Healthcare Real Estate Trends

In healthcare the one constant is change.  Recently we’ve seen changes in healthcare (and by extension, healthcare real estate) because of The Great Recession, lower reimbursements, healthcare reform, mergers and repurposing (to name a few).  Below are six trends for this year that Duke Realty predicted at the outset of this year.  Now that we have four months of 2013 under our belts, it’s a good time to look back and see how these have played out, and, just as importantly, look forward… and be ready for more change…

1.              Higher-acuity care will increasingly move to medical office buildings.

2.              Freestanding emergency departments will be used in new ways.

3.              Partnering will increase.

4.              The case for hospital-driven monetizations will keep getting stronger.

5.              Repurposing will expand.

6.              Compliance will become even more vital.

I encourage you to read more at:

“Six Healthcare Real Estate Trends to Watch in 2013”

http://www.dukerealty.com/media-releases/2013/01/six-healthcare-real-estate-trends-to-watch-in-2013/

Read More

Healthcare Providers Push Forward with Significant Construction or Renovation Projects

Some healthcare providers are making large capital investments in their facilities.  Here are some articles that evidence this:

For plenty of good news from Kentucky, see Hospital Boom Continues in Kentucky at http://www.lanereport.com/10881/2012/09/hospital-boom-continues/. 

For some good news from Florida, see Florida Hospital to announce $270 millions plan for three women’s health towers at http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-09-18/health/os-florida-hospital-womens-health-20120917_1_orlando-health-towers-capital-investment.

And of course we can’t forget the $1.1 billion project by Johns Hopkins, which some have called the “hotel-like hospital project”.  Here is just one of many articles on this project:  Johns Hopkins unveils new hospital, at http://www.baltimoresun.com/health/bs-hs-new-hopkins-hospital-20120126,0,5336130.story.

Read More

Home Remodeling Projects That You Should Skip

Home remodeling is back in vogue.

With contractors dropping prices in most U.S. markets, and a resurgence in confidence among homeowners, home remodeling projects are expected to top $125 billion this quarter.

Not all renovations will be "worth it", according to Remodeling Magazine's 2011 Cost vs Value report, but some projects should never be started -- especially when said projects render a home somewhat un-sellable.

For example, if installing a new toilet requires that the discharge pipes run along the living room ceiling, the project should be re-engineered, or skipped entirely.

A recent renovation article on CNNMoney.com listed several others "never do" projects.

• Don't add a 4th/5th bedroom to a home with just one bathroom.
• Don't build a bedroom with no closet space.
• Don't make common rooms disproportionately large or small to one another.

And, for all projects, no matter what the details, try to keep the home's traffic flow intact. Nobody likes to walk through bedrooms to get from the kitchen to the living room.

Home remodeling can be a less expensive alternative to moving, and can improve a property's resale value. But keep in mind -- just because a project is featured on HGTV, for example, that doesn't make it a Do-It-Yourself. Some projects can be handled on your own, but most should not.

With the help of a professional, you'll be sure the job is done properly.

If you need the name of a local contractor or specialist, please reach out anytime. I am happy to help you with a referral.

Read More