Saturday, December 31, 2016

My New New Year's Resolutions! Good Riddance 2016!

Making New Year's Resolutions is NOT something I usually do.  I figure it is a waste of my time.

That's not to say, I don't have goals I want to reach.  I do.  I just usually focus on them exclusively.

Goals, such as: two years ago, I had a personal goal to lose 35 lbs.  I finally made that goal -- even though it took me 18 months -- and I have been at that weight ever since.  (I need to reestablish that goal to lose a few more pounds.)

And, twenty-six months ago, I established a professional goal to sell a very large, piece of Las Vegas Gaming/Hotel Real Estate that I know could be acquired.  And, I almost had the goal accomplished when I found a buyer with the financial backing to make the purchase.  I am more than certain that they would have made the acquisition if not for a certain (phony) billionaire's hateful rhetoric while he was running for president.

And since this person's electoral college win, I have noticed a dramatic change in what people are posting to and replying to on LinkedIn.  There is so much hate being spewed on this site -- racial hate being focused on one particular person because of -- well if you are being honest -- his skin color.

From what I can tell, LinkedIn has digressed from what it was when it first started, and has devolved into a Facebook, Instagram site.  And, even other LinkedIn members have mentioned that postings and replies to postings in fact shouldn't be on a business web site like this.

Sure.  I have fallen for the bait, too.  But my main goal while being a member of LinkedIn was and has always been: helping a fellow business persons/companies acquire Las Vegas CRE Property.

Now, I did make some connections while I have been a LinkedIn member that I will most likely keep in my contacts forever.  But, going back over the actual closed deals I have made through the years, none of those closed deals could be traced back to any connection made while being a member of LinkedIn.

And, with that said, I think I will follow my wife's move that she made a few years ago: when she deleted her LinkedIn account.

At the time, my wife said, "LinkedIn wasn't getting her any business;" and she found it "a waste of time."

Recently, with the aforementioned racial hatred being posted on LinkedIn, I am inclined to agree with her.  And since LinkedIn is rapidly becoming a racial hatred site, I don't want any part of it anymore.

I do blame Don for this sudden change in racial tension.  I do blame Don's hateful rhetoric for killing my large deal.  And, I blame his Electoral College win of the presidency on this, too.

And, more recently, I've noticed that LinkedIn members -- who do have a lot more education than most of the Non-College Educated Americans who voted for Don -- are now reciting the same hateful rhetoric as if it is now okay to come out of the racial prejudice closet.

So, what's left for me?  Well, I need to make a new New Year's Resolution!

Since most of my deals have come from my own hard work; and, they were never, ever reliant on a business web site, I am probably going to do what I should have done a long time ago: follow my wife's lead.  (She is a lot smarter than I am.)

So, my new New Year's Resolution is: By years end, I will have most likely canceled / deleted my LinkedIn account.  (I would do it sooner, but I want to see what the posting/replies will be to this post.) (Curiosity killed the cat, right?)

Why cancel?  Because being a member of LinkedIn hasn't made me any money at all.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

The State of Nevada earns $35 Million from unclaimed Slot Tickets!

Have you ever left Las Vegas with a slot ticket?  And, once you arrive back home, have you thought: I'll just cash it when I return to Las Vegas?

Well, unfortunately, for you, you only have six months to cash that ticket.  If you don't, that ticket becomes worthless because after six months that unclaimed cash -- whether a few cents or a few dollars -- becomes the property of the State of Nevada.

And over the past five years, Nevada has collected $35 Million from unclaimed slot tickets.

http://lasvegassun.com/news/2016/dec/26/nevada-reaps-35m-in-5-years-from-unclaimed-casino-/

So, before leaving that casino, be sure to cash ALL of the slot tickets or just like that -- POOF! -- the money is no longer yours.

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

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Happy Holidays!


Happy Holidays! to ALL and let's all have a profitable New Year!






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

Monday, December 19, 2016

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

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

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

Monday, December 12, 2016

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

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

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

Saturday, December 3, 2016

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

Monday, November 28, 2016

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

Saturday, November 26, 2016

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

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

As a Pilgrim descendant, I hope all of you have a peaceful and enjoyable Thanksgiving Day!
Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88 AND Follow David on Twitter: ATDavidAHowes

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

What IF the Electoral College does hold Trump's Indiscretions against him and Voted Hillary?

Somewhere, I can't find it now -- but someone, maybe a politician, proposed an idea to have the Electoral College NOT vote for Trump.  By Constitutional requirement, the Electoral College Voters are only required to vote for one of the top three vote getting candidates.)

Anyway, this politician said that the Electoral College is only obligated to vote the way the state voted by the state they are in.  There is no Federal Regulation that indicates the Electoral Voter MUST vote that way.

Anyway, I keep thinking that this could be a possibility!

Wait, oh that's right.  Then, Trump's claim the election results are rigged would make him correct and NOT a liar about this subject!  So, then, he'd be telling the truth.

Oh, well.  Rig away Electoral Voters! Please?!

*For anyone voting, here is a short list of Trump’s major indiscretions. Please take the time to read it. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT that we don’t forget everything that this man has said, done and been caught for in the last few days before election:  Lock Trump Up! Lock Trump Up!

- Suggested that all Muslims should be registered. 
- Suggested all Muslims should be banned.
- Caught in a lie regarding September 11th, in which he stated a false story about seeing Muslims celebrate in order to garner support for his agenda to ban or register Muslims. 
- Suggested Mexican immigrants are rapists and murderers. 
- Spent 5 years riding the extremely racist “Birther” wave in which he tried to prove Obama was not American, even after he had the proof that he was.
- Was caught in a tape bragging about molesting women because he can get away with it. 
- Applauded, invoked and defended physical violence against protesters at his rallies and specifically stated he missed the good old days when you could take black men out back and beat them.
- Has been accused by several women of sexual misconduct.
- Caught for not paying taxes.
- Caught for outsourcing his business to other countries after stating that businesses should only be doing business in America.
- Stated that women who have abortions should be punished. (Just so you know: the only way to change a women's right to an abortion is via a Constitutional amendment -- like changing the electoral college process.)
- Has stated that gay rights will be “drawn back." (Since has stated that this issue was settled.)
- Stated that climate change is a hoax.
- Attacked a fallen soldier’s family for a week because they are Muslim.
- Called John McCain a loser for being captured.
- Has repeatedly shown that he is in cahoots with Putin, and now has evidence suggesting that he has been linked to the email hacks. 
- Lied and said Mexico is going to pay for a wall.
- STILL HAS NOT SHOWN HIS TAX RETURNS.
- Has been called out by several small businesses for malpractice.
- Is currently being investigated for sexual misconduct and in court for several law suits.
- Made several aggressively misogynistic attacking remarks at several different female reporters and opposers.
- Has stated that he does not respect women.
- Has bragged that his wife does whatever he tells her to.
- Shown utter ignorance in regards to nuclear weapons.
- Stated the second amendment supporters could “do something” about Hillary.
- Has stated he may not accept the outcome of the election.
- Has stated he wants to bring back stop and frisk.
-Caused me to lose millions in CRE commissions by being elected. (Most important one.)

*I found this on the Internet under: List of Donald Trump's indiscretions,

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

Saturday, November 12, 2016

Retail Big Box Stores are Dying!

With that said, I have no hard proof of this.

This was just my observation as in being an: "Observing Participant"  ...or is it: "Participating Observant?"

Anyway, my wife has a "Hospitality, Interior Design Industry Award" dinner she and her business partner need to attend this coming week,  And, she had gone through all of her formal dresses and declared she "had nothing to wear."

So, being the thoughtful, caring husband I think I am, I offered to go with her to 'help' her select an appropriate dress for the evening.

We did go to all of the known national brand woman's clothing stores and right after exiting the 3rd one, I got the feeling that what my wife was looking for, she was never going to find in a 'dress shop' as she called them.

Well, after several more store searches -- including a bridal shop that we stopped at just by chance to see if any of the 'brides maid dresses on the 'clearance rack' would suffice, I was doing my usual looking around when I realized that most (I am being kind here) 'looked' as well stocked with items as a thrift store.  Seriously!

As I wandered over across an aisle from where my wife was thumbing through the hoard of dress styles and patterns, etc., I browsed a section of coffee mugs. (I needed the break of trying to see through the bizarre array of dresses and dress patterns to get my brain back in order.

Anyway, as I was looking at the various coffee mugs with the various (attempted) inspirational sayings and slogans -- and 'Star Wars' characters on them, (I like the Darth Vader emotions one), it finally hit me that these national brand stores are only selling junk, just like the thrift stores!

Seriously, junk clothes, junk coffee mugs, candle holders, trays, pots and pans -- you get my drift.

It is no wonder that retail malls and large shopping centers are failing -- they are losing tenants and clients quicker than they can re-lease the space.

And i think the reason is quite evident.  It is like our daughter said: she doesn't like going to malls or retail stores because she said she always finds what she is looking for -- on the Internet,

And, sadly, add to this that the selves of products and clothing racks are so over-picked by the store customers that the store doesn't have enough employees to follow-up behind them to ensure the store remains neat and tidy for appearance sake.

So, by the end of the 'shopping spree,' I was severely mentally overloaded.  No wonder I dislike shopping so much.

Toward the end, I suggested to my wife, we would probably have better luck finding a dress she could wear at a thrift store.  She replied: I am not plus sized!

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

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

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

Monday, November 7, 2016

"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

Friday, October 28, 2016

Why am I still worried about a Trump Presidency?

A few days ago, MSNBC ran a segment on this year's potential electoral college vote.  As it stands, Clinton already has enough electoral votes if she wins the General Election.

And, MSNBC said, that if Trump wins all the current 'swing states,' he still comes up short to Clinton by 272 to 266 votes.

This means, they said, that Trump has to "flip" (their word) one of the states that is solid in favor of Clinton in order to win the US Presidency.  (MSNBC doesn't think he would be able to do that.)

Well, if this is true, why am I still worried?

So, I did my own research on this topic; and I found that what MSNBC said is true.

So, even after researching this, and seeing that, that possibility isn't going to happen, why are other news organizations still saying that Trump may have an outside chance. Oh, my!



I even saw Karl Rove on FoxNews say that Trump has already lost the election.

Anyway, the reason I am rooting for Trump to lose is that I have a written a Purchase and Sales Agreement for a Las Vegas Resort Property. This 'offer,' currently in the Buyer's hands, is waiting for the US Presidential Election result before his board will allow him to authorize me to submit it to the Seller.

Yes.  The offer is a very large sale. (In the billions.)  Yes. The commission of said sale is very large. (In the millions.)  And, Yes.  That is the reason I am so worried about Trump winning.

If Clinton wins; I win.  If Trump wins; I lose.  It is as simple as that.

(With apologies, I am headed back to needlessly worrying about this.)

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

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Trump is only running for US President to launch his Trump TV Channel!!!!

Ever since April, 2016 -- when my client stated that Trump was just filming a Reality TV show -- I have had this underling gut feeling that Trump hijacked this year's presidential election from the Republican Party, to launch something that was of benefit only to him.

I have been saying all summer, something is NOT right about Trump's run for President.  No one can say such hateful rhetoric and continue on with this fight -- unless he has an underlining motive.

And, now I know what that odd feeling was referring to.

Trump is only running for US President just to launch his own TV Network.

I know, I know. I sound off my rocker.

But, this CNN report actually confirms my suspicion.

http://money.cnn.com/2016/10/20/media/trump-tv-presidential-debate-facebook-live/index.html

If you have knowledge of this, and know that I am correct about this, Please email me

Thanks, David.

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

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

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

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Is Trump Filming a Reality TV show?

With his latest antics and comments during the 2016 presidential election - and the fact that we are within  30 days of voting, I have been re-thinking a comment a client said to me back in May, 2016.

He said: 'Trump is just filming a Reality TV Show!'

Now, I believe the client was Johnny on the spot.  Back in May, I retorted that no way anyone could  hijack a political party; say such god awful hateful things, and expect the American Voter to follow in goose step behind him.

Now, I need to call the client and ask if he had any insider information.

Anyway, while researching for any proof of this, I found this article from a news paper where Trump said he didn't care if he lost the election.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3735157/If-lose-ll-nice-long-vacation-says-Donald-Trump-refuses-change-style-despite-poll-gap-Hillary-Clinton.html
(You may have to copy and paste to see article.)

So, draw your own conclusions.  A very competitive guy is currently resigned to losing; he has said some hateful things about women, Blacks, Hispanics and is within 30 days of the election of the next US President?

Presidential Election history shows, that candidates who were trailing in the polls within 30 days of the election, in the 30 percentile, do loose the election.  Trump is polling in the 30's with less than 30 days to go.

Last May, 2016, I didn't want to buy into the fact that Trump was trying on purpose to lose.  But, now, I am convinced Trump was never, ever a serious candidate about being president.

But, he knows he didn't waste his money.  He invested in a reality TV Show about running for US President.  Should get high, high ratings and Trump will earn his money back.

However, I won't be watching.

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

Monday, October 3, 2016

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

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

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

Friday, September 23, 2016

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

Sunday, September 18, 2016

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

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

The Disillusion that Non-College Educated, Older, White Male Americans have about the 2016 US Presidential Election

"Make America Great Again!"

Nice slogan.  But, the problem with this slogan is: that type of America is history -- Gone Forever!  Those good paying labor intensive jobs will never return to the US.  And, people like the subject of this article don't understand that.  Those well paying labor jobs are never, ever going to happen ever again.  Not in my life time, I believe.

Even the subject's children are all college educated and working in "other" industries, yet this older white American -- at 66 years of age -- wants a return to his labor intensive construction job he had for so many years.

Yet, since the subject can't wrap his head around the fact that an old white man is never going to be working at a labor intensive job where he would receive the high salary he was accustomed to receiving, he is left with just his disillusion that they will magically re-appear if Trump gets elected.

What is so sad about this is that he truly believes that a businessman is going to have any ability to make those jobs re-appear when the businessman was one of the people responsible for causing the subject to lose their job in the first place.

These non-college educated older white men are forgetting that Trump is one of the businessmen that told these non-college educated white men that they were fired!  Why?  Because Trump doesn't want to pay the salary this man believes he should be earning for his labor.

Yet, the subject believes Trump is going to get them hired again.

Excuse me while I LMAO!

Anyway, here's the story:

http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/trumps-base-is-blue-collar-his-voters-looking-for-a-return-to-better-times/

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

Saturday, September 10, 2016

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

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

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

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Inexpensive Commercial Properties For Sale in Las Vegas!

Recently, my email Inbox is receiving inquiries about Las Vegas Commercial Properties.  And, being the Full Service Real Estate Broker I think I am, I try my best to respond as quickly and efficiently as possible.

I even have had a few telephone calls asking the same.

Anyway, just to give 'other' blog followers updated information; It is true: there are a variety of small commercial properties in Las Vegas that are under $500,000 that are For Sale!  They consist of Multi-Family (in the 3-4 unit range), Retail, Offices and Industrial locations that are For Sale in the Las Vegas metro area.

Now, most are Listed For Sale in the $200,000 to $300,000 range; Most are smaller than you'd think (less than 5,000 SF); and all are pretty well located on or near very busy, high traffic streets.

So, if you have been hesitant about contacting me in the past because you feel you may not qualify; or feel that buying in Las Vegas is so far away, please rest assured that most can be managed by a local property management company by a broker I know very, very well. (She's very, very good.)

And, the listing price is just that: a Listing Price.  It does NOT mean that it is Non Negotiable!  There is some wiggle room to get to a selling price.

If you need to qualify for a loan, I can help you there, too.  A lender will need to see your financials. In order to qualify for a loan, financials are required to verify your ability to buy/finance a purchase.

So, you may ask: WHY? would I give David Howes a call to buy in Las Vegas, NV?
My answer: I can get you an income property that can provide you with a monthly income.  It may NOT be thousands of dollars a month in rent; but it will be a start of building a real estate portfolio.

And, earning a few grand a month, does help with monthly bills and helps you build equity for the future.

So,...

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

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Smart People Will Listen to You!

Yesterday, my younger brother, Tom, called to say 'Hello!'

I found out that Tom had to have surgery on the shoulder that he thought he dislocated back in February this year when he slipped and fell on some ice.

As it turned out, he actually tore his rota-tor cup and the doctor finally ordered surgery. (I hate insurance companies.)

Anyway, being out of work for awhile, he was bored and thought he'd give me a call.

I updated him on how bad sales of CRE properties are going in Las Vegas; and how many, many potential buyers are ignoring my advice.  They are still waiting for the market to turn as far as I can tell.

Then, he said something that surprised me!

He said, "Don't worry.  The smart people will listen to you, forget about the rest."

Huh?!  I immediately thought: Have I been dealing with dumb people who I thought were smart?! -- You know the ones who won't take my advice and buy the 8% Cap Rate properties that are available here in Las Vegas? But, will buy a 5% Cap Rate property in another state?

I just thought that they knew something more about Las Vegas than I did.

Anyway, he went on to say, that "the buyers will eventually come around.  They most likely want a steal and they only view Las Vegas as deals."  Okay, good point, Tom.

The problem with that theory is that a 5% Cap Rate is a high purchase price that is more in favor of the Seller.  Anyway...

We then got into how he has been using his down time to fix up his rental property -- surgically repaired shoulder and all -- Blah, blah, blah.  The usual stuff you go through when you are a landlord, too.

But, if you are smart.  And, truly are interested in a Las Vegas CRE Property, my contact information is...

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

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Bullies have been and will always be Weak People

We know the cliche.

The high school quarterback picks on the nerdy student because the nerdy student is "weak" according to the High School Quarterback.

Hey, "nerdy student" do my homework or I will beat you up!

So, sad.

And as a society that is trying to re-educate our children that being a bully is wrong, How, why then do we allow a bully to take the political pulpit and decry the American system of government as "Corrupt" or "Rigged" when 'things' don't go the way they want them to go?

Bullies invalidate people for one reason only: They are weak people.

Men who abuse their wives or significant other are weak; Most people who end up in prison are -- for the most part -- weak.

I even find that gang members are weak.  (They think they are strong when in a collective, but they are just a collective of weak minded individuals.)

(Did I hit a raw never, there?)

Anyway, weak people fear-monger; weak people are prejudice; and weak people bully others when they are in the wrong -- know they are wrong -- and they insult and invalidate others when backed into a corner trapped in their small mindedness.

I saw this article today;

http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/the-polls-arent-skewed-trump-really-is-losing-badly/

and, it did for a while give me hope that the one person stopping a foreign buyer client of mine from buying -- and preventing me from making millions -- will (hopefully) lose the general election.

If this one person does win, the US is in for a world of hurt. (My opinion.) 

I have had this discussion with several people who are Trump supporters.  The underlining theme from these people for their support is that Trump will lead us in the right direction. (I know he won't.)

The reason Trump would fail as president is that he still thinks of himself as the high school quarterback who knows how to kick the nerdy kids butt.

What people have forgotten is that the nerdy kid from high school is now, today, the former bullies boss.

And, Trump's problem in this election is....

Oh, wait.  I don't want to say.  It might get back to him.  He would change his course, and win -- which I don't want because it will cost me millions.

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

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Insolence

By definition insolence means rude and disrespectful behavior.

In the current political US Presidential election climate, the word Trump also is defined as rude and disrespectful behavior.

What I don't understand is: Why is this behavior so popular among-st non-college educated white middle aged male adults?

And as the college educated politicians and business people abandon Trump left or right for Clinton because of Trump being Insolent, I don't understand why Trump supporters ("guys" for the lack of a better word) continue to goose-step along with their racial hatred.

Yes, I believe the Clinton Campaign set Trump up with having Mr Khan talk at the DNC.  I believe the Trump Campaign set Clinton up at the RNC.  But, now that both of those shows have run their course, it appears that Clinton has won the convention battle.

I believe that Trump's, disrespecting Mr Khan and his wife will be Trump's Achilles' heel this November 8th.

What Trump -- and most bullies don't understand -- is that when you bully someone, even the bystanders who are doing nothing while witnessing the bully's actions, will eventually turn against the bully.

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

Monday, August 1, 2016

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

Monday, July 25, 2016

Las Vegas CRE with +/-8% Cap Rates are NOT selling! Why?

You know, I believe that anything is possible.  I think it's the optimist in me.  So, when the economy turns and I see deals starting to come along, and they turn to steals, this is when I believe that I can help any investor buy any Las Vegas investment property.

However, the problem I am having today is kind of complicated.

You see, there is an election going on in the US and both candidates are either well liked; or hated.

The sad thing about this is -- since I am subscribed to several property listing services -- I am being barraged with other CRE company's emails claiming that they have SOLD property in surrounding states at such a high price (or low Cap Rate) that right here in Las Vegas, Sellers are struggling to even attract investor's attention at +8% Cap Rates!

I am, after all, more than willing to help a Seller get as much money for their property as long as the Buyer is willing to accept the Seller's price as a great deal (maybe a steal) from acquiring a real estate property.

What confuses me more than anything else is that our +8% Cap Rates are a steal!

Especially when a McDonald's in Southern California sells for a 3.54% Cap Rate!!  OR, a Walgreen's in Arizona Sells for a 5.33% Cap Rate!

I find this not only confusing, BUT unbelievable!  Why would an investor buy such a property at such a high price -- just because it is located in another state?

IF you are NOT one of these investors, or you are and are now just realizing your mistake, please send me an email and I will gladly send you the latest on the better than average CRE properties that are currently available.

I appreciate your support.

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

Monday, July 18, 2016

'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

Sunday, July 17, 2016

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

Friday, July 15, 2016

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

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Real Estate Mortgage Payoff - Part II

About a week ago, I posted that I wanted to pay-off my equity line turned second mortgage.
And, I want to do it by negotiating a smaller payoff deal.  Since Shellpoint Mortgage acquired my loan at a discount, I wanted to share in that discount.

They originally sent me a full pay off timetable.  But, since they seem to NOT understand what I am asking, I made a counter offer.  Since, they have not responded.

Anyway, I had to emailed them through their website since their telemarketers are NOT knowledgeable about the loan business; and they truly have no authority when it comes to real mortgage questions.

Anyway, my counter was met with the response that their Loan Services Personnel are NOT allowed to contact debtors directly.

Say, what?!

All I want to do is to write a check -- or set up a wire transfer -- for a final payment that we can negotiate fairly.  I know that there is an acceptable amount to both parties other than the full loan amount that I owe.

I think it's only fair since they acquired my loan at a discount -- most likely 25% of the loan amount owed.

How do I know I can do this?

Well, you see -- most of my clients are in the real estate investment business.  They acquire a lot of their property from said lenders who have "bad loans." My clients buy these loans and then foreclose on the property.  And, they buy these loans at a discount.

And, since late 2008, this has been happening all over the US.

Anyway, I saw this article about home owners equity and how people are NOT taking equity out of their homes (smart) and thought it interesting.  (It's been ten years since I did that and now wish I hadn't.)

http://www.cnbc.com/2016/07/12/owners-could-pull-another-260-billion-out-of-their-homes--heres-why-they-arent.html

Hopefully, Shellpoint will get their heads out of their derrieres and give me a call.

Please enjoy!


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

Saturday, July 9, 2016

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

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

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

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

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

Thursday, June 23, 2016

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