It's been a rough few years for local home sales... But experts say our market is on the mend. 23 News Economic Reporter Kristin Burke tells us how this new age of real estate is forcing many firms to reinvent themselves to stay in the game.

" I lost enthusiasm for the brand... It's lost its luster."

It's a sign of the times.. after nearly three decades Century 21 North Realty in Rockford is turning in their gold jacket in favor of a new identity as our economy heads in a different direction.

"More companies are dropping off the older brands in favor of the newer brands that have a better structure and are more high tech."

Century 21 is now known as Nextage Professional Realty a franchise brokerage firm of Nextage International based in Georgia. The company says they are different from most other shops on the block by creating a team approach which they say will benefit customers.

"Your not just hiring an agent, you've got a whole team of agents who arent solely worried about commission."

Although this sign will change leaders say the name will give both buyers and seller's more tools to move from sale to sold."

" Very much innovated and visionary.. more into the networking and marketing."

But getting customers to abandon the comfort of a household name and embrace change will be a tough sell.. and only time will tell.

In Rockford Kristin Burke 23 News Right Now.