Century 21 Realty purchased First Brokers at Webb Road; however, neither of the locations will be closed.
Century 21's broker and owner, Jeff Reed, said that in the recent eight years, his business soared to 32 associates from starting out with 18 sales associates. His market share, on the other hand, went to 36 percent from 14 percent in 2013.
Reed, however, revealed that one of the biggest challenges that confronted his business was that his associates, both experienced and new, were refusing to join the sales force. According to his sales associates, they felt like the company did not have enough room to welcome and accommodate them for long.
With a desire to correct the incorrect assumption and to provide a better accommodation, he began to search for an office space somewhere in Grand Island northwest area. After more than a year of religiously studying the trends in the market, he decided that he could use help from Coad Miller, his friend and mentor in the industry.
In three meetings, Miller and Reed came to an agreement and decided to merge their companies in Jan. 1. Century 21's owner said that this decision will neither close any of the offices. On the contrary, it will open both office spaces for the two to be able to bring in new talents and provide world-class real estate service to the Grand Island area.
Throughout his younger years, Reed shared that he had chosen to spend summer with his father and work for him, serving residential mortgage lending and construction. Reed, in 1990, also said that more than anything else, he felt that there was an ongoing need for affordable housing in the area.
The observation made him purchase lots and build homes, while looking for a possible ground to finally launch the project. On Jeffrey Oaks, the company broke ground in 1993. Back then, their objective was to develop lots and build houses for people to buy. While the project was initially a 10-year projected activity, the plan was materialized in eight years.
Currently, Reed has 46 agents.
