Showing posts with label Investments. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Investments. Show all posts

Monday, March 14, 2016

Super Bloom! A Real Estate Tour through Death Valley!

This has nothing to do with Commercial Real Estate, however, it does cover real estate in general.

My wife and I, plus brother-in-law, daughter and her boyfriend, all went to Death Valley on Sunday to see the once in every 10 year bloom of flowers -- that is currently happening.

We went to rest, relax and just enjoy the scenery.


Lots of pretty yellow flowers with an occasional purple flower plant here and there.

And if you are ever feeling low, like so low you feel as if you are below sea level, there is an actual spot where you can go to actually be below sea level.


Like 282' below sea level -- without being under water!
(It does say Sea Level on a sign about half way up the rock face.)

Enjoy!

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

Monday, March 7, 2016

UPDATE! -- TWO LAS VEGAS RESORT CASINOS ARE AVAILABLE - UPDATE!

First of all, if you are an experienced hotelier, you need to download, fill out, scan, and email back to me the form under the Las Vegas Casino Information button in the right hand column.

Once I have that filled out formed -- and signed by your company signatory -- I will forward the appropriate property detail for your review.

But, to wet your appetite, there are two up and running resort properties that could be acquired.

The First is a large Las Vegas Resort Casino Property.  Then, again, the Non Circumvent and Commission Agreement is required in order to receive any details on either property.

The Second is a smaller property and costs... Then, again, the form...

But, I will disclose that these will cost you in the hundreds of millions -- each.

If interested (and you are qualified to apply and receive a Nevada Unrestricted gaming license, you must provide the Seller with your financial capability and Proof of Funds to close!

And, this is needed prior to the release of any property information.

The Sellers are looking for people/companies that are either licensed already - or are people/companies that have the capability of being licensed with the Nevada Gaming Control Unrestricted Nevada Gaming License.

NOW, lastly, there is still property that is "develop-able." But, please still adhere to my Las Vegas Casino Information button to receive that property information as well.

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

Sunday, February 21, 2016

What other people think (of me), is none of my business!

About 20 years ago, I learned about this quote.

When I first heard it, it was attributed to A.L Williams. (Yes, the Prime America guy.)

And, every now and then, especially when I start feeling as if "others" around me (business and personal relationships) are invalidating me, I have to force myself to NOT reply or respond to anything they are saying.  I do my best to just let them vent and then, I try to ignore them as much as possible.

You see: when "others" are being critical (invalidating) of you, they are disrespecting you.  In my case, as a real estate broker for 25 years, I am the most knowledgeable about real estate within my family and small circle of friends.

But, since my sibling family members like to refer to me as being "Bossy," this form of criticism always comes across as disrespectful -- even though they think it is being helpful.  And, I believe the reason for their disrespect is that I do have a better working knowledge about real estate than they have.  However, I believe this makes them jealous.  And that jealousy is what leads them to being so disrespectful of me.

Fortunately, my 'clients' refer to me as "Knowledgeable,"  So, I will take this criticism gratefully.

For example: one of my younger brothers thought he should get into real estate to buy and rent out houses.  He was going to grow his real estate portfolio and become rich.

So, once he owned a few properties, loan rates went down, so he decided, back in 2005 or 2006, to refinance the three residential properties he owned.  Back then, I warned him to NOT refinance ALL of his properties at once with the same lender, because I knew his lender of choice would cross-collateralize his properties.

But, he said that wasn't going to happen, because he said the Loan Officer said that, that would NOT happen.

Then, last year, he tried to sell one of the houses.  Once in escrow, the lender send a payoff  amount for all three loans at the same time.  He decided to sue.  He lost his lawsuit.

So, now, I am NOT being boastful about this.  I am only emphasizing that I know more about real estate than a wanna be house owner landlord.

Am I sorry for his dilemma?  No.  I just wish he had listened to me (and I wish he had viewed my advice as being the truth based on my years of experience in real estate).  But, since to him, I was being "Bossy," he listen to "others" who were in fact, lying to him just so they could earn the loan origination fee.

Unfortunately, since he viewed me as being "Bossy," he is now in a situation where he has to sell all three houses at once to get out of the loan(s).

I can only be reminded what Mike Sitren told me years ago: Don't help family with real estate.  They will never appreciate your efforts.

So, if you are going to call me Bossy, because I suggest you do/do not do something in real estate, best of luck to you.  I don't need your invalidation and...

...what you think (of me) is none of my business.

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

Saturday, February 6, 2016

Las Vegas Boulevard vs "The Strip!" There is a difference! Hint? North and South

Everybody in the World has heard of or has some knowledge of the Las Vegas "Strip!"

It is one of those topics that every so often gets tossed around every now and then and everyone who has ever visited Las Vegas knows everything about Las Vegas -- especially "The Strip!"

Well, did you know there is a good "Strip" and a bad "Strip?"

If you didn't, you are NOT alone.

Many, many people will read something about Las Vegas -- either because they are planning a visit; or, they are searching for a property -- and run into the phrase: 'located on the world famous Las Vegas "Strip!"'

In most cases, that might be true.  But, just because they have a Las Vegas Boulevard address doesn't mean that they are actually located on the "Strip!" And, if the property is located on Las Vegas Boulevard between Spring Mountain and Downtown Las Vegas, that "technically" is NOT "The Strip!"

Unfortunately, that is simply Las Vegas Boulevard.

"The Strip" is actually the part of Las Vegas Boulevard that runs from the 'Welcome to Las Vegas Sign' up to and might even include Wynn Resort and the Fashion Show Mall.  This is where Spring Mountain Road and it's cross street partner intersects Las Vegas Boulevard.  You know this intersection because this is where the Venetian is on the SEC; and TI is on the SWC.  And, Wynn is on the NEC.

So, nothing north of this location is truly "On the Strip," even though the casino owners of the properties north of this intersection will beg to differ.  You see, the Fontainebleau, Resort World, and that proposed new development Alon are all close to this intersection.  But, even though they claim they are on "The Strip," they truly are NOT.

To Prove my point, here is a link to aerial shots of "Strip" located Las Vegas Resorts that are on "The Las Vegas Strip." (You may have to copy and  paste in browser if link doesn't work.)


SLS, Circus Circus, and even the Stratosphere advertise that they are on "The Strip" when in fact, they are merely on Las Vegas Boulevard.  Of course, they justify this by saying they are located on "The North Strip."  But, that's just semantics, right? And, I would say that Trump Tower is NOT located on the Strip -- even though it is directly behind the new Alon (supposed James Packard project) development.

So, do most of you understand what I am saying?

"The Strip" has +100,000 people on average in foot traffic just about daily.  Las Vegas Boulevard to the north of Spring Mountain doesn't.

So, if you are a resort buyer, please beware of any property that is being advertised as: "On The Strip."  It is probably not.

If you have any questions about this topic, please click on the Las Vegas Casino Information button to the right, print the form, sign and email it back to me.  Once this is agreed to, I will be most happy to help you understand the difference.

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

Monday, February 1, 2016

Is China trying to force Macau Casino Owners Out Of Business?

For a long while now, I have had several discussions with Las Vegas Gaming executives, some still employed and others retired, about how China is treating the current casino owners in the gaming hot spot known as Macau.

I believe that China (recently) closed their borders to Macau in an effort to force the casinos owners out of business.

Of course, their standard PR line is/was: ...to stop corruption.

But, I think that China saw just how much money the casino owners were actually making and decided that they should be in charge of the properties -- thus, they would be raking in the billions that China's citizens were gambling away every month in order to become rich so that they could improve their lives.

Now, I have absolutely no proof of this at all.  It is just a gut feeling I get from reading various news reported stories about the Macau enclave.

The latest is this article from re-known gaming reporter Howard Stutz of the Las Vegas Review Journal.  (You may have to copy and past in your browser to read.)

http://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/macau-casino-revenue-falls-214-percent-january-20th-straight-monthly-decline

In his article, Howard outlines that Macau revenue has fallen for 20 straight months; and, it fell 21.4% this recent January, 2016.

To me, the fact that it is only down in the hundreds of millions, is not as bad as the fact that the casinos are still earning Billions in US dollars per month.

I believe that that amount of money being earned there by Las Vegas casino operators is too tempting to the Chinese officials to allow to be continued to leave their country.  Thus, I believe that China will in the foreseeable future take over the properties as a means to control how their citizens are spending their hard earned money.

If I am wrong, I will apologize right here, right now.  But, my gut says otherwise.

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

Saturday, January 30, 2016

Update! Resorts, Hospitality, Gaming and Restaurant Properties!

Update! Resorts, Hospitality, Gaming and 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, January 19, 2016

Las Vegas "Strip" Property For Sale!

There have been a lot of 'hits' on my web site about Las Vegas Casino Properties.  Several have been searching for "Strip" Properties.

Fortunately, there is a property located on the Las Vegas Strip that is For Sale.  (I will have to double checked with the owner; to make sure it is still has it on the market.)


The price might will seem high to a first time Las Vegas Casino Property Buyer.  However, since the property falls under the Clark County Gaming Overlay; and, it is located within the "Resort Corridor," the Owner is being smart in their pricing.

The property is large enough to develop a Resort Gaming property with +/-thousands of rooms in hotel Towers that could reach 500', it is also large enough to include a Mall, and enough frontage along the "Strip" for restaurants or retail shops.

Also, the Owner is willing to compensate me for bringing a Buyer.

Want the details?

Then click on the Las Vegas Casino Information button located in the right hand column; Print the Non-Circumvent Form; Have your President or CEO fill it out completely (authorized signatory's only); and scan and email it back to me.  This is necessary so that I know that everyone stays honest with each other.

Any questions?

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

Monday, January 11, 2016

“Tell Trump To Shut the F…. Up!”

I absolutely hate any and all political seasons -- especially pre-primary season when candidates from all walks of life are out to impress as many voters as possible.

I especially hate the ones who think invalidating other candidates or groups of people because they are just trying to appeal to the lowest common denominator.

Right now, the worst thing that could happen to the Good Ole US of A is: Donald Trump.  And, he knows it.

He has no chance of being elected, yet the news media covers him because - well, they don't know what stupid thing he is going to say next.

I have been trying for more than a year now to get a Middle Eastern Businessman to buy a Las Vegas Gaming Resort Property.  I thought I was very, very close to getting the offer approval from the Businessman's board/Investors when Donald Trump once again opened his big mouth.

By even saying he wanted to ban Muslims from coming to the US, Donald actually said to the world, I am too stupid to be president.  The thing is, Adolf Hilter did this back in 1928 or 1929 against the Jews.  We know how that turned out.

Granted, the US is NOT going to open concentration camps, but the rhetoric still stings.

Now, my Businessman client, on December 27th, sent me an email which said--- why don't I just let you read it for yourself:

I’m in Abu Dhabi right now (50 minutes drive from Dubai) attending a 2 days Board meeting,and to be honest with you we do have a huge investor on the Board who doesn’t want to even hear about investment in the U.S.A after Donald (Stupid) Trump comments banning Muslims from coming to America so he said “and Muslims Money are not coming to America too you Fool”

It is very tense right now as every one on the Board respect and Love this Guy!!, we'll see what happens.
“Tell Trump To Shut the F…. Up” would you please.please. Thanks.J.

So, if Donald is so far behind in the over all voter polls, why is he so popular in the Republican polls?
Oh, maybe it is because most Republicans are idiots just like him?  I truly don't think so.  But, Donald is truly demonstrating his idiocy.

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

Friday, January 8, 2016

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to My Blog!

Three of the last four of my blog entries have outlined the reasons why I left Lee. I hope you understand the 'why' I was so angry about having spent so much time there and NOT having achieved the one particular goal I wanted which was to be named a partner.

Anyway, just after I posted the third blog, I received a telephone call from the CEO of Licensing for Lee.  He asked me (politely) if I'd take any mention of Lee out of the blog because he said that they were a different company now and it would hurt their efforts to re-establish an office in Las Vegas.

He did emphasize that they were NOT looking to file a law suit for defamation or anything, because he said, everything in the blog was more than 10 years old.

I asked him if he knew anything about me.  Of course, he didn't.

I explained my background and the reason why I omitted the names of actual people who were involved in my time there.  (They truly don't deserve any publicity.)

So, I had to explain to him just how Libel works.  In the end, he convinced me they were NOT going to sue.  (If they did, I would win because all I needed was to present the truth.)  Besides, with so many agents who had worked and left the Lee Las Vegas office through the years, I told him that it would be easy for me to find just one person who had a similar experience as mine, and that would seal the deal, so to speak: Case Closed.

He did re-emphasize, he just wanted to ask me to remove any reference to Lee because he kept saying this incident was ten years ago.

However, I was amused by his next question:

He asked: Would you consider spearheading the next Lee office in Las Vegas?

What?  No!  Of course, not!

He kept saying that as a company, Lee was different now.  They were a national company and one of his priorities is to re-establish a Lee office in Las Vegas.

Obviously, he has been trying to find a Nevada Broker willing to take on that project.  And, with Lee's reputation in Las Vegas being so bad, he was having a hard time finding a broker to do that.

I didn't even thank him for the offer.  I just stated, 'No;' and, that I would never, ever allow Lee to have any of my commission money ever again.  (I didn't care if he thought Lee had changed.  It was still the same to me whether last week or ten years ago.)

I did wish him luck as we concluded the telephone call.

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

Friday, January 1, 2016

Happy New Year!

To all my clients who became friends; and those friends who trust me with their CRE decisions;
please let's have a safe and prosperous New Year!

...and many, many more!

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 29, 2015

Why I Left Lee Las Vegas - Part 3

So, just as this becoming a partner debacle was unfolding right in front of my eyes, I decided that I was no longer going to be involved with a company that allowed partners to screw the associates so much and so often.

I could go into stories from other real estate agents who worked there before, during and after me --about how the partners screwed these agents, but I think my story is enough.

Anyway, during my meeting with RH, where he was doing his best to describe his discontent for the partners NOT voting me to become one, he did say (maybe off the cuff) that some of the partners, had more say than others in the direction the office was heading.  And, the reason was they were being paid 94% of the gross total commission earned off of their deals.

WHAT?!  How does a brokerage survive if an agent is getting 94%?  (6% was to be paid to the capital investors in the office.)

I was surprised by this.  To me, top producers (maybe) got 75% or even 80% if they did lots and lots of closings in a month.  But, when he mentioned that SP and another founding partner were the ones being paid this high of a commission amount, and they were being compensated without a desk cost, I knew right then and there that the Lee Las Vegas Office partners were idiot businessmen.  (And, apparently, SP and this founder had been paid this amount for quite some time.)

I asked, "Why?"

He said it was because they were the top producers of the firm.

I was surprised.  But, then he let out a bomb shell that hit me like a nuclear blast.

He told me that ALL sign calls were sent to SP first -- so he could "qualify them."

I was shocked, "Even mine?" I asked.

He replied yes.

He explained that in order to make sure that the associates didn't let a qualified client slip through the cracks, the partners trusted SP to make sure the client was qualified to buy, sell, lease before a deal was made.

I had wondered why I wasn't getting as many calls on my signs.  Now, I knew.

AND, (a little while after my RH meeting) I talked to the receptionist and she (reluctantly) confirmed this was true.  I was so mad at this disclosure that I immediately called another Broker, who had in the past asked me to join his firm.  I immediately left Lee Las Vegas for good.

I went to work for the other firm and lasted there for only a year.  Shortly after joining there, I found out that PTB was going to join the firm, too.  He said, he had a disagreement with the partners after I left.  I know for a fact he was "let go" by the partners for commission stealing another agent who was a partner's wife!

(I always wondered why they let PTB go for doing that but NOT SP.  (I guess the wife relationship had something to do with it.)

Anyway, after PTB arrived, he asked me to work with him again.  I said no.

After being there for a year, another agent (let's call him GG) who had been at Lee Las Vegas too who left just before I did, called me and asked me to come work with him at a boutique firm that he went to.  Because of the situation with PTB at the firm, I felt it appropriate to leave and went to work at the boutique company.

There, GG and I worked for almost two years together, until the boutique broker felt I didn't earn him enough money.  That is when I started my own shop by myself.  Recently, GG joined me.

Anyway, since my departure from Lee Las Vegas, many other associates left.  A couple were promoted to partner and then they left for other firms.  Apparently, my honest approach to clients, and other brokers was being too honest for Lee Las Vegas.  I left Lee in March, 2006.

It has been almost 9 years since I left, Lee Las Vegas.  I heard last summer that they defaulted (to my knowledge) on a leased space they had occupied, moved to another small office warehouse space closer to the 'Strip.'

And all the while, (I am still trying to confirm this) SP was still getting his 94% even though the company could NOT pay it's rent.  I learned that the last of the associates left just before they quietly announced they were closing.

Lee & Associates Las Vegas office closed it doors in June, 2015.

Now I know why Lee Las Vegas filed Bankruptcy back in the early 2000's -- it was to get out of a high rent office space they were in.  The space was well located and easy for clients to get to.

Also, I now know why certain other brokers around town, that became Lee Las Vegas competition had left.

As far as I am concerned, good riddance.

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 28, 2015

Why I left Lee Las Vegas - Part 2

PTB and I started off with a bang.

He had marketable listings that were (in hindsight) very good properties.

One that I marketed for him brought Konami Gaming into the fold.  I had heard through the grapevine, they were NOT happy with their current Las Vegas office they had leased; and, they were looking to not only move, but they wanted to buy an office warehouse.

After sending them brochures of various properties, I received a call from their Human Resource VP.  She said that the president wanted to meet and discuss the properties I had sent over.

The meeting went well with PTB giving a good presentation.  However, they were leaning more to buy than lease.

So, I went to work searching for a buy situation.  Nothing seemed to fit.  Anyway, after several months and some going back and forth with Konami, I ended up with a call that said the CEO for Konami Gaming out of Australia wanted to see some of the properties with me that I had sent over.

So, I met with the Corporate CEO and we drove around looking at what was available.  During this time, I got the impression that he had seen most of what I was showing him.  (The one property he hadn't seen was the listing PTB had.)

Our listing was big enough, but the owner steadfastly didn't want to sell.  So, I purposefully ended our drive on a large 12 acre lot at Bermuda and Sunset.  It is the parcel where their building now sits with a view of the McCarran International Airport.  Here I said that even though the owner of this lot didn't want to sell either, I thought we could structure an offer where in a few years, Konami could buy the building from the owner that the owner would build to suit to lease.

The CEO was impressed.  I also asked if Feng Shui would play apart in his decision. (He looked at me incongruously.  (I think I surprised him.)

He said I was the only broker that he has met that asked him that.  And, he said Yes, it would play an important part of his decision.

With this knowledge, I began to point out the Feng Shui aspects of the lot we were currently sitting on.  The CEO said he would get back to me.

PBT turned out to be very helpful in completing this build to suit for lease -- with the provision that Konami Gaming could buy the building in the future.

Anyway, during this period my mother-n-law had been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and had been given "only a few months" to live.  So, PBT took over and handled the lease negotiations, etc. If not for being copied on the emails through the lease negotiation process, I think I would have never known the full extend of the progress.

I did tell PTB that I could make meetings if needed.  But, he never included me in the meetings and I felt betrayed since I had initiated the whole deal.  PTB said he just wanted me to focus on taking care of my wife's mom.  I thought this kind of him -- but it was unnecessary.

Fast forward: With this lease deal closing, I learned that the commission was going to be the largest that Lee Las Vegas had ever earned.  And, this commission qualified me to become a partner.  The entire commission was more than $1 Million.  Everyone was congratulating PTB on a deal well done.

Well, I stopped by the office about the time my Mother-n-law passed away.  It was a difficult time for my wife and I.  She had become an intricate part of our daily lives.  (She was our day care provider for our two children as well.)

As you can sense, something was about to happen to me, again.
I arrived at the office and PTB wanted to meet with me in his office.  You guessed it, PTB wanted a larger share of the commission because he had done so much work to get this to close.

My first thought was what an A--Hole!  Here I thought I could trust him when all the while he was planning on cutting me out of commission, too!

Even though, PTB had privately congratulated me for being able to "find" the client, deep inside, I was pissed.  But, I tried to let it go.  I was looking forward to being qualified to be a partner.

PTB and I agreed to split the commission 55/45 which since then, I have regretted.

Anyway, since I was up for being approved as a partner; and the partners annual meeting was within the month, I just wanted to be on the agenda.  I thought I had proved that I was worthy.

The Office Manager did ensure that I was on the agenda.  So, I waited for word of them approving me as a partner.

After the annual meeting, I sensed something was wrong.  PBT came into the office and completely avoided me.

The then back as President of Lee Las Vegas again was RH.  He came to my desk and asked to see him in his office.

He started by saying (in order to be a partner) I had to apologize to SP for accusing him of lying and stealing when RH claimed that SP said he hadn't.  I told RH that I wasn't going to apologize for telling the truth and I said SP should be apologize to me.

As you can tell, that wasn't going to happen.  He said that I needed a unanimous vote to become a partner.  I asked what the vote was.  He said 6-2.  (Another partner I had a falling out with earlier who was a jerk, right behind my back, tried to steal another client I was working with.  This partner even attempted to make me look as if I was stealing the client from him.)

Back to my story, I told RH that the office manager and I research the bylaws for the corporation for becoming a partner.  I told him there was never any mention of a vote ever having to be unanimous. It just called for a majority.

RH, then, backtracked and said it wasn't an official vote. (RH has since deceased.)

Part 3 will conclude this story.

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 26, 2015

Why I left Lee Las Vegas - Part 1

From February, 1998 to March, 2006, I worked as an Associate for Lee Las Vegas.  The reason I left is one that most of the people who had left Lee Las Vegas through the years would agree with.  I just thought that giving you my reason, will give you an insider look at how NOT to run a Real Estate Brokerage.

Anyway, here is my story:

I had been working in residential real estate since first obtaining my Real Estate license in California in October of 1991.  I then earned my California Broker's license in 1993.  In 1994, I earned my Nevada Broker's license and then moved to Las Vegas in November of 1995.

From November, 1995 to February of 1998, I worked at a variety of real estate companies -- not fully satisfied with residential sales and loans.

In February, 1998, I was more than ready to move onward and upward.  It was recommended to me by a Public Relations person that I should get into Commercial Real Estate.

Initially interviewed with the managing director at the local CB Commercial (since then it has been bought and re-maned CB Richard Ellis).  I came away from that interview like they didn't want me.  The feeling I got was because I would NOT bring them enough listings for them to market.

Apparently, they only want agents who can bring potential listings to the table.  As for some one who works the telephone well and will spend hours hunting for qualified buyers, that wasn't their cup of tea -- so to speak.

So, I spoke with the PR person again, and she recommended that I talk to RH, who was at the time the President of Lee Las Vegas.  After an initial interview with RH, he introduced me to (for the sake of a potential legal hassle, I will refer to this agent as Selfish Person or SP for short) -- who at the time was the top producer for Lee Las Vegas.  Anyway, he did have many, many family members who helped him get to partner very quickly.  (Which was good for him.)

However, we eventually had a falling out because he felt that my request to split a small lease commission 50% was way too much commission for me to be paid.

Unfortunately, this small lease commission was for a small deal with Bigelow Aerospace, which due to my being okay with cold calling people, I brought to Lee Las Vegas.

You see, I had heard that Robert Bigelow -- who at the time was still a Nevada Licensed Real Estate broker -- wanted a large warehouse to house the initial work he was funding for a hotel in space concept Robert Bigelow wanted to develop.  He needed to lease a large enough warehouse for just 12 months.  My commission check was $575.00.  However, SP said that I had asked too much -- as I mentioned above.

Then, as this was going on, I had found the +/-12,000 SF warehouse which they made an offer on; it was accepted, and we entered escrow.

The purchase price was $540,000.  The procuring commission was $16,200.  And, you guessed it, SP  only wanted me to be paid $1,620 or 10% of the total commission.  It was, 'what I had earned' since I was paid more than I had earned on the leasing deal we had concluded earlier.

In the meantime, Bigelow's secretary called me and asked me if I could find Robert some land so that he could build a campus where he could actual manufacture proto-types for his hotel in space.  I did and sure enough, I had to have SP involved again.

This is where the problem started.  I let SP handle this escrow.  I don't know what I was thinking, but since he hadn't kept me informed on the earlier one, why was I letting him handle another.  This was a big mistake on my part -- which I will explain in a minute.

This time, I found them 20 acres in North Las Vegas where they could build the facilities that they needed so they could develop and test a hotel in space proto-type for orbiting earth in space.

When the time came to close, I asked SP about this and he told me that it had "fallen out of escrow."

Disappointed, I did what every good broker does and what I usually do: I called the client back.  To my surprise, I was told they did indeed close on the land.  I went back to SP and asked why he lied to me?  He said I hadn't earned enough on it to get a split of the commission.  He gave me what he thought I was owed: Nothing.

Because of this, I complained to the powers to be (Some of these people are now deceased or out of the business.)

Well, I went to the powers that be and accused SP of stealing commission, lying to me, and just wanted what he should have paid me.  (Unfortunately, the powers to be sided with SP because he was their top producer.)

Needless to say, since SP had cut me out of the commission completely.  He wanted the entire +/-$26,000 for himself.  So, I stopped working with SP completely.

At this point I almost quit Lee Las Vegas.  But, I was talked out of it by one of the powers that be. Looking back, I should have listened to my wife and mother-n-law. (They said to leave and work on my own.  I didn't need them.)

Anyway, I relented and agreed to work with the other broker because he did have some marketable listings.

(As a side note, I did end up working one other deal with SP.  If I could have, I would have cut him out of the deal except for that fact; His "cousin" owned land where the Buyer I found, Pavestone, wanted to build a batch plant.  It was zoned correctly for their use -- and SP knew that.  Fortunately, I stayed on top of that escrow and did walked away with half of the commission on this.

Anyway, after that, I began to work with PTB, who had talked me into staying and to work with him, (He eventually was voted by the partners as president because RH wanted to step down.)

PTB knew of my ability to work hard to find buyer clients and wanted me to work on some of his listings.

Part 2 will continue this story.

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 21, 2015

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

Thursday, December 17, 2015

If You Want to Acquire Resort Casinos, You Must Contact Me!

If you have the appropriate amount of money in cash (not many of you will qualify if you don't have at least a couple of hundred million and more); the necessary experience; and the ability to close quickly; email me for a Non-Circumvent, Confidentiality, and Commission Agreement.

Yes!  You will have to compensate me regardless of how real estate fees are paid in your neck of the woods.  And, this is for Principal's Only.  As a matter of fact, only corporate CEO's, etc., should contact me.  Broker chains will NOT be honored.

So, if you are a principal, willing to compensate me and my partner, email your financial capability to: david@davidhowes.net.

If you qualify, I will reply with the form for your Authorized Corporate Signatory to sign.

Once the authorized form is received, I will disclose all the details about the subject properties at are available for purchase.

If you think this is a joke; or you just want to go fishing for property information, please don't email me.  You will be wasting your time and mine.



I have dealt with enough of you to know, who is for real; and, who is jerking me around!
Thank you for your co-operation.

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 1, 2015

Out of State Brokers only "think" they know Las Vegas!

Having lived and worked here since 1995, I have learned a thing or two about how 'business' gets done in this particular neighborhood of the country called Las Vegas!

One thing: Las Vegas commercial real estate (CRE) requires that you build a client base. So, in the 19 plus years of working and living in Las Vegas, I have developed relationships with 'key' people who will help me help you.

Thus, this gives me the advantage that you need IF you are truly interested in acquiring a Las Vegas Resort Casino. Knowing who the 'key' person to approach requires an important decision on your part: Go it alone; employee an out of state broker and see what happens; OR sign me up to help you get to those 'key' people.

Now, most Resorts in general do NOT want to even deal with Real Estate Brokers at all. They think 'brokers' are an unnecessary element that just gets in their way.  I understand their plight.  I have seen, first hand, Real Estate Brokers  -- some from half way around the world -- way over-charge their Buyer clients simply because the Broker thinks the information they have (usually a rumor about what is for sale) is worth more than it actually is.

And, because those Brokers think they are special, that is the key to my success.

Yes. I know which Resort Casino properties are truly being considered for sale!

And, "Yes!" I know the 'key' people to contact at those properties.

And, unfortunately, just as the other Brokers, the key element involved requires you -- as the Buyer -- to compensate me.  BUT, that is where the difference lies between me and them.  I actually know what is going on and the advantages of that, is what makes me worthy of being hired by you rather than the real estate broker from Los Angeles, San Francisco, or even New York.  And, yes, I ask for a 1% commission fee.  But, just as everything else in life, I am flexible.

Recently, a CA Broker told me that he has a Buyer from the South Pacific rim who wants to acquire a Las Vegas Resort Casino AND he is willing to pay him a ridiculously high fee demand of 3%!

I'm sorry. But, I do NOT know of any Buyer who is that ready, willing and able to pay a 3% fee on a $1 Billion dollar property. How much is that? $30 Million?!

Given that Resort Casino prices are mostly in the hundreds of millions, my charging 1% fee can be too much, too. So, I am willing to be compensated on a flat fee.

Now, please be aware of Broker Chains. This is where two or more Brokers want a piece of the commission pie simply because they learned that a buyer - such as yourself - has made it known that you want to Buy a Las Vegas Resort.  These Brokers feel that they are due a larger piece simply for only referring you to me -- which is usually too high. So, ask yourself: Is it truly worth their demand for more money just because they passed along a Buyer client's name or telephone number to me.

IF you did a little more research, you would have stumbled upon me.  Thus giving you access to the seller directly.

I truly do NOT want to be a a part of these broker chains.

However, IF you are truly interested in acquiring a Las Vegas Resort Casino property, please forgo the Broker chain, and sign with me directly as your Broker. And, "Yes!" that requires an officer of your corporation duly authorized to sign a Non Circumvent Commission Agreement that you will compensate me directly from Escrow upon the Close of Escrow or the Sale of the subject Resort Casino Property!

But, remember, I do know which Resort property(s) are actually for sale. Signing up with me to represent you doesn't mean a deal will get down. That could take time and effort on your part. And, of course, there are attorneys involved. But you will actually get closer to submitting an LOI or Offer to the correct person; which gets you closer to Resort Casino Ownership; which with my help -- and you compensating me a fee to represent you -- is a small price to pay for a Resort Casino property Ownership.

Lastly, ALL interested parties will have to disclose their financial capabilities to me. That way, I know upfront that you are able to complete a purchase prior to making an offer. And getting that LOI or Offer with the appropriate financial qualifying paperwork to the 'key' person, protects my reputation as a Real Estate Broker and will allow them to know that YOU are qualified to Buy.

I appreciate your patience and tolerance in the matter.

For Information about Las Vegas Commercial Real Estate Investment Property, contact David Howes at: davidAtdavidhowesDOTnet OR 70 25 01 93 88

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's a Wednesday before the American Holiday, Thanksgiving, and I sometimes get nostalgic about my ancestry during this time of year because; YES, I am a direct descendant of William Brewster.

My father's side of the family has been keeping track of our family heritage for, well, since the Pilgrims maneuvered the Mayflower beside a larger then usual but still small boulder they called Plymouth Rock in 1620.

Anyway, have a peaceful, safe holiday. I was going to go sit by our pool and relax, but it is cold here in Las Vegas, NV.

If you have any questions about Las Vegas 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

Friday, November 20, 2015

There is One +/-8% Cap Rate Property Currently in Las Vegas!

That's correct.

And, the first person to make an acceptable offer, could be the new owner of this freestanding NNN Leased Property!

This is NOT a teaser.  There is ONE CRE property currently in Las Vegas that can be acquired for an +/-8% Cap Rate.  And, there are +/- a dozen or so National Credit Tenants in the immediate area around it.  And, the street traffic is +/-71,000 per day!

If you acquire this now, you will earn the +/-$151,200 in current annual rental income!  AND, in August, 2016, the annual rent increases to $166,320!  This is absolutely, the best type of retirement income you could ever ask for!

And the tenant pays all the cost and expenses on this property!  And there is still ten years remaining on their lease; and they have Two Five Year options where the annual rent can reach +/-$220,000!

Want to know more?

Contact David Howes -- either by: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88
AND you can Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Compliments will NOT pay the bills!

A while back, I was dealing with a "Supposed" client who was going to acquire a variety of CRE properties in Las Vegas.

At one point he asked me to find him +/-500 unsold homes so he could fix and flip.  He was very complimentary and by the sound of his voice, he was confident I could get the job done.

I did ask for his proof of funds -- which he said he had but would send them once an offer was written,

Anyway, I like so many others before me, I fell under his complimentary spell.

He did bring his "guys" with him to Las Vegas to look at various properties; and, we met with one Owner, who was very complimentary right back at him.

Later, after the "supposed" client was on his way back home to re-think his purchases, the Owner asked me to meet with him.  He wanted to buy me a cup of coffee.

The Owner and I met.  The Owner said, "David, that guy ain't no buyer.  He's wasting your time."

Apparently, the Owner has been through these scenarios before and wanted to forewarn me what was going to (and actually did) happen.

A few days later, the "supposed" client called to ask me to write an offer for the "wonderful" Owner who agreed to meet with them.

The "supposed" client wanted to offer the Owner a way out of his property buy putting together a joint venture and let the "supposed" client manage the business located at the property.  The "supposed" client would increase the sales and profitability of the business at the property, thus increasing the sales price of the property once it sold -- which they'd split.

I had to tell the "supposed" client no deal.  The Owner had warned me that, that was what he was going to do.  I didn't tell him this of course, but he said it would be very profitable for me to accept stock in this venture and I would be benefiting greatly from his tenure as managing owner.

I told him, the same thing the Owner said to me: Compliments don't pay the bills!

Anyway, he has since been less complimentary as far as I can tell, because he has moved on to other brokers -- to waste their time.

So, if you are serious about acquiring a lease investment -- and have proof of cash, there are a few really good deals left in Las Vegas you should be considering.  Call me.

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 11, 2015

Icahn lists Fontainebleau for $650 Million

At lunch today with a gaming executive, we started talking about the announcement of Icahn listing the Fontainebleau for sale.  The rumored asking price is $650 Million.

"That's too much," said the gaming executive.
He continued, "the gaming industry has changed in the last 10 years. You used to be able to buy a $300 Million property and that resort would turn a profit in a year or so, but not anymore.  The casino industry is in trouble with so many local casinos going in, in other states.  Nowadays, forget it! Spending a billion eliminates any possibility at making any money."

He also added, "Look at Caesar's.  They let their CEO acquire so much debt, that even in bankruptcy, they are going to get the short end of the deal."

He asked, "...and how much is it going to cost to finish it (the Fontainebleau)? At 50% completed (more accurate than what is being published) the new owner is going to be into a property that is not well located on the "Strip" for about $2 Billion.  And, they are going to need a lot more foot traffic in that area before they turn a profit."

I had told him that I written an offer about two years ago for $450 Million and Icahn turned it down.  He said, "That is more realistic but still too much," in his opinion.

All I can say now, is: Best of luck to whoever buys this for $650 Million.  Whatever sucker pays that much will be going the way of other Las Vegas resorts in the short term.

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