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

Monday, September 25, 2017

Immigration, Tax Reform and Healthcare help the US Economy

Last week, I was invited by Bank of Nevada to attend an economic presentation they held at the new Las Vegas Golden Knights practice arena.

There Beacon Economics, LLC made a presentation about the Las Vegas economic future.
(It looks very bright!)

There were three things mentioned during this presentation that made me go, "Hmm!"

One was Immigration.  He presented information that when the US has more of an open immigration policy, the economy expands.  Since 1924 when the KKK had Congress pass the Immigration Act of 1924, this place a restriction on "Who" was more invited into the US than others.  Since that time, we have seen several economic cycles come and go. (Due to immigration restrictions? Probably not.)

But, one of the main problems today is that there is a shortage of unskilled workers for the number of unfulfilled unskilled labor jobs.  Yet, the current administration wants to restrict immigrants who through US history, have been the ones to fill those jobs.

Second was a discussion about Tax Cuts.  Us US Citizens have a history of NOT wanting to pay any taxes.  Nobody likes to pay taxes.  But, the information presented showed that giving high income people a tax cut, you actually gut the funding for a lot of necessary government programs.  Thus, you hurt the economy.

Road infrastructure and other assorted government provided services usually end up gutted when there is little to no money coming into the government.

Last was health care.  They touched on the fact that if American families are saddled with high health bills, they have little to no extra spending money and still very little for other than basic necessities such as food, shelter, etc.

By eliminating any extra income the family might have, it prevents them from participating in the overall economy in general.  Thus, when their backs are against the wall, and little income to live on, they eventually file Bankruptcy -- which hurts the overall US economy.

So, as we march forward with an administration fully geared up to run immigrants out of the US; give massive tax cuts to the higher income people; and gut a health care system to appease a few campaign donors, we are actually lining our sights on a turbulent financial future rather than a profitable one.

For more information on this topic: www.BeaconEcon.com

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, July 19, 2017

Mom & Pop Casino For Sale!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The owner of this property is asking $3 Million.

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

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

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

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

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

So,...

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

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Would a Monthly Income from Net Leased Real Estate Investments be helpful?

First off -- I will apologize to all that have been on the receiving end of my various (and probably poorly times) emails from me about various Las Vegas, NV income properties.

And, I will include those who have been subject to my snail mail Letters and Tweets!!

My spouse and son recently made me realize that in the blog followers/readers everyday life, they are NOT experienced in Real Estate to the extent that I am.

So certain words and phrases that I may refer to about Real Estate investing are usually lost on the average person.

With that said, I am only trying to inform you. Nothing more -- unless you are interested.  Then, you can call or email me any questions that you have, and I will try my best to promptly answer.

Remember: There are no stupid questions when it comes to real estate investing.  If you don't know something: Ask!
I will give you the best most truthful answer I know. (There's no fake news here.)

I like Mark Twain's quote: "When in doubt, tell the truth."


I like this quote, too!

Since I know a lot of you potential real estate investors may have a lot of doubt, I will just tell you the truth.

It's that easy, because I don't have to remember any lies.

So, if you want to earn extra monthly income from a passive net leased investment, you just need to contact me directly.
I will do my best to help you find the appropriate real estate investment for you.

Making money while you sleep is the best way to earn a living.  (I forget who said that.)

So, give me a call.  Let's discuss this further.  Once you have seen the light of a regular passive monthly income, you will NOT want to go back to business as usual.

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, June 29, 2017

Make America Great Again? It always has been Great!

This past years General Election did wind me up and probably not in a good way.

When one of the candidates was campaigning on a racist platform, I was confident they wouldn't win.

Okay, they won -- the Electoral College.

Oh, well.  Time to move forward.

But, will the mostly poor counties that are stuck in the past be able to move forward?  I'm not sure.
It's like some one who tries to do the same thing over and over and they continue to expect a different result.

Are they insane or just showing signs of being an imbecile?  (See!  I am improving!  Last year I would have said: Crazy or Stupid!)

Anyway, I will leave invalidating other people to the bullies.

Today, I ran across this news story that I (think I) had seen on fivethirtyeight.com.  But this one was published by the New York Times and Re-printed in the Las Vegas Sun.

Apparently, America is changing.



https://lasvegassun.com/news/2017/jun/29/census-time-machine-sioux-falls-past-vegas-future/

So, if you have racist tendencies and believe that America would be 'Great Again' with more Caucasian people than 'others,' then you will be greatly disappointed with the projections this story has.

Personally, I never thought that America was "All White" to begin with.  But, that's just me.
Fortunately for me, too, I also live in the city that is probably already where the rest of America is going to end up -- population diversity wise as the story predicts America will be by 2050.

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, June 14, 2017

Medical Marijuana Smoking Neighbor Violating Quiet Enjoyment!

When I was young, I didn't care about whether you smoked or not.
I did on occasion partake in sharing a "joint" now and then.

But, as I've grown old, and started investing in real estate, I've been more, and more keen to rules that could inhibit my real estate ownership.

For example, I don't rent units to smokers -- unless they put up an additional security deposit.
Why?
Because upon them leaving, I have to wash and re-paint the entire unit to cover/remove their smoke residue they leave behind.

With that said, recently one of my tenants let me know, he was thinking of 'moving out' because the  downstairs neighbor (who is also a renting tenant) had been for some time smoking "Medical Marijuana" in the downstairs unit. (My tenant had asked the downstairs tenant to stop. They had a verbal confrontation about it.)

***Just to clarify: this is a condo I own within a condo complex. I don't own the downstairs unit. ***



Anyway, he did tell me he complained to the HOA; and, they told him there was nothing they could do.

After being informed about this, I went and complained to the HOA, too!  And, they responded the same.

Then I threatened a lawsuit against them; they were like, okay!

Later, about a week or so ago, while golfing with my attorney friend, I asked him if I needed to retain him to help me with this situation.

He completely understood my problem because he represents other HOA's -- and they are struggling with the same problem, he said.

He told me to wait until my tenant actually moved out; and I started trying to find another tenant.  He said, once that happens, he would then begin to help me.

As we talked, he informed me that the 'new' Nevada Regulation authorizing 'Medical Marijuana" is weakly written.

He said that it does allow persons to smoke in the privacy of their own home -- as long as it doesn't interfere with their neighbor's "Quiet Enjoyment."



He said there has to be an actual case 'of loss' filed in the courts before a judge would be willing to sit and listen to this.

(I have no idea what that means, but since he's knowledgeable about the legalese of Nevada Real Estate, I'll go with it.)

In the meantime, I wait with anticipation as to my tenant's decision.

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 12, 2017

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

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

Not going to happen!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Okay?



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The end result speaks volumes about this approach.

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

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

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

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

Otherwise, Have a Great Day!

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

Friday, June 2, 2017

Whoever Coined the Phrase: 'Patience is a Virtue' never worked Las Vegas Commercial Real Estate!

Sure, waiting for something good to happen will leave you on the edge of your seat.
And, the opposite is true, too!

But, since I have been patient; and, I know I need to stay patient; something 'good' should (I mean) will happen!

But, I am tired of waiting.
I've run out of patience.
I was never a 'good' student when I 'had to wait.'

As a child growing up, I was the one student who wasn't diagnosed with one of those fidgety, anxious syndromes that caused teachers to look down on me as 'an unruly student.'

(Those diagnoses came along AFTER my time in elementary school.)



Anyway, back to the point...

There are properties available in Las Vegas right now that could be acquired for a good price.  The problem with this is: I continue to run into buyers who are still looking for a 'steal.'  (Unfortunately, those days have passed.)

But, for those who are interested, there are Las Vegas Casino Properties available for sale.  But, you must download the 'Non Circumvent and Commission Agreement' attached to the lower right under Las Vegas Casino Information Button, fill out, sign, scan, and email it back to me (This is required in order to receive any details on those properties.)

Now, the Owner(s) require all potential buyers to provide them with their financial capability! For example: Proof of Funds!
AND, yes, they are looking for companies that are able to qualify for a Nevada Gaming License. Unfortunately, this is ALL prior to the release of any property information. So, get assembling your financial statements!

Also, for those who are interested, there are Las Vegas Commercial Properties available for sale.

Whether you are a beginner or small investor; or if you are capable of closing large Commercial Real Estate transactions, there is a property available for you.  Just send me an email with your acquisition criteria and I will get to work.

AND, lastly, there are still properties that are "develop-able" OR "re-develop-able."

All you need to do is...

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!

Sunday, May 21, 2017

Qatar quietly becomes one of New York's Largest CRE Owners

Even before 9-11, I never thought that anyone who was a Muslim; or some one who was Islamic was a bad person.



And, back then, before that awful day, I used to frequent a sandwich shop that was owned by a Muslim man who was a very, nice and pleasant person.  He seemed to always be glad to see me.

When I'd enter his business, he was friendly and accommodating -- well as any businessman is supposed to be.  And, during the time we met at his lunch counter to order my "usual,' we'd have 'small talk' about life in the big city of Las Vegas.

Toward the end of our 'lunch meet,' he would complain about his immigration status, and how his visa was soon to expire and how he had exhausted all attempts to extend it, etc.  As he was going through this, I sensed his frustration with America and his resentment toward 'having to leave.'

IMAO: US Immigration laws need to be updated/changed to allow longer stays/allow visa holders to apply for citizenship easier.

Anyway, I saw this article and started wondering about 'Al.'  It's been close to twenty years now and wondered what has happened to him.

He was a young guy and smart and polite and to this day, I still don't fully understand the Islamic or Muslim religion.  But, I don't think of it as bad.  I think of it as something I need to explore -- maybe even familiarize myself with in order to fully comprehend it.

That aside, when i saw this news story, I also thought about: Why do foreign companies buy American Commercial Real Estate? I am fully aware real estate will have an intrinsic value increase as it floats through time.  But, foreign buyers they are buying because -- for the most part -- our tax system is very, very favorable when compared to the rest of the world.

Which makes me think: If the US taxes are so high, and so unfair, why are foreign companies pursuing US Real Estate so much?

Here is the story I read that made me think this.

Qatar One of New York City's largest CRE Owner

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, May 13, 2017

We need a marketing push!

Very recently, a 'person' (I don't want to give my hand away too early on this topic) that works at a major bank in the US, emailed me asking me if I'd be willing to go to lunch with them.

We set up a time and a place.  I dressed casually because I know this person and thought it appropriate.

At lunch, we 'caught up.'  Their children, my children...you get the drift.

Then, toward the middle of our lunch, this person asked me if it would be okay if they referred me to the bank's area asset manager.

I was a little surprised because I know that this bank uses a national real estate firm to list and sell their bank owned property.

Of course, I agreed by saying, "I Love Referrals!"  Etc. Etc.

Well, as it turns out, the person I was meeting with had invited the bank's area asset manager to lunch with us, but that person had another appointment.  Okay.  That's fine.

Anyway, I was told that the bank 'bosses' are NOT happy with how their bank owned assets are being marketed.  Or, better -- not being marketed.

In case you didn't know, there are bank regulations that prohibit banks from becoming landlords of properties they foreclosed upon.  And, there is a sense of urgency from this person, that I got, that "the bank needs a marketing push" to move property and fast.

Now, that doesn't mean cheaply.  The banks do have to recoup more than enough money from the sale of the properties to save face with banking regulators.

Anyway, I said I was more than happy to meet with whomever they needed me to meet with.  I was willing to travel to where they were to discuss my abilities to market what ever properties they entrusted me with 'marketing.'

They said it might just be a trial run to see if someone NOT affiliated with a national real estate firm would have better success at selling properties.

I told them, 'I'm in.'

So, we'll see what happens in the coming months!

It was a very good lunch.

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, May 1, 2017

Small Casino For Sale in Nevada!

I've had my web site for some time now.

But, it wasn't until recently, that my web site, actually provided a lead for a casino for sale!

And, this happened in the last two weeks.

So, now, I can honestly say, I have a 'Small Nevada Casino Motel' For Sale!

This property is small relative to any of the Las Vegas mega resorts.  But, it is a stepping stone in the right direction for an entrepreneur looking to venture into the gaming business.

With the assortment or variety of any number of small restaurants, bars, taverns, sports bars -- all with gaming -- that are for sale, this property will allow an owner-operator to actual 'own' a "Casino."  (It does also have motel rooms.)

(This is NOT the Casino that's For Sale)

The owner of this property tells me he wants to sell because he wants to 'get out of the casino business.'

I'd tell you more about this property, but because a Nevada Casino license takes a certain type of person that needs to be approved by the Nevada Gaming Control Board, I think you should email me  your qualifying information prior to any disclosure of any property particulars.

Yes, it is going to run you in the millions of dollars.

So, if you think you'll qualify for a gaming license...

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, April 25, 2017

The Real Estate Broker Conductor Dance

Dancing.

Not a favorite pastime for me.

When I was younger, I danced - well I thought I was dancing.  It might have been a sloppy swaying  or obnoxious gyration of my body.  But, I thought I was dancing.  Even if others didn't see the magic in my artful moves.

Lately, with commercial real estate (CRE) values in Las Vegas returning to their slow progression of increasing in value, I thought that Buyers would suddenly realize that the steals are gone and the Sellers would realize that they are NOT holding gold in their lands.

Oh, well.  I can only hope that the coming of the future tells them the truth -- even if Buyers want to ignore recent sales; and Sellers try to use non-comparable properties to justify an unrealistic value.

But, what hasn't changed in the 20 plus years while working CRE in Las Vegas is the dance.

Yes, the Buyer/Seller dance that starts with either the Seller or the Buyer -- it doesn't matter who starts dancing.  As long as one party or the other finds the property attractive enough that one or the other begins a dialog which might result in a potential sale.  That's what us Real Estate Brokers want to occur.

Usually, the Buyer finds a property of interest to them; then the Seller plays the hard to get game; followed by Buyer changes the viewing/walking the property time; then, the Seller fights back with  'we need to know certain Buyer qualification conditions in order to move forward;' which the Buyer then will flash their qualifications; which the Seller refuses to accept or budge.
You get the picture!

And us frustrated Real Estate Brokers are the ones who end up playing conductor.
We would be in charge of the Buyer/Seller orchestra as it plays.  All we can do is to keep trying our best and to keep up and (pretend maybe) to be fully in charge of this crazy scenario.

Now, you will have to trust me on this.  I am fully capable and experienced in helping anyone acquire a CRE property; or help a Buyer or Seller close a real estate sale -- but it is essential that the Buyer/Seller parties co-operate.

And, that is the key.

As the conductor of this musical chair scenario, it's my job to help the parties find the common ground.  Which is ground we all can stand on with two feet solidly on a firm surface.

But, as this dance is playing out, inside I am thinking: "Holy (insert your favorite word) !!!

My weary feet usually don't find the rest they need until the Escrow is closed and the property officially transfers -- changing ownership via Recording at the County.

So, you ready to dance?

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, April 17, 2017

Real Estate Commission: Is it a Representation Fee OR Marketing Fee?

Around the first of the year, I started seeing properties listed For Sale with "Price NOT Disclosed."

Now, it's one thing to try and keep the sale of a Commercial Real Estate property quiet.  It's another to know what a property is actually worth and list it for sale at that price.

First: Keeping the For Sale aspect quiet usually means the Owner/Seller doesn't want to lose Tenants IF the Tenant finds out the Owner no longer wants to own a specific property.

But, to list a property For sale and NOT have a set selling price in mind, to me, means the Owner/Seller doesn't know what his property is truly worth.  And, for that matter, neither does the Listing Broker.

And when a Listing Broker accepts such a listing, they actually are doing a disservice to us fellow Real Estate Brokers.

Second: the Owner/Seller/Broker compounds the selling problem with the little known and rarely seldom used: "Buyer to Pay Procuring Broker's fee."

C'mon, really?



Recently, I discussed this with another Real Estate Broker.  He said that if the Owner/Seller is trying to maximize his selling price/value, he needs to make the Selling Price open for interpretation. Meaning, he wants a bidding war.

The problem with that is that unless you have a well located property and it is in a high demand area, you are NOT going to garner top dollar.

And if you think going the auction route is going to get you top dollar, think again.  Most auction participants are looking for a steal.  And, I mean a real bottom dollar type of steal.

Then, on top of that, the Owner/Seller doesn't think they should pay a fee to a Procuring Broker who is representing a Buyer.

Wait a minute!  Why not?

Yes, it is widely known throughout the real estate industry that representing the Buyer is NOT a legal representation.  So, why would an Owner/Seller refuse to do so -- when it is common practice throughout the world.

Plus, when a Broker is helping a Buyer procure a property, yes they have a fiduciary duty to deal with the Buyer in an honest and forthright manner.  But, there is no legal representation.  Real Estate Agents/Brokers are NOT Attorneys.  They don't specialize in law.

They specialize in marketing.  So, when  Buyer's Broker brings a Buyer to a property, the Owner/Seller is (usually) paying the Brokers Listing and Selling a fee -- which they usually split 50%/50% for marketing the property.

So when recently, I've run into this scenario where the Owner/Seller believes that he is only entitled to paying a Listing Broker, I then know that the Owner/Seller doesn't understand the real estate commission fee situation-standard.

What to do?

I think that more Real Estate Brokers need to understand that fact to and stick to the normal real estate commission fee practice in their area of operation.

Hey, I didn't start the practice of the Owner/Seller paying a real estate commission that's split between two brokerages; I would just like to be compensated for helping an Owner/Seller sell their property through my marketing expertise.

Your Thoughts?

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, April 7, 2017

'Hypothetical' Market Value!?

In my years as a Licensed Real Estate Broker, I think I can smell a rat when I come upon a rat.

This is just a revelation of a recent event that took place here in Las Vegas, NV.

A fairly new client is searching for a particular property.  He's young yet has some experience.  He has a particular Acquisition Criteria that to me makes sense.

He is searching for this property type in the $10 to $30 Million range; must NOT be older than 1990; and must be fairly well taken care of (preventive maintenance wise).

Okay, not too many properties fit this; but i am willing to "search" for that type of property given the anticipated fee I would receive upon the close of a sale.

Anyway, with that said, I found a property that fit.



The current owner had acquired the property out of foreclosure and had marketed the property to re-sell.

The problem was/is, the current owner thinks his property can be converted to a resort casino.

(Just so every reader knows, just because you own a property in Las Vegas doesn't mean you can have an Unrestricted Gaming License to operate a casino on your land.)

So, I found the property, negotiated a fee and signed the appropriate agreements to proceed with 'selling' this current owners property.

As the information about the property was received in my Inbox, I perused it and was amused at the verbiage while reading the appraisal.

Digging into it further, I re-read the appraisal and was concerned at the verbiage: Hypothetical Market Value.

Now, as everyone who has ever acquired a property -- most of you might have bought a house -- knows, that the appraisal sets a market value for a property -- usually for the lender's purpose of financing the purchase.

So, when I read the words: Hypothetical Market Value in this current owners paperwork I knew that the appraisal wasn't going to be able to be used for any financing.  And, it would never pass a review appraisal process.  I had a good chuckle.

I called my client and asked if he had noticed that.  He did.  But, he wasn't using that as a basis of value.  He was using the current owner's financials for the property and he determined that the property was worth about half what the current owner was asking.

I had to agree.

Well, I emailed the current owner and told him my and the client's concern about the value.

Even though the property was located on Las Vegas Blvd, it was no where even close to being on the "World Famous Las Vegas Strip!"

And even though the zoning was H-1 -- and there was a resort casino nearby -- obtaining an Unrestricted gaming License on this property was going to be difficult at best.

(FYI: Most resort casinos don't share a property line with a SFR residential neighborhood.  Check that out the next time you are in Las Vegas for a visit.)

Bottom-line here is: Just because you own a Las Vegas real estate property, and just because their street address contains Las Vegas Blvd, that doesn't mean the property is valued at or even worth $10 Million an acre.

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, March 20, 2017

How Do You Make Money Living In Las Vegas?

Not too many people ask me this question.

Most family members and friends understand that I am not too tempted by gambling.  Oh, sure, once in a while I will play $21 in Megabucks.  And I have driven a handful of times to Prim or even to Arizona to purchase a Power-ball ticket.

Yes, those, in retrospect have been such a waste of time and money.

But since the most money that I have ever won at gambling is $150 dollars, I quickly cashed out and put that ticket in my pocket. (I guess I'm cheap like that.)

Anyway, since it isn't a well-known fact, that the average Las Vegas resident gambles +/-$2,000 per month while living here, I like being the one that doesn't gamble at all -- or truthfully anywhere near that amount.

When I first moved here and was searching for a Real Estate firm to hang my Nevada Real Estate License, I had one meeting with a broker at the time who knew just what to do when the subject about real estate commissions came up"

He asked me: 'How do you make money in Las Vegas?'

Stumped, I gave the standard response of: work hard, be persistent, etc.

He said, in his experience, he has seen way too many real estate agents take a hard earned commission check down to a local casino, cash it, and by the time they leave (usually several hours later) they have nothing left.

He took a piece of paper (like below) and wrote the word Casino in the middle, he circled the word for emphasis.

Then, looking at me with earnest intent, he said, "Stay out of the casinos!'

Well, I took that as probably the best advice I had ever heard.  For one thing, I don't like the 'Strip' casinos because they are well, you know, greedy.  And, the noise and crowd isn't something I am attracted to.

Besides, once I moved to Las Vegas I found out for the first time that a casino would be willing to cash a pay check -- without taking the usual 15% that check cashing places take.

I told the broker, that I have a young family and cashing a real estate commission check at a casino wasn't something I was going to do.

I remember him saying something like, 'I hope not.'

It was apparent, that this broker knew too many agents that did that.

Eventually, I hung my license at a firm closer to where I was living at the time, and through the years, I have learned that agents do -- for whatever reason -- gamble away their commission checks.

To me that is probably the dumbest thing you can do.  The reason I know this to be true is: only one person makes money in a casino -- the owner.

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 9, 2017

Simply for the Benefit of Building a Hotel in Moscow

With the "surprise" results of the 2016 Presidential Election, I don't think - looking back -- anything would have changed,

Trump made promises that, at the time, I knew he wasn't going to keep.

"Make America Great Again!" Great slogan!

But his promises to the 'non college educated' will ring hollow.  Several news agencies who have had sit down talks with these former factory workers who voted for Trump simply because they felt he was "one of the union guys."  He is going to bring our jobs back, they say.

LOL!

Trump a union guy?  You have to be kidding me!  Bring jobs back?  My question to these former factory workers is: Are you that uninformed?

+/-60% of all jobs lost since 1979 have been to automation!  Those jobs are NOT returning to human workers!  Never, Ever.

And the guy who you think of as a 'Union Guy,' actually refused to pay the union workers when they did work on his bankrupt casinos!  I don't think of Trump as a union guy.  Never will!

So, don't get me started.

And, with the Trump White House calling the media the "enemy of the state" simply because the news media has dug up information revealing Trump (and/or members of his team) have had constant contact with Russian officials throughout the 2016 campaign, that actually bothers me more than it should.

Apparently, Trump is more than desperate to (allegedly) build a luxury hotel in Moscow.  This is the only thing I can think of that would make him as a patriotic American turn his back on his country, his countries allies, and destroy the America way of life as Trump seems to be (allegedly) doing.

This article is one of the best at explaining the Trump Putin connection situation.

Trump Ties to Russia


I will let you decide whether or not Trump is 'unpatriotic.'

But, wanting to build a hotel in Moscow must be worth more than we can imagine for Trump to put together such a diverse team who all have such close ties to Russia, Russian officials, and Putin.

For one thing, World War II should have taught us that if Europe is divided into individual Republics, it is easier for a more powerful nation to knock them down, one by one, like dominoes.  This is because the neighboring Republics don't want the more powerful nation attacking them.  But, as history has shown, the powerful nation usually attacks without provocation anyway.  (See Germany circa 1939)

But, as a union of united European nations, if the powerful nation attacks one; then, they have attack them all.

And, Putin understands this.  He is all for European Republics being separate nations.
This makes me think that Putin (allegedly) even wants the United States to be 50 individual nations.  You are capable of doing the math.

Also, it is reported that in order to do business in Russia, Putin (allegedly) demands a large portion of that business so he will allow you to do business in Russia.  And, (also allegedly) it has to be given to him.

Just ask any of the Russian Billionaires who refused Putin.  There are stories of them being thrown in prison until they agreed.  (And sadly, some stories say they have even have been killed.)

Its a sad, sad world we live in right now.  Enemies are pretending to be friends; a President is pretending he can lead, and the White House Staff is squirting out the fake news insult phrases when the media contradicts Trump.

I don't know about you, but I find this absolutely annoying.  All it is doing, is helping to divide the United States into the Confederate States once again.

If only the GOP controlled Congress would stand up to the bully at the pulpit.  They could nip this in the butt and right the ship.

So, I ask: Is Donald Trump truly that unpatriotic that he would lead Americans to their demise -- simply for the benefit of building a hotel in Moscow?

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, February 27, 2017

Urban vs Rural; OR, Blue vs Red

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a blog about how 57 counties in the US of A are responsible for 2/3's of the nation's GNP; while 3,182 counties or there about only contribute to 1/3rd of that amount.

This got me thinking about an article I read a long time ago from a Princeton University Professor who said we didn't live in Democrat or Republican Societies; we actually live in Urban and Rural Societies.

I now know this to be more true than ever.

For the most part, Urban societies are about growth, working and living close to each other.  This actually requires Urban Society rules of courtesy and accommodation; whereas, Rural Societies are more about individual strength, living on your own, providing for yourself and family what the land gives.  They are more encouraged by self governing, and not worrying about whether your neighbor is making too much noise at 2 AM.  Rural Society feels that any government regulation is an intrusion upon their lifestyle.  So, they are not going to have any part of it.


Once, while talking to an Urban Planner, he remarked that Urban Society rules will work in a Rural Society Setting just as wells as in the city;  but, he continued, that, Rural Rules would never work in an Urban Society Setting at all.

And, I think that is the reason Rural Society doesn't like or fit into Urban Society -- especially when Urban Society moves too close to Rural -- think Oil and Water.

Let's take for example, this current news story from the Las Vegas Review Journal.  A lot of you will have no idea what or where Blue Diamond is -- except you might think that, that is the name of a Street here in Southern Nevada.

Blue Diamond Development

But, a local developer, who acquired +/-2,400 acres on a Mesa in the southwest of the Las Vegas Valley, wants to build single family homes on what was once a Gypsum Mine located on this Mesa; and, the good folks of Blue Diamond, being the proud members of a Rural Society, don't want the influx of traffic, the new homes, and especially -- the number of people who would be using this new development as their place of residence.

That's right.  The current residents of Blue Diamond don't want Urban Society invading (moving into) their Rural Society.

Which is sad, because, with the influx of the new homes, this Rural Society would see the increase the Blue Diamond's revenue, increase in retail spending, newer commercial development, and the ease of expanding their economic output.  Thus, in other words, increasing their profit potential from adding to the County's, State's, and the Countries GNP!

But, because of their 'back off!' attitude; which could easily translate into we don't want your kind, which is mistaken for racial prejudice -- regardless of Who actually moves into the new development, they would forgo the economic improvement to their lives because...well, their Rural Society Lifestyle would have to change -- for the most part.

Now, I am sure that the current residents of Blue Diamond are very, good God fearing, wonderful people.  But, unless they understand that the only way to improve themselves and to improve their lives is to embrace progress, their community will eventually die -- just as other counties in other states where they solely only want their old factory job to be returned to them that in reality is never, ever going to happen.

In an Urban Society, from what I can tell, progress is the way for an Society -- whether Urban or Rural -- to continue to look forward to the  horizon that is directly in front of you.

If you are just looking at what was, and not at what could be, this has and always will lead every Society to ruin.  Just take a look at the numerous ghost towns that failed to see what was coming.

Urban or Rural.  Progress keeps a Society active and economically growing.

Just my two cents.

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

Saturday, February 11, 2017

Are Congressmen & Senators Non-College Educated, Too?

Don ran an excellent Presidential campaign that focused on core issues as "bad" (when they weren't) and stirring up so much anti Hillary sediment.  While doing this, he confused rural Americans into thinking because he was a businessman, he was the "only one who can fix it" person.

(The problem with this is that throughout US history, businessmen who became president are some of the worst presidents ever! (Don't believe me? Look it up.)

And, this: "I'm the only one who can fix it" attitude, enabled him to confuse and con the rural Americans into voting for him.  They (apparently) goose-stepped to the polls thinking he was going to be able to do what no other President would or could do.

(Boy, did these rural Americans get conned.  The majority of rural counties (+/-3,100) voted for Don; whereas, the majority of Urban counties (+/-57) voted for Hillary.)

And all during the 2016 Presidential campaign, Don kept saying how bad the Affordable Care Act (Obama care) was.  And, by doing this, he convinced rural Americans that the insurance that was actually helping them, was horrible for them.

However, the problem with Obama care, according to the Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, was that insurers systematically pulled out of states -- thus enabling one insurer to have a monopoly within that state, that enabled them to charge more money in that state, thus the monthly increase in their premiums.  (And, they were able to do this because of the limited, or very, very weak Federal Regulation.)  And because there was no mandate stating: "You must provide insurance to all," They decided that they weren't making enough money.

Through the years, I've asked why there is no Federal Regulation for Insurers -- just as there is for Federal Mortgages, etc.  You've heard of the 'Equal Opportunity' line when applying for a mortgage, right?

So, why is there no Equal Opportunity for Insurance?

Paul Ryan explains why ACA Premiums increased

The reason is: the insurers don't want any Federal Regulation on their industry, so they continually lobby and contribute (pay off) to Congress person elections to avoid being regulated.

The problem is: Insurers are in the business of making money.  They truly don't care whether or not you are healthy; or, have adequate health care coverage, as long as you pay them your premium. That's all they want.

Oh, and if you want to have better coverage, or have a lower monthly premium, you must have a higher than normal deductible.  (Does this sound about right?)

Affordable Care Act Explained

And, the protests we are seeing at Congressional Town Hall Meetings of these Congress persons from these rural American Counties, is having an affect on them.  Even these supposed Non-College Educated rural Americans are finally realizing that they were conned, too.

These elected Congress persons or Senators are starting to feel the heat that repealing Obama care as Don has demanded -- or even changing it to what the insurers want -- will result in them NOT being re-elected.

This makes me think: Are these politicians Non-College Educated, too?  It's obvious, they didn't understand the Affordable Health Care Act in the first place.

I know that Don still doesn't understand it.  (He claims he doesn't like to read, so, I am guessing that he hasn't read it, nor has anyone around him.)

Don't Change My Health Insurance

So, all you politicians: Maybe it's time that you stop taking insurer's money and start focusing on your constituents, because if you don't; if you continue to support a bad president and his lame policies, you will be out of office the next election cycle.

Ignore Constituents and you are out!

Now, I knew that there was a huge campaign to 'Hate Hillary' this past Presidential Election.  I just didn't think rural Americans would be so easily persuaded as they were.

PS: If running for president, please remember: "Democracy was never meant to be efficient."

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

Thursday, January 26, 2017

And that is the way it should be!!!

The Nevada Supreme Court upheld the HOA's right to foreclose on a property which voids any and all mortgage liens that affect the property.



If you are a lender, bank or investment company, and you don't keep an eye on your investment, then losing your interest in that property is the end result.

HOA Auction Story

A few years ago, I went to one of these HOA auctions to check it out.  I soon learned that I didn't have enough money to compete with 99% of the investors there.

But, I watched, listened and learned just what these investors already knew.

Acquiring a property (usually a SFR/condo home) at an HOA sanctioned auction was the best way to acquire one for under market value. (Please keep that between you and me!)

And, the winning bidder receives the property for cash free and clear.

When I was there, two investors continually tired to out bid one another for a home.  The property was eventually sold for $151,000.  I learned that the losing bidder just hadn't brought enough money to the auction.

Later, I looked the address up and discovered it was a Summerlin mansion that the owner couldn't afford the HOA payments on anymore.  The HOA foreclosed, did their necessary disclosure work, held the auction and the bank was out!

And, while there, I noticed that a lot of the homes being auctions off were already bank owned and the banks simply just didn't pay the monthly HOA fee.  Thus, the bank had foreclosed on a property, added it to their asset list and simple stop maintaining the HOA monthly fee.

Well, the HOA needs that Monthly assessment to maintain their communities. So, too bad, Mr. Bank.  I truly don't feel sorry for you for any bank or mortgage company that created and funded those horrible loans 10 to 12 years ago -- just to sell loans on the Secondary market.

And now the bank are considering bring them back, again?  Obviously, the lesson wasn't learned.

Sure, let's buy a home (we can't afford) on a 100% LTV stated income loan!  Stupid is what it is.

Now, hopefully, I will close a few more deals; and then, I will have a little more extra cash to try the HOA auction process again.

See you there!

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

Sunday, January 22, 2017

Could Vacant Malls be Renovated into Schools/Classrooms?

As I await for the continuation of the NFL Playoffs, I was cruising the usual Internet sites and came across an article about Department Store CEOs who are being replaced because of poor retail sales.
(Of course it is exciting to me!)

Anyway, with Amazon and e-bay taking rather large bites from this sector, and the fact that stores and malls are closing left and right, it got me thinking: (I know, not a good sign.) Since most communities still need schools, and most communities can NOT afford to build new schools, why aren't those school districts taking these already built and ready for (their) Tenant Improvement buildings and converting them to schools?



I'm sure that the banks would sell cheaply; or, they would lease to the school district cheaply in exchange for them taking care of the property while the bank tries to figure out what to do with the property next.

It has to be much, much cheaper to place a school into one of these buildings because the big box buildings could be divided into classrooms, auditorium, and gym; they already have the essential elements needed to supply children, teachers and administrators what they need.  Especially the smaller retail stores could be classrooms, etc.



Malls have built in Food Courts, Bathrooms, Hall Ways, Indoor Gathering Areas, Outdoor Gathering Areas, Ample Parking, and ease of access to and from the grounds.

The question I have: Why hasn't anyone else thought of this before?

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 17, 2017

The Trumpetters are getting ready -- to be disappointed!

The true title of this post should be: Corruption waiting to happen.

Because it is (allegedly) going to happen.

Trump through all of his businesses (yes! He owns thousands of LLC's which hold various properties from around the world), will result in the end of Trump's reign as US President.

The reason I think this is because I don't think Trump is capable of resisting the urge to make money.  And, as the Emolument Clause says, the president can not make money from a foreign country.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/trump-emoluments-clause_us_58794852e4b09281d0eaf212

Now, if that doesn't happen, there is another item that I know Trump and his loonies haven't thought about.

Since he owns high rises throughout the world under various LLC's, what will the US Response be when a terrorist group attacks one of his towers?  What if they knock one or two down, killing hundreds if not thousands of people?  You know, like they did with airplanes back on 9/11/2001?

Putting Trump in office will be the biggest disaster in US history.  Instead of paying billions to prevent Russia from attacking Western Europe via NATO, I foresee hundreds of billions being spent being paid for damages, real and punitive as a settlement for Trump's arrogance.

And, even the odds makers are calling for Trump to be leaving office before four years.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/donald-trump-impeached-us-president-bookies-offer-even-odds-us-congress-inauguration-a7531536.html

Unfortunately, the non college educated (STUPID PEOPLE) voted the wrong candidate into office because they were conned into thinking that Trump was going to bring back their widget making/assembling job at $20 an hour. He's not!

Since 1979, +/-60% of jobs lost were lost to automation.  Those jobs didn't leave the US.  They are still here being done more efficiently and at less cost by a machine than a human.

Even the Electoral College -- which Alexander Hamilton originally designed to be a nonpartisan group of Educated people -- got it wrong.

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