RD: The biggest shift I foresee is cultural diversity. Multicultural consumers are no longer niche segments; they are the new mainstream. Hispanic real estate consumers, who are fast becoming preeminent drivers of growth and trendsetters in the marketplace, can go to http://espanol.century21.com to learn about buying and selling real estate. Their buying power and social influence cannot be ignored. That’s terrific news for our country, and for real estate agents. Hispanics, through strong family ties and community service, are strengthening America. In greater percentages, they value, and are seeking, the American Dream of homeownership. What’s even better news for real estate professionals is that the Hispanic community wants to do business with people that they trust, that they have a relationship with and that understand their unique needs.
The second fastest-growing market in the U.S. is the Asian community. The Asian influence on our nation as a whole, and American real estate specifically, is tremendous. I can tell you first-hand that the Asian American real estate consumer and the industry’s business leaders are young, brilliant and eager to make a difference in the communities where they live and work. Our brokers and agents are uniquely positioned to meet this growing market head-on. We have broker affiliations with organizations like the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals and the Asian Real Estate Association of America, and offices with sales professionals that reflect our nation’s growing diversity.
MP: Clearly, the future is quite bright. Any closing thoughts?
BT: We’ve only just begun! We will continue to tell our story. Our story is our System—the CENTURY 21 brokers and agents around the globe, who are “SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.” as they leverage the tools, products and services to help their customers achieve their dreams of homeownership.
RD: As Chairman, International Board of Directors at Easter Seals, I’d be remiss if I didn’t reinforce the CENTURY 21 System’s commitment to our philanthropic partner. Easter Seals continues to make a difference providing exceptional services, education, outreach, and advocacy so people living with autism and other disabilities can live, learn, work and play in our communities. This year, we’re reaching out to our nation’s veterans and their families, alerting them to the myriad of support services and programs available to help empower them to lead more independent lives and fulfill the dream of homeownership. Easter Seals services for veterans include employment, mental health programs, housing, and other special care services, to make reintegrating into the community easier. Active or retired service members looking to find out more about the resources available to them can call the Easter Seals Community One Source Hotline, (866) 423-4981, or visit www.century21.com/aboutus/veterans to learn more.
