Because you are the only Broker who didn't lie to me!

To this day, I remember this statement well!

I was trying to list a couple of Convenience Stores, owned by this attorney, who had invested in a local Convenience Store start up that didn't last.

He had pooled his money with a few other investors and when they were going strong, everything was right.

Then, the stores sales began to decline.

Anyway, the attorney reached out to several real estate companies to list and sell the stores he had control over.

At the time, I was with a Regional Real Estate Company, so I got to go do the listing pitch.

While in his office, I had my material prepared, laying out a somewhat strategy of marketing the stores, he controlled, for sale without broadcasting the stores were for sale.  (You know what I mean.)

Anyway, after giving my presentation, he started asking questions about Convenience Stores, that made me think, him being an Owner, he should know the answers to his own questions.  But, remembering that I was NOT going to fake it, I answered honestly.

After about 5 or 6 questions, he said he'd be in touch with his decision in about a week.

I thank him for his time and left.

For the next week, I felt as if I had blown the listing opportunity.  I resisted the urge to call and get updates.  Soon, I just decided I was up against more experienced agents and I was never going to get the listing.

Then, about 10 days later, he called, asked me to bring him our company's listing agreement and he'd have me sell his Convenience Stores.

I was thrilled.

During the meeting to sign the listing paperwork, I asked what was the attributing factor that made him want to list with me.

His answer surprised me: "Because you were the only Broker who didn't lie to me!

I was shocked!

Not that I didn't lie!

That the other more experience agents/broker had.

To this very day, I have kept this in mind.

I realized that the questions he asked me, were in fact to test my knowledge and to test me as to whether I'd lie -- to him.

Sure he's an attorney.  Now, retired.  He just listed 1.7 acres of land he still owns -- from his days as an investor in Convenience Stores!

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!

Sleazy Real Estate Agents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rail Served Land in Las Vegas!

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

Okay, enough of that.

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

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

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

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

Unfortunately, there's the rub.

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

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

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

Attention, Lowball, Bottom Feeders! Don't Bother!

Last week, while back in "Boston" where I grew up, the extended family gathered together to celebrate the passing of our mother.

She was a 90 year old spit fire.  (Okay, you get the picture.)

Anyway, after the wake and before the funeral, we went to her favorite spot and we each had our favorite drink in a toast to honor of her.

While there, my youngest brother, who is a Colonel in the US ARMY, and I were discussing local real estate events. (My Apologies.  I can't help myself.)

He had been a real estate agent for a short time years ago but could never make a go of it.  (Maybe because he was fully into being an Army Officer?)

Anyway, while discussing the multiple low-ball offers I get for my listings in Downtown Las Vegas, I was complaining that too many of these bottom feeders feel entitled to steal the Seller's equity value of a property listing.

During our discussion of this, he said, (paraphrasing) if you treat the low-balling Buyer seriously, maybe you could work a deal.

I knew then that he didn't understand how real estate works. 

I replied: Since I am the listing Broker, my fiduciary duty is to the Seller.  If a Buyer makes an offer too low, I am going to tell the Seller to reject the offer.

Now, several of these rejected low-ball buyers do return and try, and try again and again.
(It's as if they are masochist and want the punishment.)

Yet, the market value (per Comparable Sales) keeps going up, but their offers stay the same.

What did Einstein say: If you keep doing the same thing over and over, and expect a different result, you must be crazy or stupid?

For a fair, Las Vegas market value deal, you can...

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

RIO SOLD! OK, It's just in Escrow.

For about 10 years (maybe more) Caesars was trying to sell the Rio All-Suites Hotel Casino.

For ten years (maybe more), I did my best to find them a buyer.

Well, looks like I failed.

But, given parameters that were NOT held up by the Buyer in the final outcome, I don't feel like a failure.

You see, it was Caesar's decision to undersell the Rio.

When I was trying to sell this property, I was told that $1 Billion or more was the sales price.  well, I took that as the God's Truth since most 'Strip' properties sell in the $10 Million an acre range.

But, I do know that there is one buyer who must feel completely used for way over paying for a dilapidated resort that is NOT even functional.

(He paid $600 million for a property he will need to invest almost a Billion into to complete it.)

Then, again, the Rio will need probably a Billion to fix/repair from the way Caesar's ran it into the ground during their tenure as owner.

Oh, well!

Another day, another dollar.

If interested in a Las Vegas Resort; OR, if you are interested in any type of Las Vegas investment...

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 Birthday To Me!

Tomorrow, March 21st, I grow another year older.

And, patting myself on the back for living long and (somewhat) prospering isn't something to celebrate - especially at my age.

Oh, well.  At least, I'm alive and kicking!

Have a wonderful 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!

2019 has started with a Big Bang!

Years ago, when I first started working in real estate, I worked at Sitren Mortgage in Victorville, CA.

Now, the owner of that company was Mike Sitren.

He was a Brooklyn born Jewish man who took me under his wing and taught me just about everything I know about Real Estate.

His passing at the young age of 63 was heartfelt to me.  He left us too soon.

Anyway, I have always tried to maintain the premise that Mike taught.

Be honest to everyone.  He would at times, when 'things' were starting to go sideways say: "It's Real Estate."

And, since the start of the new year, "things" have gone from slow to lightening speed in what seems like a heartbeat.

Almost like when the universe was created with a Big Bang!

I am NOT complaining.

I still have 12 SFR's available that meed to be sold.

If interested in SFR residential real estate rental income...

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!

Snow Day in Las Vegas!

It is a very rare sight to see.

But when it does, it is a sight to behold!

Snow falling in Las Vegas, NV!

Nothing like seeing snow falling in your backyard!

Brrr!!!  Not going in the pool today!

With the high today of 41 degrees, I think I'll stay indoors.

And, if interested in any Las Vegas CRE property, you can...

...Contact David Howes by: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR; 7 0 2 5 0 1 9 3 8 8 AND Please #Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes Have a Stay Warm Day!

...and to all a Good Night!

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!

Look! A Four Property Portfolio Available at a 9% Cap Rate!

DON'T LOOK AWAY!

If you do, this four property portfolio will be gone!

The Owner is willing to sell at a 9% Cap Rate!

Three Motels that have been renovated; AND, a 42 unit Studio Apartment Building that needs renovation.

Altogether, there are 139 units for sale at $12 Million!

OR, on a Cap Rate basis, that's a 9.1% Cap Rate!

And based on the 2017 PLS, this portfolio is worth +/-$14 Million!

In this market, that's what is called a STEAL!

30 Units

15 Units

52 Units

42 Units

If you are a qualified Buyer, and you want to take advantage of this Steal of a Deal...

To Contact David Howes try: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR; 7 0 2 5 0 1 9 3 8 8
AND Please #Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes
Have a nice day!

The Lucky Dragon Should have never been built!

There are Good Ideas; and there are Bad Ideas.

The Lucky Dragon was a Bad Idea.

Sure, a resort casino dedicated to the Asian Gambler was a Good Idea  -- at concept.
However, a resort casino dedicated to just the Asian Gambler is a Bad Idea -- at the end result.

My take is, you don't build a tourist attraction anywhere near the 'edge of sketchy,' as one investor I was dealing with called it.
But, that's exactly where they built this property.

The neighborhood to the north is well known as The Naked City.  It's a collection of 6 to 10 unit low income apartments which have always had a difficult time maintaining tenants simply because they only attract the low income minimum wage workers who can barely afford their monthly rents.

(I know several owners of properties in this area.  They constantly complain about the lack of qualified renters. One, I know, had let his 8 unit apartment property go into foreclosure only to re-acquire it post Trustee Sale for less than half what he owed.)

Oh, well.  But, as this news story tries to explain, the bank thinks this location will be successful some day.  I think they are being overtly optimistic.

Have a read for yourself to see if you agree with me: Lucky Dragon

Since most of the hotel rooms were never used, I think a major re-tool as a locals casino is more in line than as an Asian Gambling Resort.  But, I think it's days as a major Asian Resort are long gone.

That's 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!

How much are your fees?

Yesterday, I saw a posting from a lender blog that stated For Sale By Owner (FSBO) is a good source for originating new loans.

Now, in their blog the author was stating that FSBO's are cost sensitive; and, they are a good market for loan originators to solicit business from because they can refer you potential buyers for you to qualify.

Okay.  This is NOT an original idea.  Twenty plus years ago when I was still working real estate by doing homes and loans, I did this.

As a loan originator, I'd approach a FSBO with the slant that I will qualify ALL of their potential Buyers that needed financing for free!  I worked this angle for a few years -- until I realized that all of the potential Buyers they were referring were NOT qualified to borrow anything -- let alone money to buy a house.

Now, years before, when I first started out in the real estate business working for Mike Sitren, he once told me that, "if a seller, buyer or agent is worried about their cost in fees, they're seeking a kick-back.

Huh?

I was surprised to hear this given I had been to several real estate brokerages and heard this a lot.
One brokerage sales manager even sat me down in his office and point blank told me that unless I paid him 1/2 point per loan, I'd never get any loans from his office.  (Illegal? Yes!)  But, he didn't care.

So, when I recently heard a seller tell me that my fee must be obtained from the Buyer, I keep thinking this thought in mind.

Since the world knows the seller pays the marketing fees for selling their property when they are selling, it is just surprising to learn that a recently listed for sale Las Vegas Resort casino owner told me that I would have to get my fee from the buyer. 

You know what crossed my mind upon hearing that line.

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!

Underwriting says the property won't pencil out!

The headline of today's post is a lie!

It's what California investors have been telling me about one of my Downtown Las Vegas listings that's for sale at $2.8 Million. That's the Owner's selling price.  And, I agreed he shouldn't sell it for any less.

But, a lot of the California Investors that have approached me on this studio apartment building just want to steal.

They are retreating from California because the prices are way, way too high there.  So, they are crawling into Las Vegas trying their best to steal a property.

Now, some have been doing this for years and years.

Others, are new to this market.

But, when I tell them about the benefits to buying at a 9.9% Cap Rate and that area rents are slowly increasing, they take the information under advisement and then -- a few days later -- they give me the phony excuse.

The Alpine Motel Apartments Downtown Las Vegas, NV

(And the parking lot is part of this parcel.)

Yes, the property needs remodeling.  Paint and carpet has a cost but NOT a $1 Million dollars worth of cost.  Besides, the already renovated 27 unit apartment property one parcel north SOLD for +/-$87,000 per unit six months ago!

These investors seem to like wasting my time.

If I had $2.8 Million, I would have acquired the property already.  But, I'm short in that area.

And, no I'm NOT going to play the lottery even if it's more than $1 Billion.

Too many dumb people play just to make one dumb person rich.

So, I will continue on with my marketing.
There is a buyer out their looking for a fixer upper who doesn't mind earning +/-$21,000 per month!

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!

RIP, Tiah Brooks!

Way back in 1998 when I decided to stop selling/financing homes and to get into Commercial Real Estate (CRE), I met a nice, professional woman by the name of Tiah Brooks.

She was an enthusiastic title representative, a mom and a wife! (This is the order that I knew her.  It's NOT the order that others knew her. I hope you get the drift!)

She helped me through several escrows, and she was instrumental in making sure I continued to think First American Title when any CRE sales popped up on my CRE schedule.

Anyway, the last time a saw her was a while ago.  Her daughter was attending University of Nevada Reno and she was going to make a journey up to see her.  She never let on that she was sick or just how sick she was.

This past week, I just found out, Tiah passed away.  Apparently she had been very sick and she only allowed a few people to know just how sick she truly was.

RIP, Tiah!

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 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!

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!

Everyone wants to own a Las Vegas Resort Hotel Casino!

All of you.

Yes, every single person has dreamt of making millions in a single roll of the dice; or the pull of a slot machine, and on a single try.

Okay, I used to think that would happen to me. (Never has.)

So, I decided years ago, to keep my hard earned money in my pocket (OK, bank account) and never, ever gamble more than $20 dollars if and when I do go gambling at all.

(It's usually on a Mega Bucks machine and I would always bet the max of course, because otherwise, you don't win the Mega Bucks jackpot.)

But, I learned recently there is a resort property quietly for sale which will probably be sold in the next yer or so.

The problem with the property is that it is NOT earning any money.  It desperately, needs to be re-positioned -- that's the polite way of saying that in it's current state of operation, the property is going to fail before the year is out.

Anyway, No.

I will not ID the property.

If you want information on any Las Vegas Resort, you need to click on the Las Vegas Casino Information Button, print the form, fill it out, have it signed by a company signatory, scan and email back to me.

Then, once I am satisfied with your qualifications, I will begin to send you property details of what you qualify for.

If it is a Mega Resort? Great!
If it's a small, restricted gaming property?  Great!

Let's 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!

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!

Sports Bar Ownership? OR, Real Estate Ownership!

Football is about to be back in full swing!
Training Camps are just around the corner.

With that said, there are fabulous opportunities for the right Sports Loving enthusiast to acquire a Net Leased Investment Property where local Las Vegans go to unwind and cheer for their favorite NFL Team.

Yes.  The Raiders will be moving to Las Vegas in a brand new football stadium.  But, since Las Vegas was always a destination city, rather than an anchor city, most fans root for the team where the fan grew up to love and behold that area's team.

But, as the Las Vegas Golden Knights have proven, Las Vegas can hold their own.

So, hopefully, the Las Vegas Raiders will attract a local following.  Well, if they win, right?

Recently, I watched an interview of Dwayne Wade talking about his up coming post professional sports playing career.

In it, he said he did the Sport Bars concept and lost a ton of money.  He blamed it on being young and not business savvy as he thought he was.  He did admit he was only 23 years old.  Then, he joked that it took him three years in the courts to unwind that decision.

My immediate thought was: But, did he own the real estate?

You see, owning a sports bar is all well and good IF you are familiar with the bar business.
If not, you would be better off being the landlord of the sports bar and collecting rent.

Sure, one is you are providing enlightening beverages to patrons; the other is you are collecting rent.

One seems glamorous! The other mundane.

In truth, I'd take the mundane simply because of the monthly rent check that comes due even through the hazy fog of a hangover.

And, with that said, if you hold a Triple Net Lease (NNN) on the building, the Tenant pays for the building maintenance, the building's Real Estate Taxes, and Insurance on top of their  annual rent!

So, contact me!  Let's start a dialog on where you stand financially.

If sports bars aren't for you, then there are alternatives.

And, you don't need a million dollars to start.

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!