississauga, ON
CENTURY 21 Creekside Realty Ltd.

CENTURY 21 Creekside Realty Ltd

Chilliwack, BC

Chilliwack, BC

CENTURY 21 Creekside Realty Ltd. Agassiz, BC
CENTURY 21 Creekside Realty Ltd. Abbotsford, BC
CENTURY 21 Gillany Realty Whitecourt, AB
CENTURY 21 Northern Realty Vaughan, ON
CENTURY 21 Quantum Realty Edmonton, AB
CENTURY 21 Trident Realty Ltd. North Sydney, NS
CENTURY 21 ACE Calgary, AB
CENTURY 21 Profusion Montreal, QC
CENTURY 21 Power Realty Ltd. Calgary, AB

 

Owner of CENTURY 21 Gillany Realty, Rizwan Sayed, has seen the advances in real estate technology and created an innovative space for agents under the CENTURY 21 Canada brand. “I had heard great reviews of the brand, and I liked that they innovate,” says Sayed. “They are constantly looking for ways to improve and evolve, they provide a full suite of technology tools to help us push forward and the physical human support I get from the head office has no equal in the industry.”

Vikaas K. Kwatra opened the first office of 2023 in Edmonton, CENTURY 21 Smart Realty. “My main motivation is to help new agents because if they don’t have the right teacher, they leave within six months of joining the industry,” he explains. “I was with the brand for a long time and when I wanted to open my own brokerage, my experiences with their tools, culture and support system made them better than anyone.”

CENTURY 21 Canada now boasts approximately 400 offices across Canada and, in addition to its new franchises, renewed contracts with 26 brokerages in 2023.

Consumer News 9 January 2024

Refresh Your Space with The Colours of The Year!

Refresh Your Space with The Colours of The Year!

Each year, paint companies announce their colour of the year, a tradition that lets us think about incorporating new trends into a tired space if you’re in need of a change. For 2024, we’ve got gentle pastels alongside bold hues, so no matter your style, there’s a colour that’s right for your palette.

 

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  1. Peach Fuzz (Pantone)

One of the most anticipated announcements from the world of paint, Pantone has named ‘Peach Fuzz’ their colour of the year for 2024. A soft and gentle colour reminiscent of a summer day, their Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman described their choice as “an echo of our innate yearning for closeness and connection.” To help bring people together in your home, see if this shade fits in your family room where its soft hue will be easy on the eyes.

 

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  1. Blue Nova (Benjamin Moore)

This rich hue is sophisticated and classic, a good choice for living rooms and dining rooms. If you’re working with a smaller space, consider painting an accent wall to not overwhelm the room, or pairing it with lighter accents for more balance. The team at Benjamin Moore made their choice in hopes of inspiring thoughts of space travel and adventure.

 

Life@Home_January 2024_03

  1. Persimmon (HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams)

Another light-orange shade, this colour is different while still being classy, a way to introduce colour without being garish. Its neutral undertones make it easy to work with, and if used in a living room, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to play with contrasting colours through your accents.

 

Life@Home_January 2024_04

  1. Cracked Pepper (Behr)

Black walls may make you think of your goth phase, but this softer shade is a grown-up hue that makes your space feel classic and cozy. Best used in larger rooms with plenty of light to keep things from getting gloomy, and furniture to complement the colours. Complement the walls with shades of blue, or go full contrast with lighter cream-coloured pieces.

 

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  1. Upward (Sherwin-Williams)

Need something lighter? This pale blue is reminiscent of a day at the beach, and pairs beautifully with white accents. If your space has been making you feel uninspired, this is a great option to refresh the whole room and lift your spirits every time you enter.

 

Monthly Features

Life@Home_January 2024_Project

DIY Project: Create your own canvas art

Take your room refresh one step further with homemade canvas art! It’s easy to get started with no experience required, and you’ll be surprised by just how elegant your final result can look.

Get DIY project here

 

Life@Home_January 2024_Recipe

Recipe: Broccoli Soup

Keep the winter cold away with this hearty and healthy soup! Simple to make and keep in your freezer, you won’t have to go to a restaurant until spring.

Get recipe here

 

Image Credit: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4Image 5

Franchise News 3 January 2024

A new start for Ottawa’s Century Action Power Team

CENTURY 21 Action Power Team Ltd. was recently sold to Marc-Andre Perrier and Stephen George, who both began in real estate with the company. The pair saw the opportunity to continue the 45-year legacy built by former owners, Pasquale Ricciuti and Suzanne Robinson.

“We’re passionate about growth and innovation,” says Perrier in a release. “We want to expand our team, embrace emerging technologies and leverage all the tools that CENTURY 21 Canada provides.”

“It’s great to see new owners come into established brokerages with a fresh perspective,” says Todd Shyiak, Executive Vice President of CENTURY 21 Canada.

“As longtime members of our network, Marc-Andre and Stephen are in the best position to continue our commitment to the gold standard level of service while also looking for ways to bring in new technology and training programs that will see the brokerage grow, year after year. They’ve been great to work with and we look forward to seeing them at our annual events for many years to come.”

 

What led them to purchase

George was ready to bring a fresh perspective to the industry. “We’ve witnessed significant change during our time here,” he explains. “We want to take advantage of the cutting-edge technology and new opportunities that CENTURY 21 Canada offers to brokerages.”

Perrier praises the brand’s annual OneC21 conference, an opportunity for CENTURY 21 professionals to get together, connect and learn.

“Our recent experience at the OneC21 conference was incredible,” mentions Perrier. “We enjoyed the networking opportunities and recognized how CENTURY 21 Canada is leading the way in modernizing the real estate industry.”

George appreciates CENTURY 21 staying ahead of the curve. “We admire how CENTURY 21 Canada is continuously improving their technology offerings,” he explains. “Their websites for every agent and their partnership with MoxiWorks are just two examples. We knew our brokerage could become even more future-ready.”

 

What’s next?

The new owners are embracing the future in the plans for the brokerage. They look to bring on like-minded agents who share their values and can thrive in change. This strategy includes leveraging local expertise and focusing on what sets Ottawa and area communities apart.

“It’s all about serving our local communities and continuing to give back,” says George. “We want to provide exceptional service and expertise in our specific areas.”