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Century 21 Affiliated Ranked #1 in the World for the 11th Year in a Row
MADISON, WI, March 3, 2025 – CENTURY 21 Affiliated is once again the #1 CENTURY 21® franchise in the world, marking an unprecedented 11th consecutive year at #1, and locking in the title of the most successful franchise in the history of CENTURY 21®. This milestone reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction in the real estate industry.
“Our agents and staff continue to set the bar higher every year,” said Dan Kruse, CEO & Owner of CENTURY 21 Affiliated. “Being ranked #1 for 11 years straight is no small feat – it’s a testament to our relentless dedication to providing exceptional service and helping our clients achieve their real estate goals.”
Over the past 11 years, CENTURY 21 Affiliated has continued to expand its footprint, delivering outstanding results across the United States. The company’s success is built on a strong foundation of top-tier training, cutting-edge technology, and a culture of collaboration and growth.
“We are incredibly proud of this achievement,” said Jasen Schrock, President & Owner of CENTURY 21 Affiliated. “It speaks volumes about the talent and dedication of our agents and leadership team. Year after year, they prove why we are the best in the business.”
With a mission to deliver extraordinary experiences, CENTURY 21 Affiliated remains committed to client-focused strategies that drive results.
“We don’t take this ranking lightly,” said Sam Bell, President of Brokerage at CENTURY 21 Affiliated. “It fuels us to keep improving, evolving, and delivering at the highest level. Our success is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of our entire team.”
As CENTURY 21 Affiliated looks ahead, the company remains focused on growth, agent success, and maintaining its industry-leading position. With 11 years at the top, the future is brighter than ever.
About CENTURY 21 Affiliated
CENTURY 21 Affiliated is a member of multiple listing services in California, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, with over 1,500+ sales professionals and 70+ offices. CENTURY 21 Affiliated also specializes in worldwide relocation. At CENTURY 21 Affiliated, the customer comes first. The complete commitment to this philosophy has made CENTURY 21 Affiliated a powerful force in the real estate industry. CENTURY 21 Affiliated has been ranked the No. 1 CENTURY 21® franchise worldwide for over ten years in a row. Visit C21Affiliated.com to learn more.
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Top 10 Best Real Estate Markets for First-Time Buyers in 2025
If you’re like many aspiring homebuyers, the rising cost of living might feel like a major roadblock. From groceries to gas, and yes, especially home prices, everything seems to be getting more expensive.
But even in today’s market, there are still ways to make your homeownership dreams a reality. The key is knowing the current best real estate markets and how to approach your first home purchase strategically.
Think of Your First Home as a Stepping Stone
One of the biggest misconceptions among buyers is that their first home has to be their dream home. The truth is, your very first home doesn’t need to check every box on your wish list. Instead, think of your first home as a stepping stone to your final destination.
Owning a home allows you to start building equity, which grows over time as home prices increase. That equity can be a powerful tool when you’re ready to upgrade to a bigger home or move to a more desirable location in the future.
Rather than waiting until you can afford your dream home in your ideal neighborhood, consider starting with something that fits your current needs and budget. This approach gets you into the market sooner and may cost you in the short-term, but it sets you up for long-term financial growth. Best of all, it’s a real start to eventually buying your dream home at some point in the future.
Explore the Best Real Estate Markets in 2025
If the price of homes in your preferred area are holding you back, it might be worth broadening your search. With some flexibility in location, you can find more affordable options without sacrificing the amenities most important to you. Many first-time buyers find homebuying success by exploring surrounding areas or even considering a move to a different state.
According to a report from Realtor.com, these are the 10 best real estate markets for first-time homebuyers in 2025:
- Rochester, NY with a Median List Price of $129,900.
- Lansing, MI with a Median List Price of $135,000.
- Harrisburg, PA with a Median List Price of $140,000.
- Lauderdale Lakes, FL with a Median List Price of $154,850.
- North Little Rock, AR with a Median List Price of $160,000.
- Baltimore, MD with a Median List Price of $210,000.
- Wilmington, DE with a Median List Price of $222,000.
- Altamonte Springs, FL with a Median List Price of $229,400.
- Tonawanda, NY with a Median List Price of $229,000.
- Villas, FL with a Median List Price of $236.950.
Realtor weighted their market rankings by several factors including median price, location score, number of home listings, average commute time, and others specified in the full report. If one of these cities is in or near your target home location, it’s worth looking to see what properties are available. Even if you don’t find your dream home, you might find the perfect starter home on the path to it.
Stay Local and Look Just Outside Your Preferred Area
If moving to a different state isn’t an option, you can still find affordable homes by expanding your search locally. Sometimes, looking even just 10 to 20 minutes outside your ideal neighborhood can make a significant difference in price. Nearby areas can often offer similar amenities, like access to restaurants, shops, and activities, but at a lower cost.
And the best way to see what’s available is to work with a real estate agent who understands the local market and can help you identify hidden gems nearby. An agent can point you to communities you may not have considered that have lower price tags now and are steadily gaining value and appeal. That way you can buy your first home and be set up to gain equity through the years.
Conclusion
Today’s cost of living is a challenge for many homebuyers, but by exploring 2025’s best real estate markets and working with a knowledgeable agent, you can take that first step toward owning a home this year, and building equity for your future.
How far outside your area would you be willing to look to make your homeownership dreams a reality? Connect with us to discuss your options and find the perfect market for your first home.
Dan Kruse of CENTURY 21 Affiliated Recognized Among the Industry’s Most Influential Leaders
[Madison, WI] – January 13, 2025 – CENTURY 21 Affiliated is proud to announce that its President and CEO, Dan Kruse, has been ranked #109 on the prestigious 2025 Swanepoel Power 200 (SP 200), a definitive ranking of the most powerful and influential leaders in the residential real estate industry.
The Swanepoel Power 200, published annually by T3 Sixty, evaluates leaders based on their achievements, influence, and contributions to the real estate industry. The ranking underscores Kruse’s dedication to innovation, leadership, and commitment to providing unparalleled value to CENTURY 21 Affiliated agents, clients, and communities.
Dan Kruse – CEO and President of CENTURY 21 Affiliated
“I am incredibly honored to be recognized among so many trailblazers in our industry,” said Dan Kruse. “This acknowledgment is a reflection of the extraordinary efforts of all our CENTURY 21 Affiliated real estate professionals. Together, we are setting a standard of excellence for agents and clients alike.”
Under Kruse’s leadership, CENTURY 21 Affiliated has solidified its position as one of the largest and most successful CENTURY 21 franchises in the world, with a steadfast focus on agent support, cutting-edge technology, and community engagement. His forward-thinking strategies have led to record-breaking achievements for the company, including expanding its footprint across multiple states, fostering a culture of growth and innovation, and holding the record for most transactions by a single CENTURY 21 franchise.
Kruse’s inclusion on the SP 200 highlights his role as a visionary leader driving success not only for CENTURY 21 Affiliated but also for the real estate industry as a whole.
For more information about CENTURY 21 Affiliated and its innovative approach to real estate, please visit C21Affiliated.com.
About CENTURY 21 Affiliated
CENTURY 21 Affiliated is a member of multiple listings services in California, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin with more than 1,400 sales professionals and 60+ offices. CENTURY 21 Affiliated also specializes in worldwide relocation. At CENTURY 21 Affiliated, the customer comes first. The complete commitment to this philosophy is what has made CENTURY 21 Affiliated such a powerful force in the real estate industry. CENTURY 21 Affiliated has been ranked the No. 1 CENTURY 21® franchise in the world for eleven years.
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