LOCAL PROFILES
Real Estate Exec: Carlos Silva, Century 21 Advantage Gold

Carlos H. Silva Sr., investments specialist at Century 21 Advantage Gold, is busy and optimistic these days. And that's primarily because he believes in his product. "Las Vegas is a 24-hour-a-day town," he says. "You can eat breakfast or dinner any time of the day, and there's always something to see and do."

While confidence in the product makes the job a lot more pleasant, there are some other angles to consider. Preparation and experience produce character and tenacity, two essential elements to successful business management and developing the necessary trust and rapport with clients.

Carlos began preparing while in high school, taking all the required courses to get into medical school. Joining the Army seemed like a good way to get money for college and there he decided to become a communications specialist, working with radios and electronic equipment.

His Army career extended over the next nine years and took him all over the world. While stationed at Bamburg, Germany, Carlos toured much of Europe. He was in Germany when the Berlin Wall came down and remembers the emotionally charged atmosphere of that momentous event in history. "People were yelling and crying and dancing, all at the same time," he recalls. "It was exciting and inspiring to be a part of it all."

Part of his Army experience included participating in Desert Shield/Desert Storm and his memories of that time are not as pleasant. "I had to be away from my family for two years," he says. "It was a difficult time for all of us." During that part of his military experience, Carlos was rewarded for his character and valor. He received four Army achievement medals, three Army commendations, and the humanitarian award. Nine years in the Army had given him vast life experiences, built the character he would need to be a success in other venues, and developed the will and tenacity to survive during rocky economic times.

When Carlos returned to Las Vegas in 1995, he joined the carpenter's union and went to work building casinos. But his ambition and love of people soon prompted him to try his hand at the Real Estate business in 1999. As a REALTOR®, he joined Century 21 Advantage Gold and became part of the team that earned the honor of being the No. 1 office in the world from 2003 to 2006. He has earned designations to work with residential and commercial investments, and is a Certified International Property Specialist. He has also earned the Masters Award and Centurion Award for his achievements at Century 21.

About four years ago, Carlos began working with international clients and has had much instruction in negotiating with buyers from other cultures. "It depends on what country they're from," he says, "but even body language can make or break a deal." Carlos is also bilingual, and finds that speaking another language gives him even more common ground with potential clients.

Careful and consistent networking in the business has enabled Carlos to thrive in the areas of Real Estate that are most active at any given time. "The market is very strong in bank-owned properties," he says. "And I work primarily with investors in resort hotels and bulk packages" He and his team are currently negotiating properties in Hawaii, Spain, the Bahamas, China and South America. "Our clients are not only from the United States but also from Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Asia," Carlos states.

The team can assist with acquisition or disposition of financial instruments, consumer debt, or bulk bank-owned packages that can include residential or commercial properties in a variety of locations nationwide, all in one city or state, or in other countries.

Carlos works hard to earn the trust and confidence of his clients, and he genuinely enjoys what he does. "I like helping people make good investments and working with people all over the world, he says." A lot of his work is done via the Internet, and most of his clients now come from referrals. "It takes time to build up your business and your reputation," Carlos says, "and I'm getting there. I like working with people who are trying to make the world a better place."

Carlos believes strongly in networking and giving service to the community, and is a founding member of the Henderson Host chapter of Lions Club International. He is also a founding member of the first Las Vegas Hispanic Lions Club, and a former director of the Las Vegas chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals.

When he's not pursuing his passion for helping people make solid investments, Carlos enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, and reading motivational or self-improvement books.

To find out more about Carlos, go to his business profile at www.LinkedIn.com/in/Vegas411, e-mail him at CHSConsultingGroup@gmail.com, or call (702) 719-2100.