The First to $2.8 Million gets the Property!

For about 8 months now, I've been trying to get a listing that I have in Downtown Las Vegas SOLD!

It's been a rough 8 months but when I finally convinced the owner to drop his price to an 8.5% Cap Rate, "things" started moving.

Very recently (I mean this past week) I have had a lot of inquiries about the property.  I think it's because of the reduced price.

But, something else is brewing -- as far as I can tell.

One of the inquiries to purchase this 42 unit Studio Apartment property was The Downtown Project located right here in Las Vegas.

They came by, did their inspection and then decided to pass. (I guess Tony has gotten smart about buying Downtown Properties.)

Then, a procession of investors came inquiring and all of a sudden, a national Computer software company is interested.

Wow! Was my immediate thought.

Anyway, if any of you blog readers have $2.8 Million and are the first to successfully negotiate a purchase agreement, you will rule.

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!

Don't You Wish You Had!

This past Saturday, I was roped into helping my Son and his Finance move some items to and fro to make room in their 2 bedroom 2 bath condo.
(They have a lot of stuff!)

They had to rent a U Haul truck for the occasion.

After it was over and we were returning the truck, I went to use the rest room.

Inside, I found these prints of an old, old Las Vegas from years and years ago.
(I didn't see any particular date as to when these were taken.)

But, as you can see, these are from a time when there was a lot of open space in and around the "Major Casinos."

And, in the background, there is even more land spread out as far as you can see.
And, it was all undeveloped.

But, who knew?

Who knew Las Vegas Land would be so extensive and spread out and most likely even back then: Expensive!

Now, I know a few people who did buy and sell land in Las Vegas back then and still do so on a smaller scale today.  And, through the years, they would developed some and rent them out.  And, during that time, they made millions!

Which brings me to my point.

There is a large parcel of land that could be developed either as a casino or retail and it sits in an area which indicates it should already be developed.

And, it is for sale for the right price.

Interested?

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!

"We need your expertise!"

Late last week, I received a call from an "Investor" who called me because he was waiting for a resort property to recommend an agent to him that could help him buy their resort property.  Since he was impatient, he found me and gave me a call.

OK, not a bad situation on the outside looking in.

Yet, he admitted that he had already made an offer for a 'Strip' resort property and wanted my expertise to tell him whether or not the price the resort wanted to sell was too much.

He felt it was way too high.

Now, in the past I've received calls like this and they all turned out to be fake buyers.

But, this Investor claimed he had already contacted the resort directly, then called me to get advice on whether the resort was asking too much?  I sensed I was talking to a rookie.

Anyway, he wanted to meet today in Las Vegas to discuss his situation.

Since he already contacted the resort directly, I said, OK, but I want 1% paid by you the Buyer to help you!

He asked if I would just accept an hourly fee for giving him an opinion.

I said, 'No!'  I retorted , 'If you want my help, you pay me a commission!'

That was the deal killer for him.

Over the weekend, while out to dinner with my wife and family, I mentioned this scenario.  My wife agreed with me.  If you are an Investor/Buyer, and you want my help acquiring a Las Vegas Resort Property, you call me first!

You then, sign an agreement that if you are successful in buying a resort property, you compensate me for my time and effort.

I did ask which resort he made the offer to? He replied with something about a confidentiality agreement and couldn't disclose it.

I know this is BS!

Most resorts will NOT even accept an offer unless it is at their price and they have fully vetted you.

This Investor, after researching him via Google and another web site I've come to rely on to verify client statements, doesn't appear to be able to complete a multi-million dollar sale.
(I could be wrong, but since I've been down this path before, I'll take my chances.)

My thought first thing this morning is, 'OK, I did kick him to the curb.'

In my time here as a Real Estate Broker in Nevada, I've run into too many want-to-be casino owners barking up the wrong tree who usually end up NOT ever closing any deals at all.

I wish the Investor all the best.

Interested in a Las Vegas CRE 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!

Las Vegas "Strip" land is too expensive for me!

Years ago, I was dealing with an investor about some land on Las Vegas Blvd that sat right smack in the middle of the "Strip."

I found this picture of where the land was vacant at the time.

Las Vegas Blvd mid 1990's

It once was a helicopter pad with the Jockey Club to the north and several No Tell Motels to the south.  You can even see the former Dunes Golf Course is in the background.

Now, back then, price per acre was maybe $1 Million an acre.  The SWC of Tropicana & Las Vegas Blvd had been purchased by Mike Ensign for $60 Million for the 60 acres.
(What's there now?)

A short while later, MGM (Kirk Kerkorian) bought this parcel and developed City Center. So, you see, price for land is relative.

Currently, there is a +/-40 acre parcel for sale on Las Vegas Blvd.  One acre that was owned separately and is surrounded by this land recently sold for $7.4 Million.  To me, that makes the land surrounding it +/-$5 Million an acre(?).

Anyway, I think a Retail Mall with multiple national credit tenants could work at this site.
I don't think a full scale Las Vegas Resort would work simply because of the Airport Noise that would be 24/7 -- just as Las Vegas is.

So, if any of you are ambitious enough to create another outstanding Las Vegas Retail Mall on Las Vegas Blvd, email me for 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!

Proof Of Funds! Or, Proof Property is For Sale!

The past few weeks to more than a month have been a very stressful time.

I've know about a property that is "Off Market," yet "For Sale" according to the Owner.

BUT, when I approach the Owner about selling, he continually reminds me that he needs "Proof of Funds" (POF) so he knows whether or not the Buyer is capable of closing on the purchase of his property.

Now, this isn't just an everyday house sale.  This isn't an everyday commercial building, or apartment property in the several hundreds of thousand dollar sale.
This is a property worth +/-$25 Million.

A couple of weeks ago, I present the property to a national credit buyer and they said they'd get back to me.

OK, they need time to mull it over.  I get it.

I gave the usual spiel, blah, blah blah, Proof of Funds, etc.

Well, I just fond out that this one particular buyer has decided to pass on the property.
Everything about it fit the Buyers Acquisition Criteria -- except the Proof of Funds!

Now, this company owns about 100 properties nationwide.
They buy, develop and hold long term all of their acquisitions.  No flipping for them.

Well, I just had to know the real reason why they decided to pass.  So, I gave my contact a call.

Boy, did I get an ear full.

Apparently, the experienced buyer for this company has heard this phrase: Proof of Funds more than he wants to count.

He has come to learn that when he hears this phrase, the owner truly doesn't want to sell.

In his 30 years as a Property Buyer for this and other National Multi-Family Companies, when he is told to provide Proof of Funds, it tells him one of two things:
1.) The Seller is inexperienced
2.) The Seller doesn't truly want to sell

When I spoke to the Buyer today, he was leaning more to number 2 on this property.

In his experience, once that phrase is uttered, he turns his focus on other potential acquisitions.

I don't blame him.

If an owner is being so tight about POF, the Buyer knows it will be extremely difficult to get a property into escrow; and even more difficult to close escrow.

So, I learned something new today.  I never knew that, that phrase was the Seller's way of stating, "I don't want to sell!"  Why don't Sellers just say, I'm NOT selling?

All I can say is: "Lesson learned."

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!

To Opendoor or NOT to Opendoor?

First of all, I love easy real estate transactions.  They run smoothly and there are no hassles from the details.

Second, I absolutely don't trust easy real estate transactions at all.  Having worked as a Real Estate broker for 27 years, I've learned that the easy transactions usually turn into the hardest to close in a split second.

Now, yesterday, I received a solicitation from Opendoor to have them assess my home for free to see if I'd like to sell.

Inside was this nifty letter stating that I deserved a hassle free sale on my home.

(Now, I am NOT going to investigate this any further.  I want to be fully upfront about this.  But, I am going to analyze this without investigating this.)

The reason is, I think (I could be wrong.) that I know how this works. I think this is kind of like trading a car in to a dealership that is offering to "purchase" your old car in exchange for a new one.

You see, (most) car dealerships will make an initial offer that is very, very low. (65% of Low Blue Book Value.)

And, whatever is owed (if above that value) is added on to your next vehicle's purchase loan or lease.

House Flippers -- if you have watch enough Home Improvement TV -- demonstrates how Flipper's buy low and sell high.

I think this is what is happening here.

I don't have any proof of this.  And, I'm not saying it's bad.

It's something, as a Real Estate Broker for 27 years, that I will not get involved in.

Flippers are always looking to steal a property; then, flip the property (usually after just painting and carpeting the house) for as much as a sucker (I mean, Buyer) is willing to pay.

Years ago, the first Real Estate Broker I ever worked for said: "Never buy a house that's being flipped." 

At the time, I was a novice in real estate, so I didn't understand. Many, years later, his words of wisdom still ring true.

Since I don't work in the residential real estate arena, I wish Opendoor lots of luck.

Hopefully, this isn't a means to eliminate real estate brokers completely -- which I am seeing from other real estate web sites!

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!

Rita Suites, anyone?

About six or seven years ago, the Owner of this property was thinking of selling.  He had plans to redevelop it into the high rise condo hotel -- then, the market collapsed and you know the rest of the story.

Since then, he has had it on the market and off.

It is currently OFF the Market.  But, he will entertain offers IF there's a Purchase Agreement and Proof of Funds to close.

Okay, so he's set a hard line that must be crossed in order to make him move forward.  It doesn't mean he will NOT be reasonable about selling.

At +/-$10 Million an acre for land within the Clark County Gaming Overlay, the Owner is asking a very reasonable price.

The Rita Suites, Las Vegas, NV

If interested and have hotel/motel experience - and the funds to close a multi-million dollar property -- email me your contact information and I will reply with 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!

Happy & Safe 4th of July!

To Everyone: Have a Happy & Safe 4th of July Holiday!

July 4th Celebration from 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!

ICSC Las Vegas -- More like Deal or No Deal!

It has been more than 10 years since I last attended the weekend long Council of Shopping Center's (ICSC) Las Vegas.

Back then, I did my best to attract Buyers, Sellers, Landlords and Tenants in my attempt to establish a career for myself as a Commercial Real Estate Broker (CRE).

Back then, the cost for the entire weekend was +$600 for full access.

Yes, they had good seminars, panels, and key note speakers.

I learned a lot about what I already knew.

I tried very hard to meet and begin relationships with national credit tenants, landlords and investors.

To this day, all that work added up to $0 in earned commissions.

So, when I see an article like this: Six Take Aways from ICSC Las Vegas, I wonder why I ever went in the first place.

The Meet & Greets (that I was invited to) were nice.  Since I live and work in Las Vegas, going to a casino wasn't or didn't have the same thrill to it as for those who wandered here to represent their companies - and then find themselves lost in the shuffle of the gaming floor.

I'm sure going to ICSC is beneficial for the representatives of the various companies who regularly attend.  But, when you are a CRE Broker, it's a hard time to even get them to even press flesh (get a hand shake); get some one on one face time (exchange business cards); and/or even interested in doing business with you (because they do their own real estate deals; OR, they already have their real estate being handled by a national real estate firm).

So, I take articles like his with a huge grain of salt.
I don't even go anywhere near the Las Vegas Convention Center this time of year.
(My brother in law works there as a fire inspector. He says it's a mad house.)
But, I keep pressing on phone calls, emails and even try to re-kindle long term (former) clients to see if their last deal we did was still working for them.

I'm moving on without the cost or effort it takes to attend ICSC.

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!

Great Britain -- Yes, we finally made it

For more than a week now, I've debated -- with myself mostly -- as to whether or not to share some other (more personal) photos of our the trip that sailed around the island known as Great Britain.

Since I have never liked any photos of myself -- nor does my spouse like any photos of herself -- I decided to at least show us as a group having a pleasant time.

I can say this because it was the day of our disembarkation. We were traveling from London to Southampton to board the Norwegian Jade later that day. Stonehenge just happened to be on the way.

The traveling crew at Stonehenge

Since the people in charge of keeping Stonehenge nice and tidy, they don't allow anyone to go anywhere near the Stonehenge Monument any longer.  (I think it's for safety reasons.)
Anyway, this was as close as we could get.

It's okay.  Massive stones that were brought to this site thousands of years ago is as amassing as the recently erected gift shop that helps keep the place operating.

At every stop, there were multiple places for us tourist to drop a few pounds along our way.

I came home 5 pounds heavier than I left.

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!

I'm leaving on a Jet Plane...

Wish Us Luck!

The wife and I are heading off to London (for +/-48 hours); then on to a two week European Cruise.

At the last minute, yesterday, I received an offer for one of my motel listings. 
Told the Buyer's agent no response until May 17, 2018.

Fortunately, he replied, "Have a Great Trip!"

So, I'll see you all back here on May 17.

Can't wait?

Email me & if I have Wi-Fi access, I'll reply!

(Don't count on it!)

=)

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!

There are 34 Million Reasons Why you should Invest in Las Vegas!

I've known Jeremy Aguero for more than 20 years. I remember when he started his company back in his sublet offices of the (former Las Vegas) Lee & Associates Office -- when they were important in Las Vegas.

In this article, he points out that investors who go for it have a better than average chance of making money in Las Vegas.

Sure, property in Las Vegas seems overpriced.
Sure, some properties that have been recently acquired are at prices that seem to be a deal.

But, unless you get active and engage in attempting to acquire properties here (whether they be a resort property or an investment property), you will be left behind.

Thus, you will fail.

34 Million Reason why to invest in Las Vegas

The problem with Las Vegas isn’t the fact property prices (seem) high.  It’s investors from outside of Las Vegas don’t understand Las Vegas.

When Bob & I met for lunch yesterday, he said that when he entered the gaming business back in the 1960’s it was all about gambling.

He said, today it’s about the experience: the amenities, the wining & dining, the spa treatments, and shopping.

People are coming to Las Vegas. 42 Million last year alone.

You either want to be a participating observer; or you want to remain an observing participant.

Regardless of your investment size, a piece of the pie could be yours but you have to stop observing from the stands.

It is time to get into the game.

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!

Subway to Close 500 more stores!

Subway has more than 40,000 stores worldwide.

Yet, they will be closing 500 stores here in the US.

Plus, in the same announcement, they will be opening 1,000 new stores around the globe.

This makes me think. ( I know, a bad trend for me.)

I don't eat at Subway.  I stopped going when I realized that the meats I was eating were similar to the meats I could acquire at a local grocery store. package and processes. It's probably always been that way, it's just that I suddenly noticed. Why would I want to buy a sandwich with the same meats I could get at home?

Is this cheaper for them to make my BMT?

Anyway, I gave them up even though other Subway sandwiches were a foot long for $5.  It wasn't enough to keep me coming back.

But, I think the core of their problem started when they changed their breads. I don't need 5 or 6 types of bread to choose from.

White or wheat will do for me.

But, I understand they were trying to be competitive and expand beyond their well established brand protocols.

Then, again, if they survive, I will most likely give them a try once again in the future.

I do have to eat!  Everyday!  At least three times!

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!

Hot Las Vegas Housing Market!

Earlier this year, a local real estate investor that I've known for years, asked me to sell 8 residential properties that he has leased out.

The portfolio consists of Five Single Family Homes, a Condo, a Tri-Plex and a Four-Plex.

Since January, 2018, I've had more than three dozen inquiries for details about all the properties in the portfolio.

I've received two offers.

Both were so low, the owner just out right rejected them.

This article makes it sound as if you just have to meet buyers and they agree to buy.

HOT Las Vegas Housing Market!

I'm not finding that to be true at all.

There are not too many places where you can acquire 8 properties for around $1.5 Million.
AND, they still would be 'flip-able' post close.

The sad part of all this is that these buyers -- the one I'm running into -- don't want a deal.  They are demanding a steal!

If interested in these 8 residential properties that are currently earning a +/-$113,000/year rental income, email me at the below email address.  The deal is $1.5 Million for all eight!

Much Appreciated!

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!

One of these days, Clients will be honest and forthright!

Earlier today, a Buyer who had approached me on another property I had listed, responded to an email that I sent him about another property I had listed.

In the course of emailing back and forth, he stated that I'd be getting an offer from his broker.

What?!  Huh?!

I thought to myself: Haven't I been the one to correspond with this Buyer without the Buyer ever mentioning the other broker?

I was stunned to learn this.

Then, I get a call from an agent that I knew from years ago.  Apparently, he is going to write the offer on the property I have listed for sale.

I said that that isn't the way real estate works.

He tried to convince me that, that is what happens.

(I hate being invalidated.)

But, no.  That's NOT what happens -- unless you are doing something underhanded.

If your client calls me; or responds to my inquiry; I'm the procuring cause. It's that simple.

Anyway, with this sleaziness aside, I said write the offer and I'll present it.

(I know the Buyer is going to low ball.  If he low-balls, it is going to be turned down.)

Anyway, I ramped up my cold calling and hopefully, another investor would be interested in earning +/-$20,000 NET per month.

Alpine Inn Motel/Apartments

If you are interested -- and are NOT getting a kick back from a broker for funneling business to them -- see below.

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!

My Internet Subscription Conundrum

It's been about six months now when I first realized that the TV ads promoting certain web sites for real estate are actually killing off the real estate broker business.

Take for example: Realtor.com.

Now, I do not sell houses.  I don't want to.

I sell Commercial Real Estate and it's where I find my solace as a hard working person.

But since those ads have appeared, a light bulb went off in my head that said: "You don't need an agent to buy a home!"

I'm sure you have watched this commercial.  You know the one that has the 'NOT YOU!' tag line.

Realtor.com is saying to a broad customer base that you can find your home on this web site without an agent/broker.

I'm sure Realtor.com didn't realize this when they first thought of the ad.  But I bet they do now.

My problem is that a national commercial property web site has been doing the same thing for years.

I listed several motels in the Las Vegas area and wanted to put them on the web site.
But, I couldn't because I wasn't a premium subscriber.

Huh?

It's three listings!

But out of the three, only one would be available for other subscribers to see -- unless I pay a ransom of $69 extra per month to have the other listings made available for others to see.

AND, if I only want investors to see them, that's an additional cost.

I am calling out "Highway Robbery!"

The marketing person I ended up dealing with tried to say that if I advertised in the classifieds I'd be paying.

Such an ass!

Yes.  Newspaper advertising is expensive and limited.  But, because I am a basic subscriber, I only get limited listing exposure.

And the fact that they hide, hold back or prevent these "Investors" from seeing my listing is unconscionable.

It's the realtor.com scenario all over again.

I told the marketing guy you are killing my business.

Of course, he disagreed.

But, the bottom-line of all of this is GREED.  And, because of this need for Greed, they are killing my business, and every other real estate agent/broker's business as well.

But, since I know more about the Las Vegas market than their web site, you will find out that when you contact me that acquiring that specific commercial investment property will be smoother with my help!

Give me a call to see!

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!

Nevada Motel Casino For Sale!

If you are intrigued by owning a Nevada Motel Casino, send me an email and we'll begin discussing the aspects of Casino Ownership.

I have listed a Nevada Motel Casino that the owner wants to sell.

Will it be a steal?
No!

No active casino property inside of the Nevada state lines will be a steal.

Former Frontier Hotel Casino Marque

If it's an operational casino, it's going to cost to acquire.

Now, I've had a lot of foreign "investors" wanting the property details on this without disclosing their capability to buy.

The owner says no to those.

You must be willing to disclose your financial capacity prior to being issued property information.

It's the way the owner wants this handled.

His asset; his way.

So, if a $2 to $3 Million price tag is within your reach, email me your contact information, I will reply with the Confidentiality Agreement.  Sign and email that back to me and then we'll get started.

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!

No Tell Motels For Sale!

To every Las Vegas Loving Gambler!

Placing chips on a table or coins in a slot won't give you anywhere near the Return On Investment (ROI) that a Real Estate Investment should bring.

I'm NOT saying investing in Las Vegas Real Estate is easy.  Far from it.

But, the ROI will be (Not Guaranteed) better than making a wager at one of our fine Las Vegas Strip Resorts.

Anyway, there are 3 Motels available for sale and they could be acquired for +/-$10 Million!

That's three properties with 123 units located NOT ON THE STRIP!

These are non-gaming properties and they are fully functional as we speak.

Interested in the details? email me.

If you want to acquire a Nevada Gaming Property, send me an email, too!

I have one listed.

More later...

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!