The Sunset on Trump's Presidency can't get here quick enough!

If you have driven from Southern California to Las Vegas, Nevada along I-15 in the last 6 months or so -- or you will be traveling to Las Vegas on this route before May, 2018 -- as you drive between the Gold Strike Casino in Jean, NV and the M Resort, in Henderson, NV you would have or will see off to the east the renowned Swiss Artist Ugo Rondinone's colorful large-scale, public artwork 'Seven Magic Mountains' -- which is on a two-year exhibition located along this interstate freeway.

We drove out there on Saturday and was surprised by the number of visitors to this site.  Most, obviously, were international tourists. (One even asked me to take a picture of their family with the Exhibit in the background for them.)

While there, I started to think that this colorful display was at first interesting to see.  It was something different.  But, after a short while, and it being late in the day rapidly becoming evening, I looked west to get a glimpse of the sunset. It was truly beautiful even though the temperature was rapidly dropping.  (This is a desert of course.)

Then, I thought, this seems like Trump's presidential campaign: nice and colorful while being brightly lit in the light of day, but cold and dusty as the spotlight was fading.

And with Trump insisting there was election day fraud and that he would have won the popular vote if not for the election rigging, I challenge Trump to order recounts in every state, to prove to me, he wasn't behind any election rigging in the first place.

(Me thinks you protest too much!)

I say this because since I am the recipient of a client bailing on acquiring a large real estate sale that would have earned me +/-$5 Million because Trump may/may not win the Electoral College vote December 19th, I think I am entitled.

Which leads me to: I can't wait for this Trump's presidency flim-flam to end quick enough.

(Trump's persona overshadowing Trump's reality)

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88 AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

An example of how Trump would be as an International Diplomat!

With Trump's (supposed) win of this year's US Presidential Election, I stand to lose more than $5 Million in CRE commissions that I would have earned if Tump lost.  (Well, he lost the popular vote but is still considered the winner because of the upcoming electoral college vote.)

With that said, I have no love for Donald J Trump ascending to the US Presidency at all.  (He's already cost me money and he isn't even sworn in yet.)

Just after the election, I was approached by a relative who said that I should at least give Trump a chance.  OK.  Chance is over.

Then, this morning, I see this article in the Las Vegas Sun about Trump's Scotland Golf Course Resort development.  When Trump being the pushy bully he is caused him to run afoul of some land owners who refused to be bullied into selling their land to Trump, Trump took his bullying to the next step of invalidating them and bullying them even further.  (Nice negotiating practice.)

Now, I don't know about you, but I truly don't think that, that is/was the way to handle this situation.  (Because I am not privy to any details of this; and I am only going by what is reported here, I will assume Trump sucks as a negotiator.)

And, what this article demonstrates to me is: Trump isn't qualified to be US President -- if this is how he "negotiates" deals.

Throughout most of the free world, bullies are viewed as very, very weak people.  Trump has always demonstrated to me that if he doesn't get his way, he will bully you until he does.

(I feel sorry for the Midwestern voters who have fallen victim to Trump's rhetoric. AND, I felt more sorry for the Hillary voters who helped Hillary win the popular election by 2 million plus votes, but (may lose) the elector college vote this coming December 19th.

(I am hoping beyond hope that the electoral college voters will see through Trump's (phony) rhetoric and vote Hillary anyway -- since they are only required by the constitution to vote for one of the top 3 candidates who received popular votes.  For some reason, I keep thinking that (maybe) the sane electoral voters will vote Hillary since she only needs 270 votes to win the presidency.)

Anyway, here's the article about Trump's Scotland Golf Course Resort (debacle) where he treated the opposition to his course -- well, like the bully he truly is.

http://lasvegassun.com/news/2016/nov/26/in-scotland-trump-built-a-wall-then-he-sent-reside/?_ga=1.250625734.1134444400.1445267813

(Copy and paste in your browser if needed.)

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88 AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

POOF!!!!

With the Presidential Election results confirmed, Trump is elected to Office.

Now, I don't -- and never did -- agree with the Americans who voted for him, because I know Trump  is never, ever going to bring back jobs that were shipped to Mexico and overseas; build a wall; or last more than 4 years in office.  I am hopeful that the non-educated white male voter will in short time see through Trump's facade; and, then learn to regret they fell victim to his "bring back jobs" jargon.

Why do I think this?

It is because I truly believe Trump has no intentions of actually serving as US President.  Once sworn into office, I think Trump will then resign, because I never understood the reason for a man who makes +/-$500,000 per month accepting a position that only pays $450,000 per year.  I think he will return to New York to continue his charade as a billionaire businessman. (That's just me thinking out loud.)

As for right now, most of this post-election day after, I will be spending trying to contact and convince my international hotelier client -- who is just about impossible to reach on a regular basis -- to proceed with acquiring the Las Vegas Resort I wrote the offer for.  I hope that I will be able to alter his stance of not moving forward if Trump is elected.

And, yes, I am well versed in Tom Hopkin's "How to Master the Art of Selling" sales closes.  But, so is my client -- which you would expect him to be, right?

(Seems my work is cut out for me, wouldn't you agree?)

All I can say is: I am just going to move forward; strive for a better life for myself, my wife, and my adult children.  And I hope Donald doesn't do or say anything else that will lead to other people's lives being dramatically altered for the worse.

Oh, well.  Moving forward.

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88 AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

"Don't Vote Trump!" says a former Casino Executive.

I wish this had been published earlier.  I would have loved to present this a few weeks or even a month ago.

But a former Casino executive who managed Trump Plaza in Atlantic City while Harrah's was in a partnership with Trump claims that Trump is truly NOT fit to be US President.

I will let you read this for yourself.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/nation-now/2016/11/06/dont-vote-trump-former-harrahs-executive/93353464/

And, lastly, if Trump is elected, I will lose Million$ of dollar$ in Comississions because my Middle Eastern Businessman client has repeatedly stated that his investors don't trust Trump at all.

I get the feeling they know Trump better than those supporting/voting for him.


Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88 AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

Update! Las Vegas Resorts, Hospitality, Gaming & Restaurant Properties!

Are you interested in owning a Las Vegas Resort, Hospitality, Gaming or Restaurant Property?

If so, I can help!  Since the economic meltdown, the few that remain means they are pretty good investments.

And, if a 'major' Las Vegas Resort is within your acquisition criteria and financial capability, please click on the Las Vegas Casino Information button in the right hand column. There you will find an Agreement.  Please have your company's CEO or Authorized Signature fill this out completely, sign, scan and email back to me for further details on those properties that are available.

For less expensive Hotel-Motel, Gaming, Restaurants and Bars, please email me your contact information and acquisition criteria.  Once I have received this, I will be able to forward those opportunities as they arise.

I would also appreciate being able to add you -- if you qualify, to my investor client list. That way, when a specific property that I know you are interested in comes available, I would like to be able to send it to you quickly so you can better judge the property information and gauge the extent of your interest in acquiring it.  If not interested, just simply delete and wait for the next property to become available.

Lastly, if truly interested in becoming a gaming proprietor, you will need to apply for and be approved by the State of Nevada Gaming Control Board.  I can refer an attorney to you.

Please understand, that this will be required whether you are trying to acquire a resort casino or a small tavern/supper club property.  Being approved prior to making an offer, will speed up the purchase process since most Sellers will NOT have a close of escrow contingent upon you receiving gaming approval.

I appreciate your patience in this and hope to be able to bring you other Las Vegas Properties to you for your review in the next few months.

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88 AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

Snake Oil Salesmen!

There are real estate agents in Las Vegas, NV that I truly don't want to work with. (Sorry about ending a sentence with a preposition.)

The reason is: I don't understand these agents obsession with wanting/having to double end every deal (List and Sell) that they have.  I love double ending deals, too.  But, if another agent has a qualified buyer, there's no skin off my nose to split the commission.

And, their mentality about this element is very, very annoying.

You call them to ask a question about one of their properties; and they never, ever take your call, return your call, nor even reply to an email.

(Now, I want to out these agents! I truly do.  Yet, in the future, I will have to have some form of transaction with them (hopefully, not) but they are here and don't seem to be going away anytime too soon.)

Recently, I was talking to a group of attorneys who own a building where the three are partners in the building where they also have their offices located.  One is moving on -- as in being kicked out of being an attorney (it happens); one is going on a mission (retiring); and the third wants another (better) location.

Anyway, I made a pitch for the listing and told them that I thought their building would sell at around $183 PSF!  Good price given the fact that the last ten years worth of real estate foreclosures really drove prices way down.

Yet, when I was done with my presentation, one of the attorney partners boldly stated that I had used the wrong comparable sales!

Say what?

He said another broker (actually the other broker is an agent) had told them that he could sell their building at $215 PSF.

I was like, really?  The partner attorney said that the broker (the other agent) had better comps.

I reiterated that I had used the best comparable sales within their zip code and all the zip codes around them.

I asked which comp specially did he use to use as in like to like properties?  The partner attorney said the address.  I was stunned.  Apparently, the other broker (agent), had used an ambulatory building (an urgent care facility) as the best like property to their subject basic office building.

Now, the finishes in the subject property are upgraded; there is marble flooring in the entry -- and along the carpeted halls; there is wood trim everywhere with an upgraded reception desk, too.

But, since the ambulatory building sold six months ago to an investment group buying the property as a NNN investment, sure, the price PSF is going to be higher, but: IT'S NOT A COMP!

It's not a like for like property.  It is a completely different building and use.  And, the zoning is heavy retail.  (They are in a Professional Office Park.)

And, I reiterated all of this to the group in the hopes of dis-swaying them, yet I got the feeling they were NOT impressed.  They had been SOLD by the other agent.

Anyway, long story short -- I didn't get the listing.

After returning to my office, I was re-telling my adventure to one of my two agents.  After, the retelling, she stated: Snake Oil Sales Men!  She knows the agent to whom I am referring to.

I could only agree.  Yet, I told her, there are three attorneys and if something goes wrong during the listing, at least I won't be the one facing 3 angry lawyers with the capability to sue.

God, I want to disclose this company's name.  No, I better not.

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88 AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

Finally a Women Says What I Said Last Year: Women Should Invest More!

Almost a year ago, I wrote a blog about the major discrepancy between the genders.  It was about the gender gap when it comes to investing in Commercial Real Estate (CRE).

Well, now a female CEO has spoken up about women investing in general; and I was glad to read it.

Here's what I wrote October 27, 2015.

"Commercial Real Estate (CRE) and women seem to dislike each other.  I don't know if it's a full blown cat fight, or just a "thing" where one woman wore a dress better than the other.

But, since I have been working in CRE, women do NOT tend to be the one out searching for the better CRE deal.

And, I don't understand why.  Women tend to be the smarter of the two sexes.  Women tend to be more conservative with money.  Women will be more likely to want a more secured future.  All of these tend to point them to CRE.

BUT! owning a CRE property tends to be men.  And, unfortunately, it doesn't have to be that way."

And, now Sallie Krawcheck, CEO and co-founder of Ellevest, says, Women should be investing more.

(You may have to copy and paste in your browser)
http://www.cnbc.com/2016/09/26/the-single-biggest-mistake-ive-seen-women-make-at-work-sallie-krawcheck-commentary.html

I wonder just how many women would be brave enough to call me to see if there are any properties within their investment range to acquire here in Las Vegas, NV.

Hint: There was one small office building listed for $299,000.

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88 AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

Trump's hateful rhetoric has caused an American client investor to stand down on investing!

Wow!

I couldn't believe what the investor was saying to me.  I did take a slight beating on LinkedIn with Trump supporters spewing condescending comments about the post I put up about foreign investors withholding investment in the US until after the US General Election.

However, this morning, when my telephone rang and I noticed it was from one of my American clients/investors -- who owns several neighborhood retail properties in Las Vegas, NV -- I was happy he was finally responding to the property information I had sent him last week.  I was hoping he was instructing me to draft an offer.

Unfortunately, his first words were like a needle popping a balloon: 'he is not going to buy or sell until after the election.'

His reason: Trump is being too hateful and alienating too many people.  He thinks that if Trump wins, it is going to send the markets into a spiral down fall.  He says he is hoping for the best.

Sigh!

So, to you LinkedIn members who think that we don't need foreign investors, guess what, the American investors -- from my point of view -- are wary of Trump, too!

So, I began to wonder: If the polls are showing a close presidential race, just who exactly is supporting Trump.  Well, CNN had an answer.

http://money.cnn.com/2016/09/23/news/economy/white-working-class-economy/index.html

The problem with this story is that non-college educated whites want something that is never ever going to come back ever again.

High paying jobs are now in the Asian rim.  A white male working at +/-$20 an hour is never going to happen in the US ever again.

And it wasn't the government that sent those jobs oversea.  So, stop blaming the government for you losing your job.  Because, it was your actions that resulted in you being unemployed. Yes. The non-college educated, white male who wouldn't work for less an hour.

The government didn't order your former company or its CEO to move your job.  The CEO found workers that would work for far much less than you.  And, that was in the Asian Rim.

So, supporting a hateful rhetoric spewing man -- who also has products manufactured in the Asian Rim -- is NOT going to be able to bring those jobs back.

Trump maybe a businessman; he maybe a billionaire (I'll believe that when I see his disclosed tax returns.); He may even be a nice guy (away from the cameras); but I know he is not going to be able to do any of the things he is promising you.

So, I realize there is only a choice between two evils: Crooked Donald or Crooked Hillary.

I am going to choose Hillary.

(And the reason is: no investor has said to me that they weren't going to invest (buy/sell) real estate in the US if Hillary is elected President.)

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88 AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

An editorial explanation on why Trump should have been disqualified to run for US President

I understand that half of you support Trump; and the other half supports Clinton.

But, when one political party's candidate for US President gets nominated to run for President and they act and say all the wrong things, without any care for anyone, I question the reason why they are even running.

http://lasvegassun.com/news/2016/sep/18/fake-charm-real-harm-dont-let-fraudulent-trump-foo/

Trump seems like a personable guy. But, since he has gone on this belligerent tangent about immigrants, Muslims, and wants to build a "Beautiful Wall' that in reality will never be built, I've lost respect for him. I don't even want to meet him. His bullying and invalidation of others turns me off. And, that makes me question his business acumen.

I hate bullies and anonymous internet trolls, that attack a personable opinion.

If you support Trump, that's great. If you support Clinton, that's great, too.

For me, I can't wait until this US General Election is over with.

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88 AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

Poker Pro faces Felony Charges about Casino Debt

Years ago, when I first met the Retired Casino Owner/Manager who I am very good friends with today, he said to me at lunch one day that most Poker Professionals lose money playing poker.

I was astonished because of how they are portrayed on TV.  You win a million dollars, you should be set for a long time.

But, he continued by saying that a poker player needs to win 51% ALL of the time to make any money.  And, he said that like 90% never, ever win anything if they win anything at all.

So, even though this Professional Poker Player had won millions of $$$'s in tournaments through the years, he has lost millions of $$$'s more.

Which means, he loses more than he ever wins, thus his inability to repay the markers.

So, when I saw this article today, I wasn't surprised that this poker player is being charged with writing bad checks.

http://lasvegassun.com/news/2016/sep/09/poker-pro-faces-2-felonies-over-215k-in-casino-deb/

And, as it states in the article, when a casino issues you credit, under Nevada Law, you are technically writing a check to the casino even though it is referred to as a "Marker."

The casino issues the marker as if you have the amount of the marker in your bank account.  Fortunately, they will give you a set time to repay them -- if you lose.  (If you win, all is forgiven.)

Unfortunately, for this Professional Poker Player, he understood this when he signed the marker,  But, he truly didn't have the money to pay them back.  So, the Wynn Resort -- using the Nevada bad check writing law -- is charging him with writing a bad check.

Everyone understands that the House never loses, correct?

With that in mind, my advise to you who think you have a system to win at any casino: Don't sign for a marker unless you know that you have the ability to wire the money to the casino when you lose.

Oh, I have a better system for beating the house in Nevada: and it is a better way of "winning."
Buy a NNN income property.

Then, the checks issued to you have your name on them as the payee; and the tenant is the one paying you money on a monthly basis.

Now, that's a sure fire way of a Win! Win!

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88 AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

Now, This Is What I Have Been Talking About!

As this link shows, 100% of Professional Athletes will experience unemployment in their future.

That is why I have been so vocal about young athletes acquiring a CRE NNN property early in their careers so that they will have an income producing asset to fall back on for monthly income once the lay-off or employment termination comes.

http://schoolvideonews.com/Broadcast-Journalism/Pro-Athletes-and-Sports-Broadcasting

The author is a former professional athlete, so I think he knows.

Contacting David Howes about Las vegas CRE is easy -- either by: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88 AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

Trump: Flimflam man?

A few months ago, I did an Internet search for businessmen who became presidents.  Some were senators and congressmen before becoming president.

But, these supposed businessmen who were elected president had one thing in common: They were all in the lower half when ranking them as successful presidents.  (I think the highest was 26.)
Anyway, on the opposite end were the successful Presidents.  These men all had one thing in common: they were failed businessmen.

And, by far the most successful president ever was even considered a failed lawyer.
Go figure. (Or, Google this yourself to verify.)

Now, as for Trump's "Successful" Las Vegas Tower.  People may look at it and wonder how this became so successful.

Well, it was headed into foreclosure in 2010-11.  How do I know this?  Well at that time, a Los Angeles real estate investor client, called me to ask if I could do him a favor and get him quality comps for the Las Vegas Strip condos.

I asked, 'Why?"  (The reason I asked is because I don't sell residential real estate -- at least not individual properties.)

Anyway, he told me that the bank holding the note had contacted him to see if he'd be interested in acquiring the loan.

(Now, this is not unheard of since lenders do this all the time. (It's one of the factors that led Wall Street into their collapse in 2008.))

Anyway, I got the condo comps and sent it to him.

He decided to NOT purchase the loan because, upon receiving the comps, he knew the bank was asking way too much per unit for him.

Later, when talking to this very same investor about another property, I asked what had happen to that loan.

He said that he was told by the bank that Phil Ruffin had paid it off.

(Apparently, Phil still owned the land separate from the tower and wasn't going to chance losing his investment in the land to the bank foreclosing on the tower when the condos didn't sell.)

So, if Phil didn't mention this as a Trump success at the Republican Convention, I guess Phil would know first hand.

Lastly, I doubled checked the ownership on this property recently and most of the units are currently owned by Hilton Vacation Timeshares.  Phil sold the remaining unsold condos to them after he had started to use this building as a timeshare component of his TI Resort Property.

So, if Trump is heard talking about how successful his Las Vegas Tower has been, remember, here is another building with the Trump name on it where he only owns the condos on the 33rd floor.

I guess getting your name on a building you no longer own is something to brag about.

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88 AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

'You hook them by selling the dream..." former employer selling a get rich quick scheme

Years and years ago, while I was living and working in Los Angeles, CA I worked (very shortly) for a person who was selling success!

Yes, I was young and fell into the trap of getting rich quickly, but I got out just as fast before I invested any money in his scheme. (Good thing for me: I didn't have any.)

Anyway, I saw this today on CNN about democrats living and working in Youngstown, Ohio who have fallen for Trump's scheme.  You know, the one about how he is going to fix the numerous problems that Americans currently have: lack of jobs; desperate about what is in their future.  You know the routine.

While watching this on the Internet, I immediately thought back to the old saying spouted by a person who I shortly worked for.

"You hook them by selling the dream that they can make it rich.  You and I know that most are never, ever going to be rich, but that's what you sell them."

(After realizing the impossibility of his scheme, I exited his employ to his invalidating harassment for a few months that followed.)

And, that's how I felt for these people that were interviewed in this news piece.  They are desperate and are searching for a quick answer to their daily problems.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/18/politics/cleveland-youngstown-ohio-democrats-republicans-political-anthropology/index.html

You see, this town lost their steel industry, and they fully believe that Donald Trump is going to bring that back to Youngstown, OH.

Now, every sane person does realize that as long as the corporate CEO's are making more money by having their industry in a country where they don't care about their environment, that is never going to happen.

What these people -- who have been suckered into thinking this impossible dream -- don't realize, is that Americans are NOT going to work for the low, low wages being offered and accepted in China.

Unfortunately, these middle-aged white people long for a former "better day" where jobs were just down the street. You know just before the steel factory that was ordered by the EPA to stop polluting.

Okay, says the CEO, off to China we go!  (Hey! They stopped polluting!  Well, they stopped polluting here in the US anyway.)

Lastly, the jobs are going to stay in China regardless of who wins the election to occupy The White House.

The reason: Americans want and will always demand clean, drinkable water; clean, breathable air, and to be able to eat non-contaminated food.

And, they will demand to earn a livable wage -- which is higher than what the CEO's are willing to pay.

So, Trump's selling a dream that he will never, ever be able to deliver -- but that is what is most important: Hook them by selling the dream.

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88 AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

No matter who wins the US Presidency, there are good deals in Las Vegas CRE today!

With the US Presidency up for grabs (I truly didn't think Trump would make it this far), there are still a few very good buys in Las Vegas as we sit here today.

However, several out of country "Buyers" keep telling me they want to wait to see "what happens" come November.

It's as if they could care less whether they get a deal on a property or not.  No matter what I recommend on these properties -- they have a horrendous need to wait and see if the US General election voters will pass their litmus test.

Yes, they fear a Trump Presidency.

If I had the money, I would have already bought all of these properties, because I know regardless of who wins, the deal will be in the re-selling of the properties to these very same procrastinators.

So, right now, these Buyers are like, ugh! Trump may win the presidency, Oh, God, No!

But, since I recommend that you buy now while these properties are still at a good price; the buyers  would rather wait to see who wins the presidency to acquire that very same property!  Which will be at a higher price regardless whether Trump or Hillary win!

SO, all you Buyers, you are just killing any chance at acquiring a good property at a good price/deal.

Now, I will tell you all of the STEALS are gone! That window closed a few years ago!

However, the good deals that I am talking about could make you money over the short term (5 years) AND long term (10+years).  You just have to have faith in the future of Las Vegas -- which is still growing!  So, forget about the US presidential race.

Whoever wins, is going to be hated by 50% of the electorate anyway.  And, I have no control over that scenario at all.

So, if you are a serious Real Estate Investor -- looking for a Good Deal -- take the time to please give me a call; and stop worrying about Trump's ignorant arrogance; or whether Hillary's (alleged) criminal activity will hurt you or her.

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88 AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

Real Estate Mortgage Payoff -- Part III (Sigh!)

Ok.

Now for the finale.

I was finally able to speak to an Account Manager at Shellpoint.

She told me that Shellpoint was only loan servicing my loan from PNC.  So, the PNC people I had spoken to lied to me. (Not surprised.)

Anyway, she said the only discount I could receive was 10% -- and I'd have to qualify for that.  I thought that I could do better.

So, with that done, I called my client/friend, who does loan buying and selling, and foreclosing.  A few days later, he called back.

What he told me should NOT have surprised me; but it did.  And, I now have a fuller understanding of this parade of loan/debt buying that I didn't before.

My client/friend told me that the amount of my loan was actually pittance. It is not near enough for him to go near.

He said that if I want to pay the loan off, write them a check for the full amount.  He did say I could take a chance and write a check for 90%, but he asked: Is losing your home over $3,800 +/- worth it?

He knows, I know, it's not.

He said that the lender is fully aware of my house' value. They know I have equity, and if I try to play the game, they will take the house through foreclosure and I'd be out of everything.

He suggested that I don't do that.  'Pay them off and move on,' he said.
'At least you'd have a home free and clear' --  which is a rarity these days.

So, I learnt my lesson. Whether I think it fair or not, paying them what I owe and moving on is my only option.

Now, if only I can convince Donald Trump to stand down....maybe my foreign investors will get off the real estate buying fence...

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88 AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

Las Vegas Restaurant offered at an +/- 8.4% Cap Rate!

This may or may not be your cup of tea, but it is an investment worth a second look.

Popular China Star Restaurant located on Craig Road and very, very near a Wal-Mart Superstore.

Investment Summary:

Offering Price:                   $1,990,000

NOI:                                    $166,320

Cap Rate:                           8.36%

Lease Term Remaining:   10 Years (This is excellent for a free standing investment.)

Location:                            Very busy retail corridor in North Las Vegas, NV 89032

 Home Depot Anchored Shopping Center Pad

Sale Highlights

•             Safe & Secure Investment:  Tenant's been at this location since the property was built in 2007

•             NNN Lease (No Landlord Responsibilities!)

•             Over 10 years remaining on their initial lease term!

•             Home Depot Outparcel: Located in a very busy retail corridor/district

•             Adjacent to anchors: Home Depot, PetSmart, and Office Depot.

This has excellent exposure on high traffic Craig Road -- which is one of the busiest east/west

thoroughfares in the Las Vegas MSA.

Shopping Center has its own signalized intersection!

I Googled Earth this site, and there are major retailers in this area including Walgreen’s, Walmart, Target, as well as Home Depot and Office Depot.  Albertson’s is across the street.

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88 AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

Trump's Ignorance of International Trade Just Cost Me Another Potential Transaction!

It has become a theme that won't go away.

And the reason it won't go away is that most White middle-aged American Republicans are prime for Donald Trump's hateful, bullying rhetoric.

They swallow his message without even giving it a second thought.

For your information, China has NOT raped America!

China didn't twist any arms; China didn't even do anything illegal.  They just had a large pool of people willing to work cheaper than American workers were.

So, if anyone is to blame for China becoming the world leader in manufacturing, it is: wait for it: White, Middle-aged American Republicans!

Too close to home to place the blame?

Oh, well.  If Americans were more willing to work at less money, then the CEO's wouldn't have moved the jobs to China.

And, Congress is also responsible for this debacle.  They reduced the import tax/fees on goods manufactured outside the US.  This was done so White Middle-aged Americans could buy the cheaply made Chinese goods at low, low prices, too!

So, don't like China having all those Jobs?  Well, you know what you have to do to get them back, right?

Unfortunately, that is not going to happen.  Americans won't work for almost free.  And, Americans do care about the air they breathe -- even though they say they don't like the EPA regulations; and, obviously, they care about the water they drink; and the food they eat.

So, Mr Trump, insulting China is idiocy.  Bullying other presidential candidates can be viewed as one thing; but bullying an entire nation or a major religious faction is NOT presidential.

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88 AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88 AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

The Real Estate Mortgage Payoff!

Okay.

I am going to get a little too personal in this blog.  I try to NOT talk about myself here.  (There are so many other "things" that are way more interesting then me.)

It's not going to be TMI.  Since, I am not a celebrity or even a 'want-to-be,' there will be no naked pictures.  (My 60 year old body would break the camera.)

Anyway, I have a bone to pick with a mortgage servicing company.

My wife and I took out an Equity Line of Credit ten years ago just in case there were any exceedingly expensive expenses we may encounter during our home ownership stay.

Now that the initial ten years has passed, and our loan is now a 15/15 loan, we have decided to just pay it off.

But, since I deal with lots and lots of real estate investors -- some that I have talked to offered to buy my loan and then I could pay them off!

Sounds good, right?

Anyway, I know the trick to mortgages and since I did help one client to do just this, they have "owed" me ever since.

You see, I know that the mortgage servicing company that "took over my loan" actually "acquired"  my loan from Goldman Sachs "at a very steep discount."

Now, they are trying to convince me to make monthly payments to them for the full loan amount that we currently owe.

So, I said to myself: Self! Since this mortgage servicing company didn't pay full price when they acquired my loan, why don't I just offer them a reduced payoff?.  Then, they would just re-convey the loan to me!  Since they paid less than half of what I owe to buy my loan, I think it is more than fair that I pay them slightly more than what they paid and we can call it even.

Logical, right?!

The mortgage telephone lady said, "I couldn't do that" because "I owe almost $40,000.00."
I told her to have someone from their company who had the authority to say yes, call me.  Once agreed, I would set up a wire transfer between my bank and their bank and we could call it a day.

Hopefully, this works.

I will have to keep you posted.  No calls yet...

In the meantime, for more detailed information about Commercial Real Estate...

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88 AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

Is the Las Vegas CRE Market Going South?!

Had lunch with the retired gaming executive that I have come to know by living and working here in Las Vegas, NV.

At lunch, he said that he had heard that one of the national real estate firms located in Las Vegas, NV could be closing it's doors before the end of the year.

Now, he did say which one; but, for the sake of NOT spreading rumors -- at least until I can verify this information -- I will just let that simmer.

This information was told to him by an agent he knows that works at that very office.  And, she also said that they have only closed three sales or escrows this year since January, 2016.

And, because they are in the prestigious high end office with their monthly rent so high, the agent told him that she was leaving and was going to get out of the real estate business altogether.

Now, a day later, I attended a mixer that a major national bank held.  When I arrived -- fashionably late -- I saw that there were only maybe three or four CRE agents attending.  The rest were all bank employees from various divisions of the sponsoring bank.

As I was greeted by a bank employee I know, I asked her why the CRE agent/broker attendance was so poor?  She embarrassingly said something to the effect that most of the invitees (real estate agents/brokers) were to busy and didn't RSVP.

Oh, really, was my reply.

I then told her about the major CRE company that I had heard only closed three sales this year.  She replied, that she had heard that, too!

So, I wonder.  If a national real estate company -- given that it is a franchise -- can't close sales and maintain their office; I feel so lucky that I have been able to, that I should travel to Prim and stand in 110 degree heat to buy a lottery ticket.

Then, again, I would probably get mauled by a Polar Bear before acquiring the winning ticket. (That seems to be my luck.)

Anyway, I think I will stick to doing what I am doing, because what I do seems to still be able to put sales deals together and close escrows when needed.

And, if it is true that Las Vegas CRE is about to go south -- again -- then, you need to contact me now, so we can put together a game plan for moving forward once this 'new' recession hits us.

I am ready when you are...

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88 AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

Athletes bilked out of Millions!

My first question is: How does this happen?
My second question is: How do I convince these very same athletes that placing so much of their money with a money manager is NOT a good thing to do!

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-rgt-fraud-20160621-snap-story.html

I know, I know, I am talking to the wall.

The few celebrity athletes that I know, do know other athletes; and they have a frat type aura that they help and/or recommend these supposed ethical money managers to each other.

Unfortunately, they should be more like the Jamal Mashburn type of athlete.  He took charge of his money; he invested in long term CRE properties; and he is one of the "former" athletes that is truly a success story.  And, Keyshawn Johnson is another.

What did Jamal do?  Well, he went out and through his retirement years bought something like 80 NNN properties with national credit tenants paying him a nice monthly income.  And, his property expenses are paid by the tenant.

Excellent Job, Jamal!  Hope you see this and contact me about Nevada NNN Properties!

What, don't believe me when I say Jamal has built a wealth worthy of everyone's envy?  Why don't you take a look for yourself, then?!

http://hiphopwired.com/2015/09/30/jamal-mashburn-owns-more-than-80-franchises/

Now, if only these "bilked" athletes had been interested in Net Investment property just like Jamal rather than playing like they were wealthy.  Instead of depending solely on a "recommended" money manager, they could have contacted me and I would have (possibly) diverted such potential loss into long term financial gain.  And, it might have looked something like Jamal had done years earlier.

Then, again, I might as well hit my head against the wall.
For one: I would have saved my breath; and two: I'd have done less talking...

More importantly, it might draw more attention to me and a very important post career message.

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88 AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes