Sad day when fun and relaxation turns into a living horror!

Soft Target is what it's called.

That's when an individual takes advantage of a large peaceful crowd of people minding their own business and enjoying the evening entertainment when the despicable happens.

A massacre of unbelievable portions disrupts the peace and tranquility and the massacre leaves 58 people dead and 515 people wounded. (As of my posting this blob.)

And, the coward 'terrorist' (let's be honest, that's what he is) then kills himself as the police are about to move in.

I always ask afterward: if this person is truly set on committing suicide, then why kill others before killing yourself?  As a lay person, that doesn't make sense to me.

But, as the 'news' comes forth as the police investigate, it becomes apparent that this Stephen Paddock had planned this out thoroughly.

He had a 32nd floor suite that almost overlooked the event grounds on the east side of Las Vegas Blvd.  He had at least ten weapons n the suite.

And whether or not a few or many were slaughtered, he didn't care.

I hope he has an endless afterlife in hell.  If he thought his actual living life as bad, I hope Lucifer makes his afterlife even more painful.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/breakingnews/who-is-stephen-paddock-las-vegas-shooter/ar-AAsMY12?OCID=ansmsnnews11

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!

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!

Small Resort Casino For Sale in Las Vegas!

Recently, my Inbox has received inquiries about Las Vegas Resorts For Sale.

There are some -- not many -- that could be acquired.

The problem is -- and will always be -- that potential Buyers want to acquire Resort properties in the same manner as if they are acquiring a Net Leased Property in their own back yard.

Or, they think that because they are who they think they are, the Seller should (overtly) respect them fully and sell at the Buyer's suggested low-ball price.

Unfortunately -- and this goes for all would be buyers -- it doesn't work that way when it comes to Las Vegas Resort Properties.

I can't explain it any more simplistically than if a property is being marketed at $6 Million an acre.  And, surrounding comparable sales indicate $7 Million an acre, why are Buyers pushing for a sale at $3 Million an acre?

For Example: a small extended stay resort motel property with a small casino (8 slots only) though this property is zoned for an Unlimited Gaming Casino (Full slots, table games, etc.) that sits right smack inside the Clark County Gaming Overlay (which means there are no restriction to developing an unlimited gaming casino) isn't going to be sold cheaply.

And Buyers arguing with me that the Net Income from the property means the value is less than the  asking, baffles me.

The Net Income of the property may be a contributing value, but when it comes to land value being more valuable than the business being run at the location, trying to acquire this based on the Net Income isn't going to cut it.

Many, many times, I've had brokers outside of Las Vegas tell me that the value of a resort property is solely based on it's Net Operating Income.

I have to over explain to them that if the land is worth much, much more than the business net income, that's the sales price.

(This scenario is never, ever going to change.)

To which I always respond, "that may work in your neck of the woods.  But, it doesn't work here."

I've had offers on listings that were for a fraction of what the properties eventually sold for.

I realize that Buyers are trying to get the most equity they can at the time of purchase; I also understand that the Sellers are trying to get the most bang for their buck for the equity value.

So, if you think a 200 room resort with a small casino, Full Alcohol and located within the Clark Gaming Overlay is worth $20 Million when comparable sales say it's worth $21 Million, send me an email.

(Psst! The abandoned and unfinished Fontainebleau just sold for $25 Million an acre. Don't tell anyone!)

After executing the appropriate paperwork, I'll send you 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!

Back In The Saddle! Okay, I'm just back to work...

Arriving to work Tuesday morning, my friend, golf buddy and retired (though still actively licensed) Gaming Executive asked about playing golf Saturday.

I said, "Ok!"  It couldn't hurt to lose a few more golf balls. (I don't play with the good ones I find while searching for my lost cheap ball.)

Anyway, he asked about the Alaskan Trip (I replied, "It was GREAT!")

The Spouse & Myself on board the Norwegian Pearl in their Bliss Nightclub!

Then, he dropped a bomb-shell! 

He has the latest on the Large Las Vegas Resort Casino that he knows is (about to be) For Sale!

Oh, well. I can't wait but I am going to have to.

If you want to know which one, email me your contact information & I will send you the Non-Circumvent Agreement.

This must be signed and delivered with Proof of Capability to close a Billion dollar deal.

(Not kidding.  The property in question will cost you!)

:-)

Anyway, I'm relaxed and ready to go.  Are you?

Look forward to your emails!

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!

Rested and Relaxed from Week Long Alaskan Cruise Retreat!

Cruising to the southern Alaskan shore was a great benefit to my wife and myself.  Alone time to see just what southeast Alaska had in store.

I did get to take a 'look' at another states' real estate and was amazed at just how many vacancies each city had.  (Survival of the fittest, I suppose.)

The main industry now-a-days is the cruise ships that dock at their piers in their deep water harbors.  These towns would definitely die away if the ships stop sailing into their harbors.  And during the winter months, that's what happens.

Tourist season in this stretch of the world is May 1st to September 30th -- obviously.  So, they must pack in as many tourist dollars they can while the season is 'hot' - so to speak.

Great time, great cruise, and lots of local knowledge acquired to bring back home to Las Vegas to re-energize my battery.

If you have been considering a cruise as a vacation, I say sign up for next season.  It was worth the cost.

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!

Alaskan Cruise Excursion for a CRE Retreat!

If you missed me recently, I will apologize.
I know just how hard it is to enjoy yourself without my input.
But, I am sure you can manage for the next week to get along with yourselves without me.

Okay, I am NOT that important; nor anything I write here is so important that you can't get along without me!

The wife and I decided earlier this summer to just get away.  It's been way too long since we had a vacation and thought being together in cooler weather might be what the 33 year relationship needed.

So, I will see you all when I get back.

Right now, I am going to enjoy some down time watching a glacier melt and try my hand at some of tourist things being offered.

I hear it's cold in Alaska and will be bringing a lot of warm, dry clothes.

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!

VACATION! It's all I ever wanted! Time to get away!

From August 25th, 2017 until September 4th, 2017, the spouse & I will be away from everything.

Even our electronic devices will be off! So, emails, texts and even telephone calls will be ignored.

So, if you need to get a hold of me during this period, you will have to leave a message and I will reply/respond on September 5th!

If it can't wait!

Oh, well.  It's going to have to wait.

See you Tuesday, September 5th!

Much Appreciated!

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

Neighborhood Retail Centers For Sale in Las Vegas!

Now, most people have been to or even frequent a local convenience store that usually sits on a high traffic corner of an intersection.

Most of you don't even give these locations a second thought.  You pull into the "gas station" (the Gas Pump) pay for the gas you need and begin refueling.

Now, sometimes, these location also have other shops and stores that line up along with the convenience store.

Sometimes, these convenience stores are stand alone properties -- notably a 7-Eleven, or an ARCO.  You get the drift.
Most, however, will have other stores lined up along side the Convenience store.

Then, again, they might just NOT have the convenience store anchor.  Which is okay, too!

Now, last week, I noticed a marketing brochure in my Inbox from another broker asking for help to find a buyer for a 'Strip Center' he has listed.

Anyway, I have a client looking for such a property and forward the information to them.

What got me thinking is this property -- though leased up only +/-75% would be a good buy for someone looking for a passive income. (Even with the less than stellar occupancy, this property still nets $204,000 per year.)

So, I decided to send it out to other investors to see if they would have any interest.

To my surprise, there is interest.

Which got me thinking: If these investors find this property of interest, why not you?

True, it is NOT sexy.  It's NOT a casino; or a Resort.  It's not something to brag about.

But, it is INCOME.

And, the last time I checked, everyone needs income -- no matter what your tax bracket is.

So,...if interested in acquiring a property that provides 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!

The dog days of (potential) economic recession!

On September 15, 2015, when I thought "things" were about to get really, really better (economically speaking), I wrote a blog about the Chinese devaluing their Yuan.

(Here is part of what I wrote:
Algebra!  It is the curse of me.  To this day, I do not understand: x+y=z!  Huh?
The odd thing is, my dad was an electrical engineer; thus, algebra was easy for him.
My wife, also, understands algebra.  She uses it everyday at her commercial interior design firm.

I even have an uncle who has a phD from HAAV-VAARD who I know understands algebra, too!

But, most of you, are probably just like me.  Algebra is a foreign language -- much like currency exchange.

I bring this up because, like you, I read that China devalued it's Yuan.  (Please do not try or even think of attempting to explain this to me.  I am lost just thinking about it.)

So, as of this AM, one Yuan is equal to $0.16 US.

I suppose this is good.  However, since I know very little about currency exchanges, I can only assume that the Chinese government did this to prevent anymore money from leaving China.  With the Yuan devalued, I guess it buys less foreign property and/or goods.  Am I right or wrong?

So, since this investor's money is coming through China, I don't understand the algebra of it.

How does depositing money into China, thus turning it into Yuan, help you acquire a Las Vegas Resort for less while also gaining more in value?

One day, I will probably understand.  But, I am not going to just sit around waiting for the answer to come to me.

So, was I off my much?

I ask because I just received notice from my Co-Broker Partner who lives and works in Australia that the Chinese Government is (essentially) halting any more Chinese firms from investing further in USA Real Estate.

Why?  Your guess is as good as mine.  From what I've read, the Government fears a cash shortage if anymore Yuan's are converted to Dollars and they leave the country.

(This relates to the algebra problem I mention above. =) )

Anyway, as I sit hear wondering just when this crack down on money exiting China (?) will end, I am hoping to between now and then, my survival mode keeps me aloft.)

The only thing I think right now is closing something.

Did I mention I listed a motel casino?  Give me a call if interested in the 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!

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!

CRE Deals Come & Go! Some Fly - Others Die!

It's NOT too often I would be insulted by comments made by a Seller or Buyer.

When you work hard and try to accomplish the impossible, there always seems to be something that goes wrong and sets you back.

I like the analogy: Take two steps forward; one step back.

Hey! It's real estate and you never know what could happen until it does.

For example: my son and his wife recently told us they wanted to acquire a house.  Okay. I asked could I refer you to someone?

He said, they were thinking of buying without an agent.
Now, having been in real estate since 1991, I had to go, "Woo!"

Why would you do that?  (He and she have never purchased a home before, so I can see the obstacles mounting right in front of them.)

Anyway, I got the feeling that some one had hooked their ear about saving money by doing it themselves.  (Sorry, folks! But, that doesn't happen! You just end up getting ripped off!)

Well, with the help of my wife -- our son's mother -- we think we've bridged that gap.  (We'll see.)

Then, about a week later, a developer I know who owns an Off Strip motel wanted to talk to me on a Sunday.  Okay, I understand that real estate might have to be a priority over the weekend.  Well, during the call he proceeded to chew me out because the Chinese buyer I was dealing with wasn't moving fast enough for him.

(This requires some back story: the developer acquired this off "strip motel about 11 years ago to re-develop it.  He has waited, and waited because the economy had gone south in the mean time.  And, since development money had dried up; it has recently reappeared in Las Vegas.  Lately, he started to make noise he was going to re-develop the motel again.  BUT, he was willing to sell, too.  After re-contacting the developer again, he set a couple of unrealistic deadlines to get him an offer.

Anyway, if you ever worked with Chinese buyers before, you know they tend to do things on their schedule -- not yours.

So, in the meantime, there were a few delays with the Chinese getting an offer started -- as is their MO.

Well, the Sunday morning call was to let me know, the developer wanted to deal directly with the Chinese group and I'd be paid anyway.  He said he didn't think I had the experience to handle his transaction.

Okay, I'm insulted.  But, I know this developer and he is an a--h---!

I took the information and proceeded to contact my co-brokering partner over seas.  He speaks fluent Chinese.  Well, he didn't like that idea and thought it fishy.  He said 'let's look for another property.'  Which I am doing.)

After wards, I was thinking about this situation, and came to the realization that the developer never, ever had any intention of selling.  He was just hedging his bet against the economy here in the US until it improved.  Which it has.

So, all those years trying to find a buyer for his property was -- well, it truly wasn't a waste of time.  I was able to find other buyers while using his property as a prop.

No loss I guess.

So, my experience is questionable to this developer. NOT!  It's his excuse to NOT sell his property and further to try and raise additional cash for his development.  Oh, well!

One day we'll cross paths again.  We'll see what has transpires in the meantime.

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!