Showing posts with label Gaming. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gaming. Show all posts

Monday, December 21, 2020

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year with Good Riddance to 2020!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

istockphoto

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!

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Wouldn't It Be Nice!

With Apologies to The Beach Boys:

"Wouldn't It Be Nice..." to be able to get back to doing what we did before this Coronavirus zapped all of the free-wheeling fun out of mixing & mingling!

And, "Wouldn't It Be Nice..." to be able to just travel & get lodging & drink & eat wherever you may go!

"Wouldn't it be nice..."
(iStock)

...to cause the hotel management to illuminate their No Vacancy Sign!

With dark days ahead, if we just try to have consideration for others -- even strangers -- we can get through this and back to normal quicker.

In the meantime: Have a Joyous Holiday Season!

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!

Sunday, September 20, 2020

Frozen Foreclosures are happenning!

Even though I do NOT list or sell Single family homes as a Commercial Real Estate Broker, I do follow and occasionally buy homes for my own sake.

And with the economy headed into the toilet, again. (Thank You Donald Trump!)
I have heard that there are thousands of homes in pre-foreclosure. This means the home owner hasn't made any mortgage payments for months. Thus, here is one explanation:

The temporary freeze on foreclosures applies to Fannie- or Freddie-backed, single-family mortgages only. The pause on evictions applies only to tenants who live in properties that have been acquired by Freddie or Fannie through foreclosure. It does not apply to tenants in homes that have not been foreclosed on.Aug. 27, 2020

So, with homes about to be foreclosed upon; and the amount of homes already foreclosed but still being occupied by the owner or tenant, we are going to see, probably at the beginning of the new year, another tsunami of homes for sale via foreclosure or portfolio sales just as we saw in 2009.

So, if you are a home investor, kind of like me, you are going to see another opportunity like in 2009, to acquire rental properties on the cheap.

Since I was looking to buy another rental property this summer, the wife and I decided to hold off to see just where prices were headed.


I think down.

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!

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Nothing like Heading Full Throttle Right into an Economic Depression

I am predicting economic disaster coming our way full throttle in the coming New Year of 2021.

To me, what Donald Trump and the Republicans have done with their Tax Cuts, is going to leave us hanging and will result in a large economic collapse than we had in late 2008 and early 2009.

Am I being pessimistic?
Yes!

Will many people be losing their homes again?
Yes!

Was Donald Trump the wrong person to be President?
Yes!

And, his lack of leadership during this pandemic, has only fueled the fire.

I am guessing it will take more than a year to recover from such a devastating result of his incompetence!

Disagree?
Ok!

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!

Friday, August 7, 2020

Unlicensed Real Estate Broker-Agents

Every so often, I will get a call from a "Broker-Agent" who has a client who is looking for some form of real estate product.

After discussing the situation with them about their client, I've gotten into the habit of asking these "Broker-Agents" their licensing status.

And, most will claim an affiliation with some brokerage or an attachment with someone who is licensed
(which is illegal) and they will be the "Broker-Agent" representing the Buyer in the deal.
Still Illegal!

Since these "Broker-Agents" usually are slick, and they attempt to oversell a property to a meaningful potential Buyer, the deal usually doesn't go through.

And, recently, I've run into this scenario but this time the well qualified Buyer didn't show up, but the "Broker-Agent" did with his licensed Agents in tow,

To me, I have never been that desperate to close a transaction that I would need to be involved as a licensed Broker in something like this to earn a commission.

Through my 29 years working in real estate, I would from time to time run into a Buyer who would want the Procuring Fee (or part of the Procuring Fee).  Also Illegal!

But, I'd rather lose that transaction than be beholden to them because once you do it, you then are on their hook!  I don't think it is worth it just to make money.

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!

Friday, July 24, 2020

Dealing with an Inexperienced 'Know-It-All' Real Estate Agent

First: I will survive a 30 day All Cash Real Estate Escrow.  (That's a fact!)

Second: I am NOT sure I will ever recover from this "New" Agent's idiocy!

He works for a local real estate company that has had a nice success rate.  I'm sure there are agents there that are competent and worthy for anyone to work with.

But, on this particular transaction, this agent has tried his best -- in my opinion -- to get my client/friend to remove me so he can be the only agent in the deal.

Why?

I don't know -- 3rd Base!



Yes!  That's how confusing this has become, and we are still NOT in an Open Escrow, yet!

Here's the background:
On Sunday just past, I receive a call from a Buyer.  He saw my plex properties on a listing service.
And, it turns out, he wants to buy two of them!  Okay.

After discussing the price points, the Buyer wanted to think about it.

A day or so later, my client/friend says he is thinking of listing the two most horrible looking, lack of curb appeal, cost ridden plex properties with someone on the Multiple Listing Service. (I am NOT a Realtor and I have found as a CRE Broker, the Multiple Listing Service is great for homes -- lousy for commercial buildings)
To me that's okay because the Seller's price is retail, and the Buyer's prices have all been wholesale. (He won't accept wholesale and I thought I would just cut my losses.)

Anyway, the buyer then disappears for a few days, then I get a Realtor form offer from this agent for that particular Buyer.  A sleazy move on the Buyer;s part, but okay.

The one offer is for two properties (which the seller owns under two different entities); and, they are low ball prices.

Turns out, the buyer called me, got first hand information on the properties, then went back to the agent to write the offer.

At First I am offended, but Hey, "It's Real Estate," said Mike Sitren.

Anyway, turns out this agent does have a lot of listings, yet I have had other Buyers who worked with him in the past tell me he tried to do things they were uncomfortable with. (That's another story for later.)

Anyway, as I try to help him understand that there needs to be two offers, and I Counter his one offer for 2 properties with 2 offers for one property each, he starts to insult me, my forms, and boldface lies about regulations. (I doubled checked with the state on a few of his pronouncements that he was sure were illegal.  They are not, according to the NVRED.)

Now, I am wondering: Is my client/friend going to sign the 'new' offers (one for each property) that the agent (reluctantly) finally agreed to write? Time will tell.

After we (I am hopeful) close this transaction, I know I will be moving on to other deals already in process!

PS: In my near 29 year experience, sleazy agents will crash and burn sooner than later.
This agent needs to go sooner.

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!

Saturday, July 18, 2020

14 down, 7 to Go!

Sounds like a Football or Basketball score, doesn't it?

Out of the 21 properties I have had listed, I have been able to sell 14 of them!

Yes, I need to replace the Sold listings with other listings, but all in due course.

I listed a portfolio of 12 Single Family Homes (SFRs) including a townhouse and a condo.

I listed three motels.

I listed a portfolio of 6 Multifamily apartments.

I still have those remaining because they are extreme value added and the Seller wants his price.
(Still working an offer that might work, though.)

In the meantime, if interested in acquiring a Las Vegas property...

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!

Monday, June 29, 2020

Luxor and Excalibur to be Demolished?

Never cared for the Luxor.

Even though you can see the top spot light illuminating the night sky from my house -- even on over case nights.
To be honest, I think I've only been inside in the life of the property maybe 6 times?

Excalibur was a place we stayed at with our kids in the 1990's before moving here.  We wanted to get a feel for the city during a Thanksgiving weekend. (That was a mistake!)

Anyway, it's a rumor these are to be turn down.



Here's the article: 

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!

Sunday, June 28, 2020

I Will Serve You With A Subpoena!

Wow!

Never thought I'd have to be subject to being subpoenaed.

But, when you are trying to market a downtrodden building, and a tenant causes the building to catch fire, I guess other Tenants consider that a violation of their rights?

This all stems from the fire, caused by a tenant using their stove to heat their studio apartment at the Alpine Motel Apartments!

Yes, I was the broker trying to sell the property As Is, Where Is.
But this plaintiff's attorney is fishing for information.

It is my understanding that you may have represented Mr. Orozco regarding a potential sale of the
Alpine Motel in August of 2019.  At the very least, I understand that you were the broker. 

Please forward to me all images, inspections, notes, contracts, agreements, emails regarding such.

Obviously, this is just an email and you do not have to respond. Unfortunately, because of COVID, I
cannot serve a subpoena at this time.  However, as of July 1, I can.  So, either you respond this
way, or, after July 1, I will serve you with a subpoena.  Your choice. 

At the very least, demand is hereby made that you take steps to preserve all emails, notes,
inspections, letters, agreements, communications, and images related to Mr. Orozco and/or the
Alpine Motel. 

Alpine Motel Apartments

Well, I am going to talk to my golf buddy attorney to see about this.

Most likely I will co-operate because I only have a few things he's asking for. Probably best to take the high road.

"When in doubt, tell the truth!" Mark Twain

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!

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

The Local Las Vegas Motel Market

With Resorts commanding top dollar, and some even falling back into foreclosure, the local Motel scene is alive!

The reason is, even though the Resorts were shut down, the local governments understood that local motels were essential to helping keep visitors to local residents open and happening.

Years ago, my wife and I decided that it was better for relative/out of town visitors to have some visitation freedom!  
You see: Las Vegas is a destination that some want to partake in as a complete stranger; and, they want to do what could be frowned upon in other (outside of Nevada) neighborhoods.

So, initially, we booked local motel rooms for them, but they soon got the hint.
(FYI: The wife & I for years would visit "them" and be offered accommodations in a relative's house.  But, we felt we needed 'more privacy.' So, we started booking stays at local motels when we visited them!)

Thus, we maintain privacy. and visitors maintain freedom to gamble until they drop without worrying about their hosts!
To us it is a Win-Win!

So, with local motels being necessary or essential, and the resorts shut down, my listings have generated a lot of interest.

Thus, the need for qualified motel persons to contact me asap while I still have two remaining.
(Another FYI: I am currently negotiating a potential sale on one of them.)

If interested in motel income....


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!

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

"You Need To Pay My Broker!"

Developers!

All of the Developers I have worked with throughout my near 30 year Real Estate Career have always been the same: Greedy!

Recently, I have been going back and forth with a S Cal Developer, who used to be licensed as a real estate agent in California, who is now searching for Las Vegas houses (to buy and flip).

Fortunately, I have a seller client who will sell his rental houses in a portfolio all cash.

After going back and forth with the Developer, and settling on the price and terms, the developer then throws in that I have to split the procuring commission with his "broker!"

What?

Apparently, this Developer wants half the procuring commission and he found a local agent -- who I know - who is wiling to pay this unlicensed person half of the procuring fee just to have some business!


Is this sleazy?

YES!

First, it never occurred to me that the "agent" actually would be willing to do this.  (He must be hard up for money.)
Second, why would an agent/broker even want to be inserted into any ongoing negotiation post the listing agent procuring the Buyer. (This doesn't make any sense.)
Lastly, this Developer never mentioned "his broker" until the terms of the deal were set and I was drafting the contract.

Now, the Seller does NOT need to sell! (It would be a different scenario if that was the case.) And, the original sales terms have been altered from the Seller's original terms and I have a feeling (knowing the Seller for as long as I have) he is most likely NOT going to accept.

We'll see what happens.

(My wife suggested I report this to the NV RED because I know that the Developer wants and probably will get half of the procuring fee IF I go along with his sleazy deed.

If you are searching for an honest CRE Broker...

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

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Sleazy Real Estate Agents

Late last night, I received a call from a residential agent asking about one of my motel listings.

She and her husband are a Residential Real Estate Team here in Las Vegas.

Not surprised that a residential agent would call.  That happens a lot because residential agents think that selling a Commercial Real Estate (CRE) property will add to their mystic.  (It doesn't.)

Anyway, this morning, The "wife" emails me that they have a cash buyer interested in acquiring a small motel.  I have one listed.

I call the Owner's Property Manager (PM) and set up a tour.

As I was working on other "things," I suddenly get a text from the PM saying that a Buyer and agent are at the property asking questions.  (Now, PM and myself are the only ones authorized by the Owner to answer For Sale questions.)

Fortunately, the PM was at the motel in question and did answer property questions during the tour.
Then, they suddenly left.

In the meantime, I am calling the "wife" and asked what was going on?
She said their tour was ahead of schedule and thought just going to the property to walk around was okay. (It's NOT!)

I told her that, that was unacceptable and unprofessional behavior.  If she had been in real estate any length of time, she would know this.

FYI: If you make a schedule to tour a real estate property, and you are early, you call the listing agent to let them know you are early.  They didn't call.  I had to call them after the PM found them wandering the property and asked what they were doing?

So, if you have agents that are that lacking in management skills, you may NOT want to work with them.

The PM did say the Buyer acted as if he was offended by the condition of the property.  He's a bottom feeder and I am truly sick of them.

The property is Value Add and does need work and is priced for that reason.

More as the Corona virus, COVID-19, rampages through the US.

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!

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Small Las Vegas Casino For Sale!

The Owner of a Small Las Vegas Casino with 45 rooms just told me he's interested in Selling.
He said he will NOT List with any Broker, but if I bring him a ready, willing and capable buyer, he will compensate me.

So, if you can acquire an Unlimited Gaming Casino at $30 Million, contact me right away.

Las Vegas, NV

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!

Saturday, March 28, 2020

The Assignment has NOT been Received!

In almost 30 years of being a Real Estate Broker, this has happened to me less than a half-dozen times.
However, as of yesterday, this is the first time it happened within three days of closing escrow!

I have had the three Downtown Las Vegas Motels in escrow four times now.

In my attempt to ward off would be flippers, I have been diligent to overly vet prospective buyers.
Most approach as buyers interested in acquiring value add, net income properties that they can fix and operate.

However, I didn't see this one coming because the "Buyer" has acquired several properties in Downtown Las Vegas that he bought, fixed, and operates.

So, when all of the Buyer's contingencies expired, he suddenly wants to cancel the escrow -- and receive 100% of his Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) back!
WHAT?!

The Seller was just as surprised, too!  And, since the Buyer threatened to sue to get his EMD, the Seller sought his attorney's advice; and his attorney says the EMD belongs to the Seller.

Then, while discussing the situation with the Escrow-holder, she lets out that she had been waiting for the Assignment of the Escrow.
WHAT?!
Assignment of  Escrow
She tells me that the Buyer's assignment of the escrow has NOT been received.  I was stunned. Apparently, this Buyer either didn't have the funds to close (As he assured me); or his flip Buyer pulled out of the deal at the last minute.
(I think the latter.)

Now, the Buyer either has to close, or he loses his $275,000.00 EMD.

At this point, we shall proceed with caution.

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!

Thursday, March 19, 2020

SHUTDOWN!

Real Estate is a business that requires a lot in personal interaction.  Granted, most of it is on the telephone and through other electronic communicating, but it is still a personal relationship business.

Yet, truly it is a non-essential business -- except when you have an escrow that needs to close within the shutdown period.


Sigh!

Buyer wants to extend closing because he is restricted from re-entering the US; and Seller's attorney says close right away.

Somehow, as the Real Estate Broker in the transaction, I am stuck between a rock and a hard place.
(Boy do I feel squeezed.)

What to do? What to do?

Keep moving forward.

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!

Saturday, January 25, 2020

Sports Loving Investors - A Long Term Leased Sports Bar is available for your review!

Hey!

Sports Loving Investors!  There are two Las Vegas Sports Bars For Sale!

Football is back in full swing!  And, the Super Bowl is just around the corner!

With that said, these are fabulous opportunities for the correct Sports Loving enthusiast to acquire a perfect Net Leased Investment Property where local Las Vegans go to wet their whistles and make friendly wagers on the games right inside of the bar!



That's right!  These Sports Bars have sports wagering kiosks that can accept wagers on the game right at the bar location without having to go to a major resort to place a bet at a sports book!

And, these are located in these particular sports bars because of the credibility of the Tenant which is a National Credit Tenant who has a Corporate Guarantee on their lease!

These two can be acquired together or individually.  Both have a Net Leased Income of more than $20,000 per month!

AND, there is basically zero Landlord responsibility!

The Tenant pays for the building maintenance, the building's Real Estate Taxes, and Insurance on top of their  annual rent!

So, don't wait!  The long term leases and tenant financials are available.  But, I will only let those qualified get to see them.  In order to get qualified, you need to call or email me.  I suggest you do so as soon as you finish reading this so you do NOT swing and miss on this too good of an opportunity!

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!

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Rail Served Land in Las Vegas!

Recently, I've been thinking about the Railroad.
All the live long day.

Okay, enough of that.

About a year ago, I ran into a Land Owner who resides here in Las Vegas who owns several acres of land that he is considering for sale.
One of his parcels is adjacent to a parcel that has rail service.


Now, there's no warehouse, or anything like that on the parcel; but, there is a rail spur on the vacant parcel.  This could add value to this owner's parcel if he does acquire it.


It sits there all by itself, all alone with no other rail served parcel in the area.


However, the parcel with the rail service is NOT big enough, by itself, for any warehouse development.  So, in order to build and be able to utilize the rail spur cost effectively, you would have to acquire the surrounding parcels.

Unfortunately, there's the rub.

But, I have approached the adjacent land owners about selling.  Some are willing; others no so much.  (Their prerogative. )  Some want more than top dollar, the others are content to keep their land and keep it as is.

Anyway, if interested in developing a rail served parcel in Las Vegas, and need my insight...

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!

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Tragedy Attracts A Low Balling Crowd!

Ever since the Alpine Motel Apartments suffered it's worst day ever and a resulting six people died, there has been an uptick in real estate interest for this property.

Yes, the Low Ball Flippers have contacted me about buying the property.

Alpine Motel Apartments

All have the ability to close real fast, and they are Cash Buyers -- they claim!

The problem, aside from the legal liability the Owner is going to suffer from (alleged) code violations, is these Low Ball Flippers can buy quickly -- only if the Seller would carry back a loan!

Now, I know from my years of experience, that when you are a Buyer asking for a Seller to Carry Back a Loan, you are NOT a Cash Buyer!

And, to add insult to injury, their quick buying price is way less than what the property is worth.  Vacant, the property should sell for about $3 Million in it's "As Is" state.

But, with the pending litigation, that puts this property on hold.

In the words of the Owner's attorney, "Hold for now."

In the meantime. my heart goes out to the victims caught in this tragic event.

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!

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Five Tips about Real Estate

Happy New year, Everyone!!

Now, I didn't stay up for any of that New Year's Celebration stuff.  So, I rested well and woke up late New Year's Day.

However, I noticed someone connected to my blog from another blog.  And, checking out the other blog, she described some real estate items I think everyone should know.

https://therealestatewhisperer.blogspot.com/

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!

Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Happy New Year!


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 Pleasant New Year's Eve and Day!