Could Vacant Malls be Renovated into Schools/Classrooms?

As I await for the continuation of the NFL Playoffs, I was cruising the usual Internet sites and came across an article about Department Store CEOs who are being replaced because of poor retail sales.
(Of course it is exciting to me!)

Anyway, with Amazon and e-bay taking rather large bites from this sector, and the fact that stores and malls are closing left and right, it got me thinking: (I know, not a good sign.) Since most communities still need schools, and most communities can NOT afford to build new schools, why aren't those school districts taking these already built and ready for (their) Tenant Improvement buildings and converting them to schools?

I'm sure that the banks would sell cheaply; or, they would lease to the school district cheaply in exchange for them taking care of the property while the bank tries to figure out what to do with the property next.

It has to be much, much cheaper to place a school into one of these buildings because the big box buildings could be divided into classrooms, auditorium, and gym; they already have the essential elements needed to supply children, teachers and administrators what they need.  Especially the smaller retail stores could be classrooms, etc.

Malls have built in Food Courts, Bathrooms, Hall Ways, Indoor Gathering Areas, Outdoor Gathering Areas, Ample Parking, and ease of access to and from the grounds.

The question I have: Why hasn't anyone else thought of this before?

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

The Trumpetters are getting ready -- to be disappointed!

The true title of this post should be: Corruption waiting to happen.

Because it is (allegedly) going to happen.

Trump through all of his businesses (yes! He owns thousands of LLC's which hold various properties from around the world), will result in the end of Trump's reign as US President.

The reason I think this is because I don't think Trump is capable of resisting the urge to make money.  And, as the Emolument Clause says, the president can not make money from a foreign country.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/trump-emoluments-clause_us_58794852e4b09281d0eaf212

Now, if that doesn't happen, there is another item that I know Trump and his loonies haven't thought about.

Since he owns high rises throughout the world under various LLC's, what will the US Response be when a terrorist group attacks one of his towers?  What if they knock one or two down, killing hundreds if not thousands of people?  You know, like they did with airplanes back on 9/11/2001?

Putting Trump in office will be the biggest disaster in US history.  Instead of paying billions to prevent Russia from attacking Western Europe via NATO, I foresee hundreds of billions being spent being paid for damages, real and punitive as a settlement for Trump's arrogance.

And, even the odds makers are calling for Trump to be leaving office before four years.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/donald-trump-impeached-us-president-bookies-offer-even-odds-us-congress-inauguration-a7531536.html

Unfortunately, the non college educated (STUPID PEOPLE) voted the wrong candidate into office because they were conned into thinking that Trump was going to bring back their widget making/assembling job at $20 an hour. He's not!

Since 1979, +/-60% of jobs lost were lost to automation.  Those jobs didn't leave the US.  They are still here being done more efficiently and at less cost by a machine than a human.

Even the Electoral College -- which Alexander Hamilton originally designed to be a nonpartisan group of Educated people -- got it wrong.

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

Not all Casinos will make money; nor are they a good idea!

Usually, when a 'Want-to-be Casino owner' comes to town, and they acquire a 'casino property' for the "it's a good price" reason, I become very skeptical about them.

The reason is that just after closing, they finally come to the realization that they bought the wrong property in the wrong location for more than it is worth!

This happened in Atlantic City, too!  Buyers of Casinos there -- with very little knowledge about the casino business in general -- were claiming they were able to buy a casino 'for the right price' and then for some strange reason, just after closing the sale, they found that they weren't making any money.  And, the cost to run the casino was much higher than they anticipated.

Just so everyone knows: Not all casinos are going to make money.

It is well known that Atlantic City's casino problem has been compounded by that fact that local casinos in states surrounding Atlantic City were the primary reason for Atlantic City's casino demise.

In Las Vegas, there is only one area where you will be spending Billion$ for a property; and will have to in turn invest more Billion$ to bring the property back up to tourist standard to attract them to your property.  (But, most buyers believe that just by putting paint and carpet in will suffice -- when it doesn't.)

Even in the State of Nevada, there are examples of casino properties that have been hurt by California casinos.  Take Laughlin, NV for example.

Laughlin, NV casinos went into overbuild mold that -- well just wasn't needed.

http://www.reviewjournal.com/business/laughlin-s-abandoned-emerald-river-resort-remains-eyesore

Now, are there resort casinos worth acquiring? Of course!

Right now, there are properties worth buying.  You just have to have the Billion$ to be able to acquire them.  You have to have the capacity to close, and, you will have to re-invest money into bringing them back up to date!

Recently, a motel owner asked me to meet him because he wants me to help him to turn his (poorly located) motel into a high rise resort casino.  I told him there is a severe lack of funding for high rise projects.  He wasn't convinced that I was telling the truth.  (I hate when that happens.)  So, he is moving ahead.

So sad.  Because he is going to invest thousands into architectural fees and permits to find he has an expensive time restricted county approval with no ready and willing buyers lined up -- because the banks foolishly fell for the first wave of condo/hotel tower ownership, and lost big time on it.  It was all a waste of money.

Now, if you still have the itch to acquire a Las Vegas Resort Casino Hotel, and you have Billion$ burning a hole in your pocket, and no matter what anyone tells you, you still have a Resort Casino Hotel is in your sites, then you had better contact me; or, click on the Las Vegas Casino Information button.  Download my form, sign it and email it back to me.

Then, we can start discussing which properties would be ripe for acquisition.

PS: European Casino Brokers don't have the internal contacts in Las Vegas that I have.

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

John Dean says Trump will breach Presidential Oath of Office!

A lot of you out there probably don't know just WHO John Dean is.

For a long time, I thought he (could be) was Deep Throat* within the Nixon Administration. (It turns out he was NOT.)

Anyway, if there is one person who can read through the BS that Trump is spinning, it's John Dean -- having done this, and did that for Richard Nixon.

This article describes just "How" Trump is using (conning?) Americans into thinking he is capable of being President of the United States when in actuality he is NOT.

http://www.newsweek.com/john-dean-gutless-press-still-giving-trump-free-pass-536478

And like most of Trump's critics, we know Trump is not qualified to be president -- we just can't convince the Non College Educated White Person of this -- yet!

*Deep Throat was Bernstein's and Woodward's inside source that helped them bring down Richard Nixon's presidency. 

Will we need a Deep Throat inside of Trump's Presidency?

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

I don't understand: How do normally intelligent people fall for a lie?

You might think of this blogging today as a lesson.  It's not.  I just truly don't understand why people will believe something just because some one says it -- whether it is true or not.

Mark Twain once said: 'It's easier to fool someone, then to unfool them."

This rings true even until today.

The problem I am having is: I am finding it very hard to believe that normal, everyday human beings are so willing to accept a bold face lie -- just because one person says it is true -- and insist that his/her version is true!

Case in point: Trump verses the non-college educated white working person.

Trump has repeatedly said, he is going to bring back the jobs from Mexico and China! And he's going to 'Make America Great Again!' while doing it.

Okay, I guess Hitler said something similar back in the 1930's that allowed him to take power in Germany.  My problem with this is why haven't we leaned from history not to fall for this?

Now, Trump has been voted president by the Electoral College.  Okay.  So, is he now going to disband congress and take dictatorial powers?

No.  He is not.  Our system of government may allow a clown to be voted into office, but there still are checks and balances that he will have to learn to deal with.

And, as I watch him appoint persons that have no specific training to jobs that require a certain amount of experience to perform those jobs, I will keep an open mind.

And, I believe that most people do have open minds; but Trump, I think, is under the impression (delusion) that as president he can just fire Congressmen/women or Senators at will.

Well, Don, that's not going to happen.

So, with Donald now officially President-elect, I will anxiously wait for his resignation or impeachment; which ever comes first is okay with me.

But, before I end this today, I would like to give my own Thank You Tour by saying, "Thank you non-college educated white people.  Trump promised to bring your job back!  Well, that is NOT going to happen since your job was most likely lost to a robot who does it so much better (and cheaper) than you in the first place."

So, you were fooled into voting for him.  Best of Luck.

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

Electoral College GOP Voters May Vote against Trump!

When I saw this, this morning, I thought my prayers were answered.

I would be able to get my Middle Eastern Client/Buyer back on track; and also the two Chinese Buyers to renew their efforts to acquire Las Vegas CRE Property.

I just hope the cat isn't out of the bag too soon.

And since Harvard University Law Professor Larry Lessig has announced this event, I truly hope that there are more than twice as many that will vote Hillary than is needed for her to obtain 270 Electoral Votes.

Here are two links to the story: (You may have to copy and paste the link in your browser.)

http://nypost.com/2016/12/14/at-least-20-electors-could-turn-on-trump-harvard-prof-claims/

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/310309-harvard-professor-says-gop-electors-are-close-to-blocking-trump

Lets hope there are 38 or more actual voters who Vote faithless!

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

Trump (supposed) election cost me +$8 Million in CRE Commissions

If money talks, then losing the ability to make money screams LOUDLY!

For two years I have been working with two foreign investors (hotel/resort owners) who want to become part of the exclusive Las Vegas Resort Owners Club.  (This is NOT a real club.)

In order to become such a member, you have to have very, very deep pockets and have someone like me on your payroll (sort of to speak) -- (at least have me signed up to help you for compensation).

With that said, I was lined up to make a very, very large pay day -- which doesn't happen very often if at all -- if the buyer and his/their investors actually go through with acquiring a multi-billion dollar resort.

Even Donald Trump doesn't have this type of cash.

And because of Donald Trump's anti Muslim rant, and his (potential) win of electoral college votes, his election to the US Presidency is costing me a +$5 Million in CRE commission.

And, just this week, with Trump's ignorant telephone call to Taiwan and upsetting the US relation with China, he is now costing me another +$3 Million in CRE commission.

So, no love loss here.

Now, with the Russian hacking and the belated GOP leadership asking for a bipartisan investigation into this Russian hacking of the DNC and the RNC, it is my hope Trump doesn't get sworn in as President.  If he does, he may in the future have to resign.

But, I am hopeful, the Electoral College does its constitutional job and debates the pros and cons of a Trump Presidency; then, they vote for one of the top three vote recipients; namely the politically experienced one - Hillary Clinton.

I say this because my gut feeling is: Where there is smoke, there is fire.

Which leads me to hope that the Electoral College Voters realize Trump's unworthiness and that at least 38 Electoral College Voters vote faithless and elect the popular vote winner as President.

I know, it's a pipe dream.  But Trump has continued to demonstrate that he is NOT ready to be the President of the USA.

And the anti-China rant, to me, was the last straw.

#ElectoralCollegeVoteHillary

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

Trump Can NOT save 3.5 Million jobs!

I was going to title this blog posting: "Stupid White Americans" -- But, I deemed that as politically incorrect,  So, how about: "Non-College Educated White Americans"  Is that better?  Or, would you rather be called "Deplorable?"

Anyway, Donald Trump ran for president on a platform of: "We're going to bring those jobs back!"

The problem is: most job losses since 1979 were to automation -- NOT a foreign country.  Now, since Hillary didn't combat this during the campaign with knowledge, the Trump hype succeeded in fooling these non-college educated white Americans into voting for him.

And, this reminded me of what Mark Twain once said: 'It's easier to fool someone; then, to unfool them.'

So, congratulations to the "Stupid" white Americans!

Now, listen up, Stupid Americans!  I think the following is important.  I received this today in an email. And, Susan Phillips makes a very good point:

"Worst Job Killer
 Remember Pearl Harbor because the ensuing war taught America the greatest lesson of all, just because you can do something, does not mean you should do something. The world quite successfully halted the proliferation of nuclear warfare. Today President-elect Trump warns companies, who shift jobs overseas, there will be repercussions for these American job killers. But "Fortune" reminds us the real job killer may be technology, "Roughly 3.5 million people are in roles that are at risk of being automated away, compared to the World Trade Organization estimate the US lost 3.2 million jobs to China from 2001 to 2013. "Amazon debuted its new bricks and mortar grocery store, "Go store," with a design which hints at a future of shopping with no human interaction. We don't need the government to stop technology job killers. Tell Uber driverless cars and Amazon Go, "Hell no, we won't Go. "It's how Baby Boomers stopped a war. Uber's original business model employed so many; our wallets can prevent companies from taking a bad turn on the road to success."
 Susan Phillips, CEO - SelectLeaders

So, that widget making job you lost to a machine is NOT coming back.  (The robot does it much, much better, quicker and for so much less per hour than you ever would work for.) 

But, there is something you can do about other company's attempts at automation.  And, try using your brain this time and NOT partake in those industries that are gearing up to take more humans out of other jobs!

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

Trump definitely needs to Thank the 'Looney Tunes' American Worker!

After visiting my doctor yesterday, she said something that I knew: but I hadn't truly focused on: She said that Trump got elected by telling the non-college educated people what they wanted to hear - not what they needed to hear.

Then, this made me think about a Mark Twain quote: 'It's easier to fool someone than it is to un-fool them."

And, fool them Trump did into voting for him because he made promises logical people know that he won't be able to keep.

Hey, even Sarah Palin is now saying his Carrier deal can't be done to keep every company from moving jobs overseas.

You see, most cities, counties or states can't afford to provide the millions in tax incentives which the state of Indiana agreed to, to keep jobs!

And, what's sad is that those very same non-college educated workers will have to accept tax increases on themselves to pay for those incentives.

Plus, the true way to keep their jobs is to accept the same rate of pay as the foreign country workers are willing to work for.  Do you think that is going to happen?

So, after hearing and thinking about this, this made me think about just how "Looney Tunes" these middle American non college educated workers are.

If you view Trump as Bugs Bunny, then it makes sense. "What's up, Doc?"

Also, the jobs lost to automation are never, ever going to be returned because machines can do a much better job of welding, riveting, assembling, packing, etc. better than any human for much, much less per hour.

Now, are these very same non-college educated workers going to work for what in our society is basically a slave wage?

No, they are not.

So, non college educated working Americans, if you truly want your old job, you can have it back. But you must be willing to work for less then $3 per hour.

Are you ready to get back to work?

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

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