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Posts tagged "information"

Home» Posts tagged "information"

Census Data: National and Local Trends You Need to Watch

Posted on June 3, 2019 by Mike Kushner in Blog, Commercial Real Estate, CPBJ Articles, Local Market, Trends No Comments

Note: This article was published by the Central Penn Business Journal. Click here to read the original version.


Census data provides a fascinating look into population growth trends that stand to have a profound impact on our economy, both locally and nationally. More than just being “interesting” data to study, population growth and decline points us to important trends that will reshape supply and demand in various industries, one of the most prominent being real estate.

Just last month, the US Census Bureau released new population estimates. These estimates account for and compare the resident population for counties between the dates of April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2018. The outcome? There are shifts in population taking place across the nation that may differ from what you might assume. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights from this data from a national and local level.

At a National Level

South and West Lead Population Growth

The census data confirmed that counties with the largest numeric growth are located in the south and the west regions. In fact, Texas claimed four out of the top 10 spots. Looking at population growth by metropolitan area, Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas, had the largest numeric growth with a gain of 131,767 people, or 1.8 percent taking place in 2018. Second was Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Arizona which had an increase of 96,268 people, or 2.0 percent. The cause of growth in these areas is the result of migration, both domestic and international, as well as natural increase. In Dallas, it was natural increase which served as the largest source of population growth, whereas in Phoenix I was migration.

Fastest Growth Occurred Outside of Metropolitan Areas

Surprisingly, no new metro areas moved into the top 10 largest areas. Of the 390 metro areas within the US (including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico), 102 of these areas, or 26.2 percent experienced population decline in 2018. The five fastest-decreasing metro areas (excluding PR) were Charleston, West Virginia (-1.6 percent); Pine Bluff, Arkansas. (-1.5 percent); Farmington, New Mexico (-1.5 percent); Danville, Illinois (-1.2 percent); and Watertown-Fort Drum, New York (-1.2 percent). The population decreases were primarily due to negative net domestic migration.

North Dakota Claims Fastest Growing County

Among counties with a population of 20,000 or more, Williams County, North Dakota claimed the top spot as the fastest-growing county by percentage. This county increased by 5.9 percent between 2017 and 2018 (from 33,395 to 35,350 people). The rapid growth Williams County experienced was due mainly to net domestic migration, 1,471 people, in 2018. The county also experienced growth between 2017 and 2018 by both natural increase of 427 people, and international migration of 52 people.

More Growth than Decline

Out of 3,142 counties, 1,739 (or 55.3 percent) gained population between 2017 and 2018. Twelve counties (0.4 percent) experienced no change in population, and the remaining 1,391 (or 44.3 percent) lost population. Between 2010 and 2018, a total of 1,481 (or 47.1 percent) counties gained population and 1,661 (or 52.9 percent) lost population. Though there has been more growth than decline overall, the numbers indicate that this can easily shift year over year.

At a Local Level

Dauphin County

 Lancaster County

York County

Cumberland County

Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster and York Experience Consistent Growth

The most notable trend to take place between 2010 and 2018 in Central PA is that these counties all experienced consistent growth year-over-year. Moreover the growth occurred fairly evenly over the last 8 years. This provides consistency and enables the economy to respond to the growth over a reasonable amount of time.

Counties Also Maintain Same Order of Ranking in Population

Another trend worth noting is that the counties have maintained the same order of ranking based upon population for 8+ years. For example, in 2010 these counties in order of smallest population to largest population was Cumberland, Dauphin, York, Lancaster. This is the same ranking we see in 2018, and every year in between. No county surpassed another at any point.

Lancaster Remains Largest and Fastest Growing County

Lancaster County has a major lead in population over the others. At 984 square miles, it is also the largest of the 4 counties. Between 2010 and 2018 it also experienced the largest numeric growth at 24,112 people. Number two in numeric growth was actually the smallest of the four counties, Cumberland County, which grew by 16,017 people. York County grew by 13,301 people and Dauphin County grew by 8,997 people.

Overall, the latest US Census offers valuable and insightful information related to population growth between 2010 and 2018. Understanding the cause of either growth or decline provides framework for how these shifts may continue on their course, or change in the future.

A deeper dive into the census data reveals several demographic changes impacting commercial real estate development: household formations, aging baby boomers, growing millennials, women in the workforce, and migration toward the South.

Today’s demographic changes present challenges for commercial real estate developers, but they also offer lucrative opportunities to firms creatively adapting to new demands.

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10 Facts Any Commercial Real Estate Investor Should Know about Central PA’s Industrial Market

Posted on April 30, 2018 by Mike Kushner in Blog, Commercial Real Estate, Industrial, Local Market No Comments

10 Facts Any Commercial Real Estate Investor Should Know about Central PA’s Industrial Market

Central PA’s industrial real estate market is unique for a variety of different reasons. Taking into consideration its geographic, demographic and economic factors, we’ve compiled a list of what we feel are the most important facts worth knowing about our local industrial market.

If you are a commercial real estate investor, or simply someone who wants to know more about Central Pennsylvania’s commercial real estate market, you are sure to find this list of top 10 facts both valuable and interesting. Let’s take a look!

  1. Harrisburg-York-Lebanon CSA is 3rd most populous in PA and 43rd most populous in U.S.

The Harrisburg-York-Lebanon Combined Statistical Area (CSA) is made up of six counties and includes four metropolitan areas in Central Pennsylvania. In 2010, the CSA’s population was 1,233,708 people, making it the 3rd most populous CSA in PA and the 43rd most populous CSA in the U.S. The Harrisburg-York-Lebanon CSA includes the following Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs): Harrisburg-Carlisle, Lebanon, Gettysburg and York-Hanover.

  1. Harrisburg area puts up strong competition against Lehigh Valley.

Though Lehigh Valley is commonly recognized as Pennsylvania’s leader in warehousing and distribution, Harrisburg delivered only 600,000 SF less than Allentown in 2017, while also generating roughly the same rent growth. Additionally, companies such as Whirlpool, Amazon, Ace Hardware, FedEx, Kohler, and Lindt Chocolates have set up large-scale warehouse and distribution centers in Harrisburg – and those tenants account for just a portion of more than 16 million SF of net absorption.

  1. Harrisburg-Carlisle and Lancaster Ranked Among Leaders in National Job Growth

Of the 25 metro areas with the fastest job growth, as of August 2017, both Harrisburg-Carlisle and Lancaster placed on this competitive list. Lancaster ranked number 24 for its steady growth as it diversifies its economy and renovates its downtown and industrial areas. In six months Lancaster added 3,100 new jobs, bringing its total employment to 252,400 and 2017 growth rate to 1.23%. Harrisburg-Carlisle ranked number 8 on the list with 6,200 new jobs added in the first two quarters of 2017, bringing total employment to 346,100 and 2017 growth rate to 1.82%. Noted was the area’s diverse group of healthcare, technology and biotechnology businesses.

  1. Prime location for warehousing and distribution.

Central Pennsylvania is a premiere market for industrial space for several compelling reasons. For businesses who need easy and affordability storing and shipping of products, the areas offers a great roadway system, an abundant work force, relatively inexpensive and available raw land, and the ability to reach 70 to 80 percent of the U.S. population in 24 hours. Additionally, our government regulations on warehousing and distribution are comparatively easy and straightforward compared to other nearby states or regions.

  1. Four of the 10 Select Top Industrial Leases in Q4 2017 took place in the Harrisburg market.

According to CoStar’s Q4 report for 2017, Harrisburg east and west markets represented the majority of top industrial leases signed that year. Prologis Carlisle (1,029,600 SF), Goodman Logistics Center Carlisle (1,007,868 SF), Prologis Harrisburg (623,143 SF) and Carlisle Distribution Center (575,000 SF) were all leased to different businesses who were looking to grow their industrial real estate space in Central Pennsylvania. This activity indicates economic growth and interest in Central PA’s industrial real estate market, both from businesses and real estate investors.

  1. Lancaster market has the highest quoted rental rate for industrial space in Central PA at $4.69 per SF.

Even though Lancaster’s quoted rental rate for industrial space decreased by $0.45 per SF than where it was at the end of Q4 2016, it still comes in higher than Central PA’s other surrounding submarkets. At $4.69 per SF, Lancaster is $1.41 per SF higher than Lebanon, $0.03 per SF higher than Harrisburg/Carlisle, $0.08 per SF higher than Gettysburg and $0.67 per SF higher than York/Hanover based on Q4 2017.

  1. Lancaster also has the lowest vacancy rate for industrial space in Central PA at just 2.0%.

Lancaster ended Q4 2017 with the lowest vacancy rate of all surrounding submarkets. Compared to Lancaster’s vacancy rate of 2.0%, Lebanon came in at 15.8%, Harrisburg/Carlisle at 6.8% and York/Hanover at 4.9% based on Q4 2017. Though Gettysburg did end 2017 with a vacancy rate of 0.4%, it’s important to note this submarket has just 78 buildings with a combined 4,372,179 SF of existing inventory which places it at a much different level than the other submarkets, comparatively.

  1. Within the MSA, Harrisburg/Carlisle has the largest SF of industrial space under construction at 1,813,468 SF.

Two significantly large industrial projects will soon result in the addition of 1,813,468 SF to the Harrisburg/Carlisle submarket. Comparatively, Lebanon has three buildings under construction with a combined 1,310,195 SF of space, Lancaster has two buildings under construction with a combined 76,486 SF of space, York/Hanover has two buildings under construction with a combined 895,000 SF of space and Gettysburg has no new industrial space under construction. For Central PA as a whole, that equals 4,095,149 SF of new industrial space that will soon be delivered to the market.

  1. Harrisburg/Carlisle’s ended 2017 with a positive net absorption of 2,700,108 SF.

According to CoStar’s Q4 2017 industrial market report, Harrisburg/Carlisle ended the year with the highest, positive net absorption we’ve seen since prior to 2014. At 2,700,180 SF, this is significantly higher than any other quarter that year, especially Q2 where the net absorption dropped to negative 499,576 SF. Additionally is Q4 2017, one new building was delivered to the market, adding 1,100,000 SF of space. Even with this influx of inventory, the net absorption rose by 2,083,756 SF. The new building that was delivered is Whirlpool’s new distribution facility located at 100 Fry Drive, Mechanicsburg.

  1. Influx of State and Federal dollars will continue to improve transportation in and around Central PA.

The Trump administration has recently been touting a $1.5 trillion, 10-year public-private plan to improve roads, bridges, ports and other infrastructures across the nation. Central Pennsylvania has plans to utilize some of this federal funding to bolster its priority projects which include fixing structurally deficient bridges and widening interstates. Improvement to our roadways and infrastructure will improve public safety, create construction jobs and make Central PA an even more attractive location for warehousing and distribution.

After reading through these top 10 facts any commercial real estate investor should know about Central PA’s industrial market, you are likely to have some comments or questions of your own.

Start a discussion by leaving a comment below!

 

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Top 10 Most Shared Commercial Real Estate Articles of 2015

Posted on May 1, 2016 by Mike Kushner in Blog, Commercial Real Estate No Comments

Top 10 Most Shared Commercial Real Estate Articles of 2015

Commercial real estate is a hot topic, with authors from all across the globe sharing their expertise and insights in the form of online articles and blogs. Among the white noise of content being shared, there are a few articles that have risen to the top and earned their place on the list of “Top 10 Most Shared Commercial Real Estate Articles of 2015.

Among the thousands of most shared commercial real estate articles published in 2015 (according to www.buzzsumo.com), these are the topics that took social media by storm!

1. 5 Words Developers Dread (National Real Estate Investor)

This article dives into why we should expect real estate development to become less profitable and real estate development loans to become more expensive. One of the main catalysts? Regulated institutions are now required to set aside increased capital for High Volatility Commercial Real Estate (HVCRE) loans and as a result of these new rules, lenders are reporting increased related costs in the range of 40 to 150 basis points, depending on their specific situation. Read the original article here.

2. Foreign Money is Pouring into US Real Estate, and It’s Not Just Houses (Bloomberg)

Commercial real estate transactions jumped 45 percent by dollar volume in the first quarter of 2015, an increase driven by sales of multiple buildings or entire companies! This article goes on to explain why Blockbuster real estate deals are back and breaking records as cash from around the globe pours into U.S. office buildings, apartment complexes and other investment properties. Read the original article here.

3. The Mother of All Mega Projects (Crain’s)

The story of Hudson Yards epitomizes the trials, tribulations and triumphs of development in New York City, where grandiose ideas are often blown off course by the shifting winds of politics or economics, but sometimes come together in spectacular fashion. Read the original article here.

4. Four Trends that are Reshaping the Commercial Real Estate Industry (Forbes)

While much of the world has embraced technology innovations like the cloud, mobility and big data, commercial real estate (CRE) is still managed out of Excel spreadsheets and 20-year-old technology platforms. This article examines how the commercial real estate industry will be reshaped and redefined by four key trends. Read the original article here.

5. A Marketing Guide for Filling Vacant Income Properties (Entrepreneur) 

Vacancies mean that you’re on your own to pay the mortgage, utilities and other expenses until you can find a new tenant. This article shares some sound advice on filling your vacant rental properties as soon as possible through strategic marketing! Read the original article here.

6. 44 Commercial Real Estate Experts You Need in Your Life

From data transparency and client relationships to new sources of commercial funding and content delivery, this article highlights a few of the most influential and forward thinking commercial real estate experts that are blazing their own trail. Read the original article here.

7. 5 Commercial Real Estate Marketing Trends You Can Bank On (National Real Estate Investor)

This article cuts right to the chase and outlines the five biggest commercial real estate marketing trends we can look forward to seeing in 2016 and beyond! Read the original article here.

8. 5 Lessons From Commercial-Real-Estate Financing for Entrepreneurs Seeking Funding (Entrepreneur) Raising capital in the commercial real estate (CRE) world is a different game than early-stage fundraising for startup businesses. However, there are some valuable takeaways that startup businesses can learn from how CRE projects raise their funding. Read the original article here.

9. Soaring Commercial Real Estate Market is Now Bigger than it was in 2006 (Yahoo! Finance)

This article examines how a thriving commercial real estate market may be decelerating as we move into 2016 and beyond. Learn what major markets made the greatest strides and how they will be impacted in the years to come. Read the original article here.

10. A Millennial’s Perspective on Commercial Real Estate (National Real Estate Investor)

The not-so-new story is that Millennials are the next home buyers and we’ve all got to keep up with the technology in order to close those imminent sales. But how is Gen Y going to use technology to affect the industry’s brokerage side? Read the original article here.

Among these top 10 most shared commercial real estate articles, which one did you find to be most valuable? Share your thoughts by commenting below!

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The Truth About Real Estate Commissions

Posted on March 2, 2016 by Mike Kushner in Blog, Commercial Real Estate, Tenant Representative/Buyer Agent No Comments

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When it comes to real estate transactions, everyone knows that commissions are involved; it’s how brokers get paid! But what’s not so common knowledge are the various details surrounding these commissions like who actually gets paid, who’s responsible for paying and how much is owed.

Whether you’re the tenant or landlord in the deal, you’ll want to have clear answers to all of these questions before working with a broker or proceeding with any real estate deal. Understanding the “fine print” will help alleviate the stress and potential pitfalls of being uninformed regarding commissions.

Let’s take a look at some of the most essential questions surrounding this important real estate topic…and their answers!

What parties earn a commission?

Typically, a commission is paid to both the listing agent/landlord representative and the tenant representative, if a real estate transaction has both of these parties involved and they are different from one another (here’s why they should be!).

It’s important to note that if you are a tenant looking for a property, you will want to have your tenant representative with you from the very first time you see a property.  If another agent (whether you know them/asked them or not and regardless of whether they represent both buyers and sellers) bring you to a property, he/she is legally entitled to a portion of the leasing commission as the “procuring” agent.

You may never see this agent again or benefit from their advice/expertise, but since that agent showed you the property, that agent will be paid a commission. This complicates the situation if you should choose to then hire a tenant rep different from the initial agent who showed you the property – and a commission dispute may ensue. To avoid all this trouble, it is best to establish your tenant rep from the beginning and have only him or her show you properties!

Who is responsible for paying this commission?

After a lease is signed, it is typically the responsibility of the landlord (or property owner) to pay a commission to both the listing agent/landlord representative and the tenant representative. As the tenant, it is not usually assumed to be your responsibility to pay a commission to your broker. This is paid by the landlord at the time the lease is executed, unless otherwise negotiated.

How is the amount of commission determined?

The cost of commission varies and commission is most often calculated as a percentage of the lease value (also referred to as “total consideration”). When the signed lease has been executed and the tenant takes occupancy, generally one-half of the commission (paid by the landlord) is paid to the landlord rep and one-half of the commission is paid to the tenant rep.

For example, a tenant signs a 3-year lease for a 2,000 square-foot space at $20 per SF per year. The total consideration = $120,000 (2,000 SF * $20/SF per year * 3 years). The property owner pays a 6% commission (one-half to landlord rep and one-half to tenant rep). The total commission = $7,200 ($120,000 * 0.06).

It’s also worth noting that an agent may “split” their total piece of the commission, sharing it in some proportion with their broker. Commission splits range anywhere from 50/50 (most common) to 90/10, in favor of the agent.

Real estate services are NOT free.

Real estate transactions typically include commissions that are shared by the agents or advisors representing each party. Even though the property owner writes the commission check, it’s ultimately the tenant that funds the commission – in the form of rent payments (for leases) or purchase proceeds (for sales). Make certain that you are receiving full value from your “side” of the commission by having an unbiased, experienced, licensed real estate advisor assist you with the research for suitable spaces and in the negotiation of acceptable terms and conditions.

Do you have another question about real estate commissions that wasn’t answered in this article? Ask us!

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Robust Growth Predicted in 2016 for Central PA Industrial Real Estate Market

Posted on January 8, 2016 by Mike Kushner in Blog, Local Market, Trends No Comments

Robust Growth Predicted in 2016 for Central PA Industrial Real Estate MarketAre you ready to start off 2016 with some good news? The industrial real estate market in Central Pennsylvania is riding a wave of robust economic growth and all signs point to a continuing boom that could be the greatest in the sector’s history!

Looking at the fourth quarter data, our latest research confirms that the industrial sector of the local real estate market has now absorbed over 8.5 million square feet of warehouse space since first quarter 2015. With virtually every industrial sector experiencing increased demand—from data processing hubs to distribution space and manufacturing centers—the four quarters of 2015 saw more demand for industrial space than compared to the last 20 years.

What exactly is driving this demand and what other trends can we expect to result from this economic growth? Let’s take a look!

Three factors driving this high level of industrial demand:

Employment: Across the nation, the real GDP has been expanding at a better than 4% growth rate since April of 2014 (nearly 150 bps higher than the historical norm). The faster rate of growth has triggered a burst of new hiring across nearly all job sectors and geographies. The U.S. economy created 2.9 million net new nonfarm jobs in 2014, and more specifically, industrial employment grew by 442,000 net new payrolls in 2014 – the most industrial-related job growth in 17 years.

Looking specifically at Harrisburg-Carlisle MSA, the unemployment rate is 3.5 percent as of November 2015 and the lowest it has been in recent months. We also closed the year with 294,626 nonfarm jobs which is nearly 7,500 more jobs than last year at this time and among the highest we have seen throughout 2015.

Manufacturing: Adding to the good news is the ISM Manufacturing Index, which has been in solid expansion mode for 25 consecutive quarters. Such robust trends have led to a 5.2% year-over-year increase (nationally) in industrial production—a rate of growth that went unmatched throughout the 2000’s.

Again looking locally, Harrisburg-Carlisle MSA, Lancaster MSA and York-Hanover MSA each rank among the top 10 regions in the state for manufacturing jobs. Combined, these areas (that correlate with CoStar’s Central PA submarket) employ a total 89,356 people in this industry alone, as of second quarter 2015. Manufacturing jobs continue to trend upward after recovering from a major dip in 2010.

Harrisburg MSA Manufacturing Employment

Oil Prices: The past six months of continually falling oil prices have given the bulk of the U.S. economy an additional boost and will provide another tailwind for growth moving forward. Since June of 2014, crude oil prices (WTI) have declined more than 50%, making the national average gas price $2.17 per gallon as of mid-January, 2015. Most consumers and businesses are responding favorably to the drop in energy prices, and consumer spending has ramped up for vehicle sales, durable goods, building materials, clothing and accessories, food and beverage, etc.

In the Harrisburg-Carlisle MSA, oil prices are down about 18.6 percent from last winter, beating the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s prediction of a 15 percent drop this winter. The average for heating oil was $2.999 on Dec. 1, according to the Energy Information Administration, compared with $3.683 a year ago. Local Marcellus Shale production has helped keep oil prices low while also adding jobs to the economy.

Final Takeaways

All of these factors bode well for industrial real estate, even as the rising value of the dollar and weakening economic conditions abroad present headwinds for the year ahead.

Additionally, new construction activity is showing no signs of slowing as there is currently 3.5 million square feet under construction in the Central Pennsylvania Submarket, of which 98% is being constructed on spec. The majority of new spec inventory is expected to deliver in the first quarter of 2016 and will push the overall vacancy rate northward for the market.

Despite the large amount of spec space coming online next quarter, tenant demand has been particularly strong in new inventory constructed over the past two years, evidenced by the market’s low vacancy and strong positive absorption.

The new space that has come into the market at the end of 2015 should continue this trend and generate a significant amount of activity in the near-term.

Which of the market factors discussed do you believe will be most powerful in 2016 and beyond? Join in the conversation by commenting below!

 

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The Obamacare Effect on Local Real Estate

Posted on September 6, 2015 by Mike Kushner in Blog, Commercial Real Estate, CPBJ Articles, Healthcare No Comments

Note: This article was originally published by the Central Penn Business Journal. Click here to read the original version.

The Obamacare Effect on Local Real EstateNo matter your age, income or current bill of health, in some way or another, we will all be impacted by the major changes taking place in the health care industry nationwide.

The Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, represents the most significant overhaul of the U.S. health care system since the passage of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965.

While it’s easy to predict the industries where these waves of change will come crashing down the hardest, less obvious industries, like commercial real estate, have also felt the impact of these ripples — and there are more to come.

For real estate investors, the big question is what impact this regulatory overhaul of health care mandates, subsidies and insurance exchanges will ultimately have on the commercial market. The best clues can be found in the emerging trends taking place in local health care real estate across the region.

Simply put, there are two major trends we should be watching closely right now.

Monetization

Noncore real estate, such as medical office buildings and outpatient facilities, have become a common asset that health care systems are monetizing first to help stay financially afloat. Selling off real estate and consolidating square footage is a necessary tool for health care systems right now. Here’s why.

1. Provide an infusion of capital for core investments. Selling off noncore real estate assets can provide health care systems with a quick and significant infusion of cash, allowing them to reinvest this capital back into essential items like construction, renovation and upgraded medical equipment.

2. Focus on strategic growth. Rather than holding on to an underperforming or noncore real estate asset, health care systems are selling them off and using this money to prioritize physician recruitment and retention, clinical expansion and growing their market share.

3. Strengthen balance sheet. The capital gained from monetization will improve liquidity — and a health system’s balance sheet as a result — allowing it to earn a better credit rating.

4. Reduce legal and regulatory exposure. More properties mean more opportunities for a costly violation. Health care systems benefit from reduced legal and regulatory exposure by monetizing their noncore real estate assets.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Some of Central Pennsylvania’s largest health care systems have engaged in discussions regarding merging or acquiring another facility. Specifically, four different mergers have already taken place or are currently in the works, each for unique reasons, but with the same goal in mind — to rein in costs and expand access.

1. PinnacleHealth (JC Blair Health System) and Penn State Hershey (St Joseph Regional Health Network). The most compelling reason for this merger is the projected economic savings. The recurring long-term savings is estimated to be at least $86 million annually through avoided capital and operating costs.

2. Holy Spirit and Geisinger (AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center and health care system, Shamokin Area Community Hospital, Bloomsburg Health System and Lewistown Hospital). In this “affiliation,” a small Catholic health system formally joins with a large, technologically-advanced system in an effort to continue to make health care accessible and affordable to the most people.

3. Lancaster General and University of Pennsylvania Health System. One of the largest benefits of this merger, aside from their entry into a new market, is the ability for patients to receive treatment at one facility and follow up at another. LG Health President and CEO Tom Beeman identified health care reform as the driving force behind this merger.

4. WellSpan (Good Samaritan, Ephrata Community Hospital and Philhaven).Wellspan/Good Samaritan is primarily focused on physical health while Philhaven specializes in behavioral conditions and mental health. Combined, these organizations will be better equipped to serve a broad range of patients at a fraction of the cost of trying to add these specialties independently.

The future

The velocity at which the health care industry is changing cannot be overestimated. While we are already experiencing disruption and change resulting from health care reform, technology, big data, regulatory and other impactful forces in the health care industry, I believe it is simply too soon to accurately predict the full impact these changes will have on the commercial real estate industry.

Despite the many uncertainties surrounding the hot-button issue of health care reform, there is one certain conclusion I will draw. Health care systems are prepared (and have already begun) to proactively make changes to their real estate in an effort to stay afloat.

They will do whatever it takes, even if this means selling off large properties or merging with/acquiring another health care system. We should be prepared to continue to see health care systems tighten up and team up to make their services efficient and competitive.

While there are many more changes yet to come, ones that are sure to be both positive and negative, the real estate industry should remain ready to quickly react to the changing needs of health care systems during this time.

Read more by Mike Kushner on CPBJ.com…

Regional rental demand: What it means for economic growth

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4 Risks of Working with Real Estate Brokers Who Represent Both Buyers and Sellers

Posted on June 10, 2015 by mike.kushner in Blog, Tenant Representative/Buyer Agent No Comments

It is a safe observation based on over 30 years of real estate practice that the vast majority of consumers – in this case real estate buyers/tenants and sellers/landlords – do not understand the concepts of “agency.”  One might also observe that a significant segment, if not most, of the licensed real estate practitioners do not completely understand the concepts of “agency.” This is not so much an indictment of real estate licensees as it is a statement on the twisted, awkward and convoluted nature of agency laws that have been imposed on our industry by our esteemed governing and regulatory bodies.

The Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act (RELRA) requires that consumers be provided with a Consumer Notice at the initial interview or meeting. Instead of boring you with an explanation of the entire Consumer Notice, I am going to tell you about the most important part:

Buyer Agent (or Tenant Rep): As a buyer agent (or tenant rep), the licensee and the licensee’s company work EXCLUSIVELY for the buyer/tenant even if paid by the seller/landlord.  The buyer agent (or tenant rep) MUST act in the buyer’s/tenant’s best interest, including making a continuous and good faith effort to find a property for the buyer/tenant, except while the buyer/tenant is subject to an existing contract, and must keep all confidential information, other than known material defects about the property, confidential.

What does all this mean?  If you are buying or leasing commercial real estate you want a Buyer Agent/Tenant Representative to represent you. Here are four risks that you don’t want take:

Risk #1: Your broker will be representing two opposite interests

When you think about a tenant or buyer and a landlord or seller, each has a need that is opposite of one another. Everyone involved also wants the best deal at the best price. This is where the inherent conflict exists. A real estate broker cannot equally represent both parties’ interests while negotiating hard. A better deal for one party means a lesser deal for another party. Someone will always play second fiddle. Do you want to risk this person being you?

Instead, look for a real estate broker who only represents clients like you – either a tenant/buyer or a landlord/seller. Not both.

Risk #2: You may be pushed into an option that is not best suited for you

The second risk of working with a real estate broker who does not exclusively represent one party is that you may not be presented with all of the options available to you. For example, you are looking for office space and your broker represents several landlords who have office space available. You are likely going to be pushed toward choosing from these properties first before they show you outside properties with which they have no association.

While this makes perfect business sense for your broker, it doesn’t benefit you in the same way. You deserve a broker who will exclusively represent your interests as a buyer/tenant and do all the research necessary to find your ideal property – beyond their own internal client book.

Risk #3: You will not have your broker’s undivided time and resources

You are not likely to ever be your broker’s only client (unless business is exceptionally slow). A good broker will try and dedicate adequate time to meet your needs in a timely fashion, but a broker who represents both sides will have even less available time for you. In addition to fielding your questions, requests and negotiations, they will also be juggling the same from the landlord or seller with whom they want you to sign the deal. .

Ensure your needs will made a priority by working only with a broker who exclusively represents you as a buyer or tenant.

Risk #4: You will get a “Jack of All Trades”…but a master of none

As mentioned in the introduction of this article, for some industries it is an advantage to be a “Jack of All Trades.” In real estate, however, specialization if critical for remaining unbiased and motivated to only work in the favor of one side of the negotiating table. A similar example would be a lawyer. Would you want to be represented by someone in court who was advocating for your case as well as the person arguing the opposite side? The same is true when selecting your real estate broker. You don’t want a mediator; you need someone who is completely free to take your side and negotiate 100% in your best interest…and this is a an exclusive tenant representative or buyer agent.

Have you worked with a real estate broker who represented both tenants and buyers as well as landlords and sellers? Was your experience good or bad? Share your story by commenting below!

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