New realty agents tout careers at MoneyWorld

The number of agents among Century 21 MoneyWorld's four area offices has increased steadily over the years, especially within the past 24 months, according to Mike West, president of the firm.

"There has been a lot of corporate downsizing, and with the technology bust a lot of people have been displaced," West said, pointing out that some of those people have turned to real estate for a new career. "They're tired of having others control their destiny and they want to make a change. Also, they're seeing what a great opportunity the Las Vegas economy has been.

"The town is growing so fast; we're already at 1.6 million in Clark County."

Ed Hellmuth joined the firm as an agent last summer. The former transportation industry executive acknowledged that there are challenges to the real estate profession, such as "long hours and stiff competition" that should be understood before making a commitment to the job.

"A lot of people have the preconceived notion that real estate is an easy way to make money. Actually, my typical day starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 10 p.m.," Hellmuth said, noting that he believes, "it's more important to provide factual information to buyers and sellers rather than push them into a sale.

"In this market you don't have to push anybody, if you're giving him or her good, solid facts," he said.

Jessica Elgin was associated with a Fortune 500 company before joining MoneyWorld last year as an investment property specialist.

"This is a phenomenal time to start a career in real estate," she said. "The economy is great, and it's hard to fail in this industry at the moment. However, you have to have a passion for it. A lot of people don't understand what goes on behind it; it's not just putting a person in a car and driving them to look at a house.

"Starting out can be tough. But for those who want to take charge of their careers and capitalize on the exciting opportunities real estate is providing ... MoneyWorld is one company that makes it much easier from the get go."

West said there are benefits for home buyers and sellers when working with an agent new to the profession.

"A newer agent can devote more time and take more personal care of clients," he said. "They've got energy and an eagerness to help the customer, and their training is more apt to be current with the most updated information."

MoneyWorld has more than 400 agents in the Las Vegas Valley.

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