At a Glance: Key Differences
Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.
⚠️ Risk Assessment
Risk signals from FDD disclosures. Higher score = lower risk. Verify all figures in each franchise's current FDD before investing.
| Risk Factor | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | Century 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Failure Rate | N/A | N/A |
| Unit Turnover (Growth) | +80%/yr | +200%/yr |
| Total Fee Burden | 6.0% | 6.0% |
| Territory Protection | ✅ Exclusive | ✅ Exclusive |
Detailed Analysis: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices vs Century 21
According to FranchiseStack.ai's franchise database of 192+ FDD-sourced opportunities, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Century 21 are among the most-researched franchise comparisons. The choice comes down to your investment capacity, risk tolerance, and operational preferences. Both operate in the Real Estate sector, which means they compete for similar customers and territory. Century 21 has a larger footprint, which typically translates to stronger brand recognition but potentially more territorial saturation.
From a capital perspective, Century 21 has a lower entry point. However, initial investment alone doesn't determine ROI — ongoing royalties, revenue potential, and failure rates all factor into long-term returns. Century 21 charges a lower royalty rate, which means more of your gross revenue stays in your pocket.
Franchisee satisfaction is one of the strongest predictors of long-term success. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices leads with a 75/100 satisfaction score, indicating that existing owners are more positive about their decision. Before committing to either franchise, we recommend running both through our Financial Model tool to project personalized 5-year P&L scenarios. You should also review each franchise's complete Franchise Disclosure Document using our FDD Checker to understand litigation history, termination rates, and territory restrictions.
Investment & Fees
| Metric | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | Century 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $25K | $25K |
| Max Investment | $150K | $525K |
| Franchise Fee | $25K | $25K |
| Royalty Rate | 6.0% | 6.0% |
| Ad Fund Rate | N/A | N/A |
Unit Economics
| Metric | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | Century 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | N/A | N/A |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | Century 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 1,500 | 14,000 |
| Annual Growth | 80.0% | 200.0% |
| Failure Rate | N/A | N/A |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | Century 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 75/100 | 73/100 |
Track Record
| Metric | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | Century 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | N/A | N/A |
| Years Franchising | N/A | N/A |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | Century 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | N/A | N/A |
| Liquid Capital Required | N/A | N/A |
Operations
| Metric | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | Century 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | N/A | N/A |
| Training Weeks | N/A | N/A |
⚠️ Risk Indicators
| Metric | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | Century 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Failure Rate | N/A | N/A |
| Annual Unit Growth | 80.0% | 200.0% |
| Units Opened Last Year | N/A | N/A |
| Units Closed Last Year | N/A | N/A |
| Exclusive Territory | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices or Century 21 a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has 1,500 total units and a 75/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Century 21 has 14,000 total units and a 73/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.
How much does it cost to open a Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchise requires an initial investment of $25K – $150K. The franchise fee is $25K, with ongoing royalties of 6.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
How much does it cost to open a Century 21 franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Century 21 franchise requires an initial investment of $25K – $525K. The franchise fee is $25K, with ongoing royalties of 6.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
What is the royalty rate for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices vs Century 21?
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices's royalty rate is 6.0%. Century 21's royalty rate is 6.0%. That means Century 21 has the lower ongoing royalty burden.
Which has more locations — Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices or Century 21?
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has 1,500 total units. Century 21 has 14,000 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices or Century 21 semi-absentee friendly?
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is typically run as a owner-operator model. Century 21 is typically run as a owner-operator model. If passive income is your goal, semi-absentee models let you hire a manager to run day-to-day operations.
Related Comparisons
Data sourced from franchise disclosure documents and public records. Investment ranges, royalty rates, and unit counts change — always request current FDD before making investment decisions. Last updated March 2026.
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