Northern Nevada brokerage joins Century 21 network

A northern Nevada real estate brokerage led by a longtime local broker has joined the Century 21 network — aiming to grow its presence across the region. Michelle Barney, broker and owner of Nevada Prime Real Estate LLC, announced her Fernley, Nev.-based firm has affiliated with Century 21 and will now operate as Century 21 Prime.

The move gives the office access to the brand’s national platform, technology and agent training tools.

“Since we emerged from the pandemic, our goal has been to fully embrace and immerse ourselves in the community,” Barney said. “I believe our community-facing values mesh perfectly with the amazing Century 21 brand identity, and I firmly believe that our newly enhanced name recognition will allow us to better pursue our vision for our company’s future.”

Her firm currently serves clients from Fernley to Reno, Nevada.

Barney entered the real estate industry in 2004 as an administrative clerk for a custom homebuilder and later earned her real estate license — taking over as project manager for a full subdivision. In 2008, she shifted to selling resale properties while working toward her broker’s license and property management certification.

In February 2020, she launched her own brokerage — just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic upended the housing market. Barney credits that period with teaching her how to manage crisis and lead with confidence, despite the uncertainty.

“We are fully committed to helping nurture all those that live, work, and play in our corner of Nevada,” she said. “When someone comes to us for help, we’ll never cut corners, and we’ll provide them with a one-stop-shop for all their real estate needs. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by a group of equally compassionate and competent professionals who treat every client as an extension of their own family.”

With the Century 21 affiliation, Barney hopes to recruit additional agents, expand her business footprint and explore future acquisitions.

“To succeed in Nevada real estate requires an understanding of vastly different markets, from the bright lights of Las Vegas and Reno, to the quiet frontier towns of the desert,” said Mike Miedler, president and CEO of Century 21 Real Estate. “It takes true local insight to achieve success in that market, and fortunately, Michelle has exactly that.

“Michelle’s homegrown talent and expertise has allowed her to carve out a niche for herself in northern Nevada and we’re excited to help her tap into the latest tools and technology in the real estate industry, while still promoting her small-town, family-first philosophy.”