As we step into 2026, it feels only right to pause, look around, and reflect on the year that brought us here. 2025 was a year of momentum, growth, laughter, learning, and resilience at Century 21 Realty Partners. It was a year where relationships deepened, skills sharpened, and our culture continued to shine through in everything we did. From busy offices and packed training rooms to shared meals and milestone celebrations, this past year reminded us that real estate is not just about transactions, it is about people.

New Faces, Fresh Energy, One Powerful Team

We began the year with renewed energy and a goal of expanding our team. Welcoming new agents into our brokerage is always special, and 2025 brought an impressive lineup of professionals who each added their own strengths, experiences, and perspectives to our collective success. Olga Benton, Janet Marinez, Griselda Huicochea, Renee Becker, Dixie Marshall, Tamie Triola, Shantoya Jones, Todd Vetter, Synthiea Batts, Cindie Barosh, Hailey Lasker, Maria Finger, Ashleigh Newman, Celestina Rivera, Tracy Phillips and RQ Swann joined our growing family. Every one of them brought not only talent, but also a shared mindset of growth, learning, and collaboration. Their commitment to honing their craft and supporting one another reflects exactly who we are as a brokerage.

In addition to welcoming new agents, we were excited to expand our support team with the addition of Administrative Assistant Eliana Granby. Eliana joined the brokerage to help streamline operations, support our agents, and strengthen the foundation that allows our team to grow and thrive. Her role is an important part of our continued momentum, ensuring our agents can focus on what they do best while the business behind the scenes runs smoothly.

Brains, Bites, and Big Real Estate Energy

Education and connection remained a cornerstone of our culture throughout the year. Our monthly Watch Parties became a favorite tradition, blending learning with community in the best way possible. These gatherings gave agents the opportunity to come together over lunch, share ideas, ask questions, and sharpen their skills in a relaxed and supportive environment. Topics ranged from owning your value and discovering your professional vibe to prospecting, lead generation farming, building your fifth season, and preparing for 2026 business planning.

Education throughout the year was further strengthened through our ongoing trainings with Navy Federal Credit Union. These sessions provided valuable insight into serving military and veteran clients with confidence and clarity. Topics included busting common VA loan myths, working effectively with military buyers, understanding VA loan assumptions, and getting to know Navy Federal and the resources they offer. Hosted by an outstanding group of professionals including Glazl Daniel, Julie Rocha, Michelle Mark, and Freida Anthony, these trainings empowered our agents with practical knowledge they could immediately apply in their businesses. The continued partnership with Navy Federal reflects our commitment to education that not only grows our agents but also elevates the level of service we provide to the clients and communities we serve.

We are also grateful for the support of our industry partners, including Upward Title, HomeTeam Inspections, Goosehead Insurance, Rave Financial Services, Homes.com, Pulte/Centex Homes, Chesmar Homes, AIRIA Development, and DR Horton, who not only shared valuable insights but also kept everyone well fueled with lunches that ranged from pizza and Panera to Chick fil A and even sushi. Learning never tasted so good.

Where Hustle Bloomed and Listings Followed

Spring brought with it a new level of motivation through our Spring of Opportunity brokerage competition, running from February 12 through June 1, 2025. Designed to encourage training participation and boost listing activity, this initiative did exactly what it set out to do. Agents leaned in, sharpened their listing skills, and focused on consistent improvement. The results spoke for themselves, showing a noticeable year over year increase in listings. It was a powerful reminder that when education meets accountability, real growth follows. The momentum carried through the rest of the year as agents continued to apply what they learned, build confidence in their listing presentations, and lean into consistent growth that showed up in their businesses long after spring had passed.

Walking With Purpose, Giving With Heart

Community involvement is not a one time initiative at Century 21 Realty Partners, it is a long standing tradition. On April 12, 2025, our team proudly represented the brokerage at the Easterseals Walk With Me Houston event, held at the Houston Zoo. This year marked our 19th consecutive year supporting this incredible foundation, a milestone that speaks volumes about our commitment to giving back. Walking together through the zoo alongside families, advocates, and community partners was a meaningful reminder that our work extends beyond real estate. Supporting Easterseals and their mission to empower individuals with disabilities and their families reflects the heart of our brokerage and the values we strive to uphold year after year. It is one of many ways we continue to invest in the communities we are proud to serve across Houston.

A Time to Celebrate Excellence

On May 1st, we gathered at Landry’s Seafood in The Woodlands for our annual awards ceremony, an afternoon dedicated to celebrating the successes of 2024 and recognizing the outstanding efforts of our agents. It was filled with well earned applause, shared pride, and a few happy tears as we reflected on the dedication and hard work that drove our achievements. One especially meaningful moment came when Trish Matthews was honored by Navy Federal Credit Union for her exceptional service, receiving a commemorative American Flag and silver anchor pin in recognition of her commitment to serving military and veteran clients. The celebration continued as we shared the exciting news that our brokerage was recognized by Cartus with a Customer Service Award, a testament to the consistent care, professionalism, and heart our agents bring to every client interaction. This event served as a powerful reminder that success is best celebrated together and that excellence is truly a team effort.

Dialing for Dreams and Sold Signs

As the year progressed, our agents continued to show up with determination and confidence. In August, we launched the Expired Listings Power Hour, scheduled every other Tuesday. These sessions gave agents a structured and supportive space to make calls to owners of expired listings in the MLS, offering their expertise and a fresh approach to getting homes sold. Beyond the business impact, these power hours helped agents grow more comfortable talking about their services, building confidence, and connecting authentically with potential clients. It was skill building in real time, with results that extended far beyond the phone calls themselves.

Serious Chili, Friendly Fire, and the Great Bean Debate

Of course, no year at Century 21 Realty Partners would be complete without a little fun mixed in. October took us to Lake Conroe for our 3rd annual Chili Cook Off, where nine different chilis were bravely brought to the table and the great beans in chili debate was alive and well. The competition was friendly, the laughs were plentiful, and the judges had their work cut out for them. HomeTeam Inspections earned third place, Ken and Carolyn Jones took second, and Shawn Owens claimed first place bragging rights. It was a perfect example of how we balance hard work with moments that bring us together.

Turning Pages Into Stronger Negotiations

We also invested in personal and professional growth through our Book Club, which kicked off on October 28, 2025, meeting weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Together, we read Getting to Yes by Roger Fisher and William Ury, diving into the art of negotiation and discussing how each chapter applied not only to real estate but to everyday life. These conversations strengthened our negotiation skills and reinforced our commitment to advocating effectively for our clients. The enthusiasm carried forward as we looked ahead to our next read, Let the Sellers Beware, The 44 Outs in a Texas Real Estate Contract for a Buyer.

Holidays Served Family Style

As the holidays approached, our focus shifted to gratitude and togetherness. In November, we gathered at The Woodlands office for a Thanksgiving potluck, where agents shared their favorite dishes and enjoyed a warm afternoon of conversation and connection. It was a simple yet meaningful reminder of how fortunate we are to work alongside people who truly feel like family. Not long after, the festive spirit continued with our White Elephant party. That brought out everyone’s competitive spirit, especially when Cindie Barosh swooped in and stole Santa from Broker Owner Patti Beaulier. All was forgiven when Patti happily walked away with the wine cork, because in true Century 21 Realty Partners fashion, everyone wins and laughs along the way.

Milestones Worth Celebrating

The year also brought milestones worth celebrating in a big way. A special congratulations goes to Rhonda Clark on passing her broker’s exam, a tremendous accomplishment that reflects dedication, perseverance, and a deep commitment to leadership and growth within our brokerage. We are equally proud to recognize Todd Vetter, Griselda Huicochea, Tamie Triola, Cindie Barosh, and Maria Finger for joining Century 21 Realty Partners and closing a transaction in their first year. Those early wins are no small feat and speak volumes about their drive, focus, and willingness to lean into learning. These achievements remind us that when talent meets support, momentum follows.

When Challenges Knocked, We answered Together

While 2025 brought plenty of fun and success, it also came with its share of challenges. From car accidents and personal illnesses to power outages, Wi Fi interruptions, hurricanes, and tornadoes, this year tested our resilience in more ways than one. Through it all, Century 21 Realty Partners kept its doors open and business moving forward. That does not happen by accident. It happens because of a team that steps up, supports one another, and delivers when it matters most. This is real estate with heart, rooted in a culture of showing up for each other and pushing one another to grow.

Small Brokerage, Mighty Impact, Onward to 2026

As we look ahead, our gratitude is immense. Our agents are the heartbeat of this brokerage, and everything we accomplish is because of their talent, dedication, and teamwork. We may be a small brokerage, but we are mighty, and we continue to make our mark in the Houston real estate market year after year. With big goals, strong relationships, and an unwavering commitment to exceptional service, we are excited for what 2026 holds. Here is to another year of growth, collaboration, and building something truly special together.