September 22 2021
What does "home" mean to you? For many of us, the answer to that question changed dramatically over the past year and a half as we moved forward through our new COVID reality. As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the CENTURY 21 brand explores this concept in a unique collaboration with National Geographic CreativeWorks culminating in the production of its first-ever branded documentary. Titled "Home Rediscovered," the documentary premieres on the National Geographic Network on September 23 at 10 pm EST.
To support the film, the CENTURY 21® brand commissioned a global research study with magnetic collective, an insights-driven brand consultancy, to explore how the past year transformed the modern home and what these changes might mean for the future of homeownership and the real estate industry. The study was conducted using both quantitative analysis and qualitative interviews with real estate agents, builders, recent buyers, and future buyers across five key global markets including the United States, France, Australia, Spain and Japan.
With more offices around the world than any other real estate franchise, it was important to Century 21 Real Estate to look at the data through a global lens. The survey was based on the responses of 1500 people (300 in each market), from the ages of 25 to 64 from April to May 2021. The "Rediscovering Home" documentary weaves in findings from the study as well as examines several housing trends that emerged during the pandemic which are expected to shape our vision of home for the foreseeable future.
There has not been one universal pandemic experience as countries have followed their own COVID timelines with varying peaks and restrictions, creating a home buying process that varies geographically.
The pandemic forced people to stay close to home, but even when looking to move, they aren't going far.
Low inventory and increasing prices continue to be the hot topics in the U.S. and across markets.
Urban flight is happening around the world, but there are indications that it may not be a lasting trend.
"It's no secret that the last 18 months have been a wild ride for the real estate industry," said Michael Miedler, president and CEO, Century 21 Real Estate LLC. "What was once a seasonal business that had expected outcomes from month to month was completely upended by work from home, schooling at home, and postponed life events. We were thrilled to work alongside magnetic collective and National Geographic CreativeWorks to take a deep dive into how these lifestyle changes were going to impact the consumers' view of home and subsequently the future of our industry. Regardless of what challenges and changes lie ahead, we were excited to see that buyers surveyed in all markets see the benefits of having an active and engaged real estate professional, like our C21® affiliated agents, taking on multiple roles and being a partner throughout the journey. All of these learnings will help to ensure that we are continuing to deliver the most extraordinary experiences possible for all of our clients around the globe."
"Home Rediscovered" is a 45-minute film hosted by National Geographic Explorers Andrés Ruzo and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant. They met with a diverse group of families and individuals who have uprooted their lives, bought homes, moved, or simply re-thought the way they want to live – now and in the future as they explored what the future of home will look like around the world.
To learn more about the CENTURY 21 Brand and National Geographic CreativeWorks collaboration as well as view the exclusive trailer for the "Home Rediscovered" documentary, please visit Nationalgeographic.com/future-of-home.