Is Trump doing Putin's dirty work? And most of you don't realize it?!

During the election, I was steadily anti-Trump.

Having grown up in the Northeast US, I learned that Donald Trump in his business dealings would (allegedly) short contractors so his costs to re-build buildings would be less.

I remember a story of one of the first buildings he bought from the City of New York, that he (allegedly) paid far less than the actual cost of the building.

So, with these and other stories about Donald Trump circling and his running for president, I knew he wasn't the person I wanted running our country.

And, after he filed BK on several properties, I knew he wasn't capable of even running his companies. (My opinion.)

Now, with the GOP controlling the House and Senate, the only legislation he's passed is a Tax Reform that will (eventually) cause another recession. (My opinion that has been proven in the past.)

Now, there are plenty of articles about "Businessmen Presidents" and just how bad they were at being president.

Trump takes the cake.

With Mueller Investigating the Trump Campaign and their alleged violations of the Logan Act, Mueller is slowly turning over stones and so far finding at least two guilty pleas and several co-operating witnesses. (I believe there are more to come before this is finished.)

Knowing several attorneys as I do, they tell me the guilty pleas were to lessor charges so that the pleaders could become states evidence.

This all makes me take the leap that Trump is (in some way) working with Putin.

I believe Putin is trying to divide the US so we would become a weaker country of nation states.  (Kind of what happened to the USSR after it fall in the late last century.

So with this, I'm taking another leap of faith to say that with AG Sessions' abandoning the Obama let the states decide if marijuana is legal strategy, makes me think that the dividing of the states into nation states is fulfilling one of Putin's goals.

http://www.lasvegasnow.com/news/us-to-end-policy-that-let-legal-pot-flourish/901884492

I am sure you don't know this but the person leading the California succession movement lives in Moscow.  (You can do your own Internet search for that story.)

So, to all of you who think that the Mueller investigation is phony or fake, I will warn you that being a continent of United States is a whole lot better than being a continent of individual nation states eg: Africa, South America and Asia.

Just my two cents!

To Contact David Howes try: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR; 7 0 2 5 01 9 3 8 8 AND Please #Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes Have a nice day!

CRE Firms who refuse to split Commissions are struggling to survive!

This is nothing new.

Over the years, I have tried to contact certain Commercial Real Estates (CRE) Firms about properties they have listed.

Most never, ever return my inquiry.  When I finally do get a hold of them, they usually claim they are busy!
(That's a lie!)
OR, they claim they never got the message.
(Another lie!)

How do I know this?

Since I have been in Real Estate since 1991, I have learned their tricks of the trade.

Having worked on "Teams" I know that the commission splits are minimal 'IF' they have to split a procuring fee to a procuring broker.  (That would be me.)

There are several real estate brokerages here in Las Vegas Nevada that specialize in one siding all their real estate transactions.

Most claim that their Seller won't allow them to split the fee because they "Represent the Seller."

Okay.  But, since that is a legal definition; I usually one up them in that the fee being paid by the Seller isn't a representation!  In fact what the Seller is paying is just a marketing fee. 
And, the listing brokerages are using the legal definition on a marketing fee to consume the entire fee for themselves.

Sad. 

But, since they control the listing, there's not much I can do.

So, I'm left with asking any and all potential buyers that I am helping if they'd be willing to compensate me for helping them buy property.

Most usually will agree -- verbally; but getting it in writing is a little more difficult.

Sadly, these brokerages know this.

And, in the past, I often wondered why they were being so greedy.

But, since I am more than knowledgeable now about these things 26 years into this career, I know that these firms are struggling to survive -- even with double dipping the marketing fee.

(Their overhead is too high!)

Sure, some are large national real estate firms. Some are franchisees and as with all successful businesses, you have to be producing results to maintain their brand.

I, on the other hand, am just a local broker who has worked for a couple of these large franchises and know the score.

Could I be affiliated with a national brand?
Of course!
(I've been asked.)

But, since their shingle wouldn't help me produce a single buyer/closed transaction, I've decided that my own hard work, cold calling, and emailing qualified individual investors and property owners, will eventually lead me to financial success!

Besides, I don't go on listing appointments and lie to sellers about my large team that will be involved in selling their property.

Having worked in the past on such a "large team" at a brand name, I know that it was usually me doing (all of) the marketing, and then being subject to a small, small portion of the marketing fee. 

This is what is currently happening at these firms which refuse to split the marketing fee!

Most of their agents won't earn enough to survive unless they can split a larger fee between them.

Oh, well!

I have my own shingle, and several 'agents' licenses hung under it.  I'll just keep working toward making fair real estate transactions happen and ignore these brands properties.

If you refuse to split a marketing fee with me, I'll move on to properties where the listing brokers will.

By The Way!
I have a Northern Nevada Casino-Motel for sale.  The marketing fee isn't going to make anyone rich, but I will split it with a broker procuring a qualified buyer.

Contact me if a $2.5 Million casino motel is of interest to you.

We'll see what happens.

To Contact David Howes try: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR; 7 0 2 5 01 9 3 8 8 AND Please #Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes Have a nice day!

Legal Weed - Boom or Bust?

A couple of years ago, I was (trying) helping an international investor who was dead set on acquiring a facility here in Las Vegas where he could grow and sell marijuana. So, he thought.

Since, at the time, I knew very little about the Nevada Laws on this topic, I did research to make myself a little bit knowledgeable.

Anyway, turns out he found out rather quickly that what he wanted to do, he couldn't do because in the federal sense, marijuana -- regardless of it's recreational or medical status -- is still illegal.

Thus, the Nevada Law was at the discretion of the Nevada Gaming Control Board. (Who voted that gaming sites/persons could NOT be involved in that industry.)

So, this investor couldn't open a dispensary inside a resort casino.

This meant he had to abide by their decision to NOT have dispensaries anywhere near their properties.  Oh, well.

Now that California has legalized Marijuana, a fellow Real Estate Broker I've known for years, sold a California Town last year that is near the Nevada - California border to a marijuana company.

He tells me their plan is to make a marijuana resort in the middle of a desert just off I-15 south of Primm, NV.

I thought that, that was great for him and an ideal spot to grow, sell and have marijuana enthusiast come so they could partake in their chosen lifestyle.  With this law now enacted, this should proceed. (We'll see.)

Anyway, after reading this Five Thirty Eight analysis, maybe being in the marijuana industry isn't going to be as financial beneficial as we all thought.

Pot Growers Dilemma

And since the Nevada Law was enacted in 2016, a lot of stores are popping up but will they last.

My wife's company has interior design proposals out to several marijuana businesses, but she is weary. She has been designing commercial sites for years and years and as usual, businesses come and go.

But, is this industry going to last?

Survival of the fittest?

What do I know?  I know that I am just a Commercial Real Estate Broker.  I can help you find a lawful site, but Marijuana is something I smoked as a youth and stay away from now as an older, wiser (I hope) man.

(I refuse to judge anyone.)

BUT -- if you are interested in finding a Nevada Site to open a Marijuana dispensary or grow facility, give me a call.

In the meantime, here is a summary of the Nevada Marijuana law actively in place.

Nevada Pot Law Guide

To Contact David Howes try: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR; 7 0 2 5 01 9 3 8 8 AND Please #Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes Have a nice day!

Red Sky at Night, Sailor's Delight! Red Sky in the Morning, Sailor's take warning!

Of course, most (maybe all) of you don't know a whole lot about me and my ancestry.

My lineage doesn't include any royalty. (That's OK. I'm still "Bossy" enough.)

But, it does include great-great-grandfathers who were Sea Captains. (That's correct!)
Especially, Captains of Ships that went Whale Hunting. (I can't turn back time...)

Okay, so they were never a John Paul Jones, or a Captain Ahab or anything like that.

But, since there is a lineage from them to me, I take the title to be given to me honestly.

Since we are in tumultuous times with an arrogant multi-millionaire pretending to be a leader, I think the saying applies.

Do I believe there was a political campaign based on deception? Of Course!
Do I think we'll survive? I hope!

But, when there are red skies at night while at sea, that indicates the next days weather (should be) calm and they will be okay far from shore. 

Whereas, if the red sky is in the morning, they know a storm is brewing.  So, the Sailors take heed and prepare for the on coming storm.

My sister, Dr Janet Howes, took this picture this morning while heading toward Gillette Stadium.

With that said, this past Sunday morning's Red Sky should tell us that the day's weather isn't going to be fair and calm.

If the weather does turn stormy, let's hope we can weather the storm!

In the meantime: Go Pats!

To Contact David Howes try: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR; 7 0 2 5 01 9 3 8 8 AND Please #Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes Have a nice day!

Holiday Cheer to Everyone!

It's my hope that all have a wonderful Holiday Season!

To those who celebrate Christmas: Merry Christmas!

To those who celebrate Hanukkah:  Happy Hanukkah!

To those who don't celebrate anything this time of year: Happy New Year -- regardless of religious affiliation!

We were going to try to do a gift-less Christmas this year, we'll see how that goes!

To Contact David Howes try: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR; 7 0 2 5 01 9 3 8 8 AND Please #Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes Have a nice day!

The more things change, the more they stay the same!

After reading Susan Phillips' "Select Leaders" posting about Millennials staying at home with parents to live, I got to thinking about the very subject she mentions here.

Jobs.

Since I have been self-employed for so long, it would take a miracle for me to go back to work for anyone else.

But, as she states, I work in an industry that is (supposedly) growing.  In the past year, I've gone from working large CRE deals to very, very small. (You take what you get, I suppose.)

The fortunate part for me is that I have a very low overhead and with my business so slow, I am still able to maintain myself with a huge help from my spouse. (Her industry is booming in Las Vegas.)

Anyway, with extended family having moved in to our household, this scenario covers the majority of Americans who have lost employment over the years and were replaced by automation.

It is an interesting read -- if only to me and my family situation.

Enjoy.

To Contact David Howes try: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR; 7 0 2 5 01 9 3 8 8 AND Please #Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes Have a nice day!

Happy Thanksgiving!

To Contact David Howes try: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR; 7 0 2 5 01 9 3 8 8 AND Please #Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes Have a nice day!

Las Vegas may break 2016 visitation record

Living and working in Las Vegas gives me a front row seat to some of the more exciting elements of Las Vegas.

So, when I read articles about Tourists flocking to our city, I understand the why Las Vegas Strip land prices are so, so high.

From all over the world, people know and want to travel to Las Vegas.  I understand the "freedom" that Las Vegas gives people.  Even if that Freedom is only a mental state of mind.

Rags to Riches; down to your last dollar and then hitting the Jackpot!  I get it.  The allure is too great to NOT to want to be apart of.

So, it comes as no surprise to me to read the Las Vegas Review Journal article about Las Vegas about to break it's own Visitation record set in 2016.

Las Vegas may break 2016 visitation record

You may NOT be a regular tourist to Las Vegas, but there are still some deals that are available for sale.

Recently, a local developer placed a brand spanking new multi-tenant retail building up for sale he just completed.  He's asking a 6% Cap Rate.  The center is located on the busiest street (IMAO) in the southwest part of the Las Vegas Valley.

Asking price is +$3 million.


To Contact David Howes try: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR; 7 0 2 5 01 9 3 8 8 AND Please #Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes Have a nice day!

Climate Change Natural or Man-made?

If NOT into politics, you might want to avoid this blog post.

Since DonTheCon was Electoral College elected president, he has embarked on getting rid of "Unnecessary Government Regulations." I agree in a small part that the government does have some rules,/laws on their books that should be removed/changed.

But, when he appoints an EPA head who is a stanch supporter of the Oil Industry -- and this EPA Chief believes that the Oil Industry should be able to do what ever they want regardless of Cause and/or Effect on others health and well-being -- that's where I begin to have a problem.

Why?  Profit!

I believe the Oil Industry thinks that they do NOT have to clean up after themselves.  To them, cleaning up is too costly.  Besides, oil comes from the ground.  Why can't they just dump oil waste back onto the ground -- where it came from?

Everyone knows that the primary cause of air pollution is the gasoline engine.  Attempts to make electric engines doesn't give the driver the sense of power and surge of adrenaline that a gas engine does.

(Even I have a gas powered car.)

But when any industry is allowed to run rampant and destroy the air, water and earth we live on, I believe there is only so much the earth can take.  Humans are changing the planet and NOT for the better.

Even Stephen Hawkins says that we will destroy Earth because of the above aforementioned demand for Profit.  He even gave a year by which we will be successful in destroying the only planet we are capable of living on in the known universe -- 2600.

But, hey, that Profit is so, so important.  We need to keep the oil industry going.  Because without the oil industry, we just might be able to slow down or even stop climate change; have cleaner air and water; and, definitely have less pollution in general.

But, since profit is so important, we need to keep destroying human lives because - well, there are already too many humans occupying Earth. So, humans will continue to destroy Earth so when there is no Earth left, at least there will still be profit!

Can Earth right itself without humans changing their course?  I don't know.

But as these pictures from New Delhi, India indicate, I don't think so.

To Contact David Howes try: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR; 7 0 2 5 01 9 3 8 8 AND Please #Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes Have a nice day!

Sexual Harassment in the Workplace - It's not limited to Hollywood!

Sexual Harassment is prevalent in our society.

Now, not everyone will suffer it directly.  But, a lot of people will.
Since I talk a lot (probably too much) through the years, I have talked to various women who were going through some form of sexual harassment right in the very workplace I was working.

Fortunately, I only encountered one sexually harassment event which was years ago by a gay man who was a co-worker while working as a bartender during my college years.

I passed it off as him being drunk even though he tried to kiss me.  And, with that incident in mind, I have not tried to harm any woman I have worked with.

So, when I hear of incidents where one person was approached by another in some manner implying an unwanted sexual advance, whether it's a woman or man as the aggressor, I understand their plight.

What people don't seem to realize is that if you make another uncomfortable, whether in the form of a friendly gesture or not, if those incidents make that person uncomfortable, you are sexually harassing that person.

So, when today, I read an article in the Daily Mail stating that several women who subscribe to LinkedIn, have complained that "Connections" are trying to secure dates with them even though they are married, these 'men' being the aggressor are actually sexually harassing these women.

Workplace Sexual Harrasment

So, a woman on LinkedIn posts an attractive profile picture of herself.  That doesn't mean they are looking for a date -- even if they were currently single!

And, I have through the years of being a LinkedIn member, have several connections that are attractive women.  I don't think I have ever sent them a message suggesting a date.

(I am even seriously thinking of deleting my LinkedIn account because I can NOT trace any real estate deal I've ever done to have been originated through a LinkedIn connection.)

With apologies to the want to be Hugh Hefner Playboy types, I'm NOT interested in a date with any woman on LinkedIn - or elsewhere.  I don't care how attractive your profile picture is.

I have two woman in my life that take up 99% of my non work time: Wife & Daughter.  That's all I need.

But with this Harvey Weinstein guy, he's thrown this entire sexual harassment thing into the open.

Sexual Harassment in the workplace

I for one, am glad this has been made public.

To Contact David Howes try: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR; 7 0 2 5 01 9 3 8 8 AND Please #Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes Have a nice day!

Sad day when fun and relaxation turns into a living horror!

Soft Target is what it's called.

That's when an individual takes advantage of a large peaceful crowd of people minding their own business and enjoying the evening entertainment when the despicable happens.

A massacre of unbelievable portions disrupts the peace and tranquility and the massacre leaves 58 people dead and 515 people wounded. (As of my posting this blob.)

And, the coward 'terrorist' (let's be honest, that's what he is) then kills himself as the police are about to move in.

I always ask afterward: if this person is truly set on committing suicide, then why kill others before killing yourself?  As a lay person, that doesn't make sense to me.

But, as the 'news' comes forth as the police investigate, it becomes apparent that this Stephen Paddock had planned this out thoroughly.

He had a 32nd floor suite that almost overlooked the event grounds on the east side of Las Vegas Blvd.  He had at least ten weapons n the suite.

And whether or not a few or many were slaughtered, he didn't care.

I hope he has an endless afterlife in hell.  If he thought his actual living life as bad, I hope Lucifer makes his afterlife even more painful.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/breakingnews/who-is-stephen-paddock-las-vegas-shooter/ar-AAsMY12?OCID=ansmsnnews11

To Contact David Howes try: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR; 7 0 2 5 01 9 3 8 8 AND Please #Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes Have a nice day!

Small Resort Casino For Sale in Las Vegas!

Recently, my Inbox has received inquiries about Las Vegas Resorts For Sale.

There are some -- not many -- that could be acquired.

The problem is -- and will always be -- that potential Buyers want to acquire Resort properties in the same manner as if they are acquiring a Net Leased Property in their own back yard.

Or, they think that because they are who they think they are, the Seller should (overtly) respect them fully and sell at the Buyer's suggested low-ball price.

Unfortunately -- and this goes for all would be buyers -- it doesn't work that way when it comes to Las Vegas Resort Properties.

I can't explain it any more simplistically than if a property is being marketed at $6 Million an acre.  And, surrounding comparable sales indicate $7 Million an acre, why are Buyers pushing for a sale at $3 Million an acre?

For Example: a small extended stay resort motel property with a small casino (8 slots only) though this property is zoned for an Unlimited Gaming Casino (Full slots, table games, etc.) that sits right smack inside the Clark County Gaming Overlay (which means there are no restriction to developing an unlimited gaming casino) isn't going to be sold cheaply.

And Buyers arguing with me that the Net Income from the property means the value is less than the  asking, baffles me.

The Net Income of the property may be a contributing value, but when it comes to land value being more valuable than the business being run at the location, trying to acquire this based on the Net Income isn't going to cut it.

Many, many times, I've had brokers outside of Las Vegas tell me that the value of a resort property is solely based on it's Net Operating Income.

I have to over explain to them that if the land is worth much, much more than the business net income, that's the sales price.

(This scenario is never, ever going to change.)

To which I always respond, "that may work in your neck of the woods.  But, it doesn't work here."

I've had offers on listings that were for a fraction of what the properties eventually sold for.

I realize that Buyers are trying to get the most equity they can at the time of purchase; I also understand that the Sellers are trying to get the most bang for their buck for the equity value.

So, if you think a 200 room resort with a small casino, Full Alcohol and located within the Clark Gaming Overlay is worth $20 Million when comparable sales say it's worth $21 Million, send me an email.

(Psst! The abandoned and unfinished Fontainebleau just sold for $25 Million an acre. Don't tell anyone!)

After executing the appropriate paperwork, I'll send you the property details.

To Contact David Howes try: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR; 7 0 2 5 01 9 3 8 8 AND Please #Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes Have a nice day!

Back In The Saddle! Okay, I'm just back to work...

Arriving to work Tuesday morning, my friend, golf buddy and retired (though still actively licensed) Gaming Executive asked about playing golf Saturday.

I said, "Ok!"  It couldn't hurt to lose a few more golf balls. (I don't play with the good ones I find while searching for my lost cheap ball.)

Anyway, he asked about the Alaskan Trip (I replied, "It was GREAT!")

The Spouse & Myself on board the Norwegian Pearl in their Bliss Nightclub!

Then, he dropped a bomb-shell! 

He has the latest on the Large Las Vegas Resort Casino that he knows is (about to be) For Sale!

Oh, well. I can't wait but I am going to have to.

If you want to know which one, email me your contact information & I will send you the Non-Circumvent Agreement.

This must be signed and delivered with Proof of Capability to close a Billion dollar deal.

(Not kidding.  The property in question will cost you!)

:-)

Anyway, I'm relaxed and ready to go.  Are you?

Look forward to your emails!

To Contact David Howes try: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR; 7 0 2 5 01 9 3 8 8 AND Please #Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes Have a nice day!

Alaskan Cruise Excursion for a CRE Retreat!

If you missed me recently, I will apologize.
I know just how hard it is to enjoy yourself without my input.
But, I am sure you can manage for the next week to get along with yourselves without me.

Okay, I am NOT that important; nor anything I write here is so important that you can't get along without me!

The wife and I decided earlier this summer to just get away.  It's been way too long since we had a vacation and thought being together in cooler weather might be what the 33 year relationship needed.

So, I will see you all when I get back.

Right now, I am going to enjoy some down time watching a glacier melt and try my hand at some of tourist things being offered.

I hear it's cold in Alaska and will be bringing a lot of warm, dry clothes.

To Contact David Howes try: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR; 7 0 2 5 01 9 3 8 8 AND Please #Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes Have a nice day!

The dog days of (potential) economic recession!

On September 15, 2015, when I thought "things" were about to get really, really better (economically speaking), I wrote a blog about the Chinese devaluing their Yuan.

(Here is part of what I wrote:
Algebra!  It is the curse of me.  To this day, I do not understand: x+y=z!  Huh?
The odd thing is, my dad was an electrical engineer; thus, algebra was easy for him.
My wife, also, understands algebra.  She uses it everyday at her commercial interior design firm.

I even have an uncle who has a phD from HAAV-VAARD who I know understands algebra, too!

But, most of you, are probably just like me.  Algebra is a foreign language -- much like currency exchange.

I bring this up because, like you, I read that China devalued it's Yuan.  (Please do not try or even think of attempting to explain this to me.  I am lost just thinking about it.)

So, as of this AM, one Yuan is equal to $0.16 US.

I suppose this is good.  However, since I know very little about currency exchanges, I can only assume that the Chinese government did this to prevent anymore money from leaving China.  With the Yuan devalued, I guess it buys less foreign property and/or goods.  Am I right or wrong?

So, since this investor's money is coming through China, I don't understand the algebra of it.

How does depositing money into China, thus turning it into Yuan, help you acquire a Las Vegas Resort for less while also gaining more in value?

One day, I will probably understand.  But, I am not going to just sit around waiting for the answer to come to me.

So, was I off my much?

I ask because I just received notice from my Co-Broker Partner who lives and works in Australia that the Chinese Government is (essentially) halting any more Chinese firms from investing further in USA Real Estate.

Why?  Your guess is as good as mine.  From what I've read, the Government fears a cash shortage if anymore Yuan's are converted to Dollars and they leave the country.

(This relates to the algebra problem I mention above. =) )

Anyway, as I sit hear wondering just when this crack down on money exiting China (?) will end, I am hoping to between now and then, my survival mode keeps me aloft.)

The only thing I think right now is closing something.

Did I mention I listed a motel casino?  Give me a call if interested in the details.

To Contact David Howes try: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR; 7 0 2 5 01 9 3 8 8 AND Please #Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes Have a nice day!

Mom & Pop Casino For Sale!

When I established my web site many years ago, I truly didn't have faith in it leading to very many clients.

Well, at least the web site hasn't disappointed me.

Anyway, recently, my web site has allowed various real estate property owners to contact me.

To my surprise, one husband & wife team did give me a call to ask about selling their local casino.

Now, for you want to be casino owners, don't get too excited.  Owning a casino is a full time 24/7 job.  So, unless spending your time always "on the clock" isn't for you, then casino ownership may be a thing you'd let others do.

I say this because these mom & pop clients want to sell because of that fact.

Now, this is a local casino in Nevada.  Unfortunately, it is NOT in Las Vegas.  So, the bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip won't be shining in your eyes as you make your way to and from 'work."

But, this property is a fully licensed unlimited gaming casino and it does have 60 motel rooms and suites for your traveling customers comfort.

The property does have a steak house restaurant, a Chinese Restaurant and a lounge.

The property is a combined +/+9,500 SF property on a total of 1.94 acres right smack in the middle of town on 'Main Street.'

(Obviously, NOT the subject property since this is no longer standing.)

Unfortunately, as the husband owner said, they are directly across the street from their biggest competition.

True, there are a variety of small restaurants, bars, taverns, sports bars -- all with gaming -- that are for sale in and around Las Vegas itself.  But, this property is the only actual "casino" with motel rooms (that I know of) for sale in this region of Nevada.

The owner of this property is asking $3 Million.

So, that is all I can disclose at this time.  You will have to email me for the Confidentiality Agreement in order to see the financial and property details.   Any further information requires this signed document.

Now the owner says the price is the price, but I know there is some wiggle room.

Is it making money?
For that answer, the signed CA is required.

Plus!
I need to know a little more about you as the buyer.
So please be prepared to disclose your acquisition capability. I don't need it up front.  But, your proof of funds will be required with any offer that is to be presented to the owner.

Once you've owned a casino for a while, you'll understand this tactic.

So,...

To Contact David Howes try: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR; 7 0 2 5 01 9 3 8 8 AND Please #Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes Have a nice day!

CRE Deals Come & Go! Some Fly - Others Die!

It's NOT too often I would be insulted by comments made by a Seller or Buyer.

When you work hard and try to accomplish the impossible, there always seems to be something that goes wrong and sets you back.

I like the analogy: Take two steps forward; one step back.

Hey! It's real estate and you never know what could happen until it does.

For example: my son and his wife recently told us they wanted to acquire a house.  Okay. I asked could I refer you to someone?

He said, they were thinking of buying without an agent.
Now, having been in real estate since 1991, I had to go, "Woo!"

Why would you do that?  (He and she have never purchased a home before, so I can see the obstacles mounting right in front of them.)

Anyway, I got the feeling that some one had hooked their ear about saving money by doing it themselves.  (Sorry, folks! But, that doesn't happen! You just end up getting ripped off!)

Well, with the help of my wife -- our son's mother -- we think we've bridged that gap.  (We'll see.)

Then, about a week later, a developer I know who owns an Off Strip motel wanted to talk to me on a Sunday.  Okay, I understand that real estate might have to be a priority over the weekend.  Well, during the call he proceeded to chew me out because the Chinese buyer I was dealing with wasn't moving fast enough for him.

(This requires some back story: the developer acquired this off "strip motel about 11 years ago to re-develop it.  He has waited, and waited because the economy had gone south in the mean time.  And, since development money had dried up; it has recently reappeared in Las Vegas.  Lately, he started to make noise he was going to re-develop the motel again.  BUT, he was willing to sell, too.  After re-contacting the developer again, he set a couple of unrealistic deadlines to get him an offer.

Anyway, if you ever worked with Chinese buyers before, you know they tend to do things on their schedule -- not yours.

So, in the meantime, there were a few delays with the Chinese getting an offer started -- as is their MO.

Well, the Sunday morning call was to let me know, the developer wanted to deal directly with the Chinese group and I'd be paid anyway.  He said he didn't think I had the experience to handle his transaction.

Okay, I'm insulted.  But, I know this developer and he is an a--h---!

I took the information and proceeded to contact my co-brokering partner over seas.  He speaks fluent Chinese.  Well, he didn't like that idea and thought it fishy.  He said 'let's look for another property.'  Which I am doing.)

After wards, I was thinking about this situation, and came to the realization that the developer never, ever had any intention of selling.  He was just hedging his bet against the economy here in the US until it improved.  Which it has.

So, all those years trying to find a buyer for his property was -- well, it truly wasn't a waste of time.  I was able to find other buyers while using his property as a prop.

No loss I guess.

So, my experience is questionable to this developer. NOT!  It's his excuse to NOT sell his property and further to try and raise additional cash for his development.  Oh, well!

One day we'll cross paths again.  We'll see what has transpires in the meantime.

To Contact David Howes try: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR; 7 0 2 5 01 9 3 8 8 AND Please #Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes Have a nice day!

Happy 4th of July - Independence Day is here!

To show my Patriotic Spirit, here are some images of Las Vegas Fireworks!

 Fantasy!

Reality! 

Happy Fourth of July!

PS: (Now, I will prepare to dog sit two dogs that dislike anything that goes BOOM!)

To Contact David Howes try: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR; 7 0 2 5 01 9 3 8 8 AND Please #Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes Have a nice day!

Las Vegas Gaming Property Acquisition Do's and Don'ts

It's that time again where potential Las Vegas Gaming Properties -- may or may not be available for sale.  And, I (feel as if I) have to remind ALL potential 'investors' that you simply can NOT expect the owners to be 'dumb.'

Not going to happen!

And, YES! Because I live and work in Las Vegas. I do know of several "gaming properties" that are for sale -- but the owners will NOT state (or allow me to state) that publicly.

Yes.  There is a large parcel for sale that is listed -- but you don't want to buy that parcel because you will only receive slightly less than half of the total acreage fee simple.  The owner of the 'other (slightly larger) half is never going to sell.

How do I know this?  Simple: I know the owners.

Anyway, when I give you a price of a property; and I tell you that's the sale price, you can -- but it's not going to happen -- try to reduce that price it by saying the financials don't support that price.

In most Las Vegas gaming zoned property cases, the financials will never, ever support the selling price.

So, please take my word for it.  The price I give you is the selling price.

Okay?

The reason I stress this is you have to remember that the current owners of these gaming properties know the value of their land.  If the property is worth more as a tear-down, they already know that.
If the property is worth more via the financial statement, they know that, too!

So, if you are in the market for a gaming property in Las Vegas, be ready to acquire it at the stated market price!

The time for acquiring a gaming property as in a buy and flip, is gone.
In the reality of today's Las Vegas, the price of the property is the price!

And, unless you are going to buy and tear down, I suggest you stay on the sidelines.

An example of the last major company to come to Las Vegas, buy a gaming property at a rock bottom price, and trying to just paint and carpet to turn it around is failing miserably.

Of course, at that time they were saying just how proud they were to have been able to acquire the properties for below market value.  But, when they didn't do anything more than paint & carpet, the sophisticated casino patron moved on to another resort property.

The casino properties they acquired were at or very near foreclosure; They paid pennies on the dollar and tried to run them 'As Is' just as cheaply.

The end result speaks volumes about this approach.

And, all the while, they continued to lose market share because of their cheaper than cheap corporate attitude.

How do I know, you ask?  I live and work in Las Vegas, NV!

So, do you want honesty and a true to life assessment of the potential properties in question? If you do, then click the Las Vegas Casino Information Button in the right column, print, fill out with your company's signatory signing it, and email it back to me.

I need this form back BEFORE I release any information about any property to you that I know might be for sale.

Otherwise, Have a Great Day!

To Contact David Howes try: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR; 7 0 2 5 01 9 3 8 8 AND Please #Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes Have a nice day!

A Young Celebrity Who Understands the Value of Commercial Real Estate Investing!

I usually don't name drop.

I think it's beneath me.  It is actually crude and truly uncalled for.

So, I am going to name drop!

1st: I have never met this person
2nd: I have never seen them perform.
3rd: I wasn't involved in this CRE Transaction.

But, I say, 'Good for Claire Sinclair."

I am so happy, that this young woman understands the value of CRE property.  Why do I say that?
It's because she acquired an 8 plex!
Okay, most of you don't know what that is.  In CRE terms, it is short hand for an 8 unit apartment building.

Why am I excited for her?
Because she is taking the chance that this 8 unit apartment building located in or very near Downtown Las Vegas will in the future enable her to earn income as a Bed & Breakfast!

She is taking money she has earned -- and is trying to raise from a social media web site -- to help her complete her desired rehab goal of making the 8 unit apartment property into a BNB!

I think it's great! I think she has her 'smart's on' about money, has a vision of herself in the future and she just might one day be another Mary Bartsas, or even another Margaret Elardi!
(If you don't know who these women are, Google them!)

Here is Robin Leach's article about Claire's quest.

If you are in a similar situation, or have a similar goal, you just need to...

Contact David Howes at: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR; 7 0 2 5 01 9 3 8 8 AND Please #Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes Have a nice day!