You Don't Have to be Rich to Invest in Las Vegas CRE!

A few people through the years have poked fun at me because I am so enthusiastic about people getting involved in Las Vegas Commercial Real Estate (CRE).

Some have even joked that if they win the Power Ball or Mega Bucks lottery, I would be the first person they called. (Not to share it with me, but to help them buy a Las Vegas CRE property.)

I immediately tell them: "But you don't have to be rich to buy a CRE property.  You should start with something small and affordable."

Case in point: I know of a small office (1,900 SF) that is for sale at $299,000!
Yes, it is located on a major traffic road that used to be homes.  But, since the traffic on the street is so high, the City has allowed these home owners to convert their houses into small offices.

Now, the asking rents in this area run about $1.00 PSF ($12 PSF Annually) -- which is not bad considering that this location is a very good spot for first time tenants to get their growing businesses going.

And the investment of $299,000 is about an 8% Cap Rate on the outside looking in.

And of course if you don't have the total sales price amount, you could get an 80/20 Loan-To-Value (LTV) Loan. (Please consult a reputable loan company in your area for guidance on this issue.)

Anyway, if you are willing, this is a very good place to start your CRE portfolio.

So, if you live in one of the higher priced metro residential markets, you know that this is probably less than you spent buying your personal residence.

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

The Chinese are NOT fearful of Trump. (I think they know he lacks presidential leadership qualities!)

Over the past few months -- especially the last few weeks -- many of the overseas investors I have been working with have stated to me how fearful they are of a Trump presidency.

One client from Europe said that the European Union doesn't want to invest in the US because they think Trump has a chance of winning the Presidency. (He actual said Trump thinks he is running for dictator of the US.)

My Middle Eastern client said that one of his investors is a Sheikh and the Sheikh said he will NOT invest in the US because of Trump's supposed ban on Muslims entering the US.

However, Anbang has continued to make offers on US companies and buy up US properties regardless of Trump's Chinese bashing.  This made me think two things:

1.) The Chinese know that what Trump is proposing is as doable as any of Bernie Sanders proposals.  They will never get done; and,

2.) The Chinese understand that old white men are the ones supporting Trump through the primary process.  They know that Trump doesn't have a chance at being elected president at all.

Recent general election polls that I have seen on the Internet show that even Bernie Sanders would be able to beat Trump in the general election.  And even though there is a lot of hate being spewed by the far right about Hillary Clinton, she would beat Trump easily.

So, with this in mind, I hope to quell any foreign investor fears that Trump will ever reside at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC -- I just don't foresee this ever happening.

And, as far as I am concerned, Trump invalidates, bullies, and pontificates a hatred that only  (ignorant) old white men are willing to embrace.

When my ancestors were the first to come to America -- along with the other foreign people who followed along after them (not a legal issue at the time), they were the ones who made the country it is.  And, then, other people from around the world came -- all searching for a better life, and a better way of living. (The Statue of Liberty emphasizes this point.)

And the Chinese know that the type of leader Trump is demonstrating he is and would be, will not win enough votes to win the general election of the freest, most democratic country in the world.

So, please overseas investors, relax.  Trump will not be elected President.  If the Chinese know he  truly is not qualified to lead the free world; he isn't.

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

On the Horizon...

Donald Trump, for some strange reason, is winning over (let's call them) normal every day Old White Americans.

I truly don't understand what they are so afraid of.

Donald Trump is fear mongering.  He is playing to the lowest common denominator in this GOP primary season.

With that said, I received an email from my Middle Eastern client which in essence said: Until Donald Trump is out of the presidential race, middle eastern money stays out of the US.

Here is what he sent me:

"... with all the madness and shocking popularity of Trump!!! Which foreign investors specially Middle East take it very seriously not only because of its extreme hatred for all non Americans!! But also because it reflects a lot Americans same feelings and it sheds very bad and instability. On the Horizon."

I don't know if Trump realizes how much his words are hurting American Business.  I don't think he cares about Americans as he implies.

One minority client said to me he thinks Donald Trump is filming a reality TV show and went on this run for president as part of this TV show.  The problem is: he expected to be out of the race by now but he is winning with words and phrases that would have cost other politicians their elected positions.

I do NOT know if this is true.  But, I am NOT voting for Trump in the General election if he wins the GOP nomination.  In my opinion, there is no room at the highest elected office in the world for some one with so much fear and hatred in his heart.

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

Super Bloom! A Real Estate Tour through Death Valley!

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

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

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

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

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

Like 282' below sea level -- without being under water!

(It does say Sea Level on a sign about half way up the rock face.)

Enjoy!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About 20 years ago, I learned about this quote.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you didn't, you are NOT alone.

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

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

Unfortunately, that is simply Las Vegas Boulevard.

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

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

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

http://lasvegassun.com/photos/galleries/2016/feb/12/las-vegas-strip-aerial-view-february-12-2016/embed/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Update! Resorts, Hospitality, Gaming and Restaurant Properties!

Update! Resorts, Hospitality, Gaming and Restaurant Properties!


Are you interested in owning a Las Vegas Resort, Hospitality, Gaming or Restaurant Property?

If so, I can help!  Since the economic meltdown, the few that remain means they are pretty good investments.

And, if a 'major' Las Vegas Resort is within your acquisition criteria and financial capability, please click on the Las Vegas Casino Information button in the right hand column. There you will find an Agreement.  Please have your company's CEO or Authorized Signature fill this out completely, sign, scan and email back to me for further details on those properties that are available.

For less expensive Hotel-Motel, Gaming, Restaurants and Bars, please email me your contact information and acquisition criteria.  Once I have received this, I will be able to forward those opportunities as they arise.

I would also appreciate being able to add you -- if you qualify, to my investor client list. That way, when a specific property that I know you are interested in comes available, I would like to be able to send it to you quickly so you can better judge the property information and gauge the extent of your interest in acquiring it.  If not interested, just simply delete and wait for the next property to become available.

Lastly, if truly interested in becoming a gaming proprietor, you will need to apply for and be approved by the State of Nevada Gaming Control Board.  I can refer an attorney to you.

Please understand, that this will be required whether you are trying to acquire a resort casino or a small tavern/supper club property.  Being approved prior to making an offer, will speed up the purchase process since most Sellers will NOT have a close of escrow contingent upon you receiving gaming approval.

I appreciate your patience in this and hope to be able to bring you other Las Vegas Properties to you for your review in the next few months.

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

Las Vegas "Strip" Property For Sale!

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

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


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

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

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

Want the details?

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

Any questions?

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

“Tell Trump To Shut the F…. Up!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is very tense right now as every one on the Board respect and Love this Guy!!, we'll see what happens.

“Tell Trump To Shut the F…. Up” would you please.please. Thanks.J.

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

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

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to My Blog!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

However, I was amused by his next question:

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

What?  No!  Of course, not!

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

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

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

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

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

Happy New Year!

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

...and many, many more!

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