Design Makes a Difference

Designing medical office space may not be a physicians specialty, but it is definitely something to consider when building. Bruce Puffer from Physician's News Digest wrote an article, "Design for a new medical office," explaining some things to consider when designing new medical office space. Categories in the article include: "Location, Location, Location, Selecting a Contractor, Get the Right Input, Make Every Inch Count, Putting Your Office in Order, Individuality Has Its Place, How Much Storage Do You Really Need?, and Finishing Touches." Each category has valid information for any practice looking into building new medical office space. The section, "Make Every Inch Count," has some really interesting advice on where to place laboratory facilities in the building. To read the full article, click here.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Leasing Medical Office Space

When the time comes for your practice to move to a new medical office space, the most important question will most likely be, "Should we lease or buy?" Rachael Spohn from Ezine.com wrote an article, "​​The Costs and Benefits of Leasing Your Medical Office Space," with some great tips to consider when thinking about buying or leasing your next medical office space. One advantage she mentions is, "You pay less up-front cash" and one disadvantage is, "Leasing never builds up equity." To read the full article on the advantages and disadvantages, click here.

Southwest Florida says Goodbye to High Impact Fees

Impact fees for medical office space have been cut by 70% in Southwest Florida. An article by Dick Hogan, "Contractors hope for growth revival for medical office space,"​ from news-press.com says, "Commissioners said they hope the cuts, which will cost $1 million to $2 million, will stimulate the building of medical office space." What is the current situation for medical office space in your community? Feel free to share in the comments section below. To read the full article that was mentioned above, click here.

All New Web Site

National Realty Network has a new web site we would love for you all to take a look at. The site has information for doctors, landlords, buyers & sellers, and developers. Anyone interested in office medical space should really visit. We also have a section for listings for those interested. To visit the page, click here.

Calling All Physicians Moving Office Spaces

If you are planning to move medical office spaces, then here is a great article with some things to keep in mind for the move. Robert I. Freedman of Medscape Today wrote an article, "Planning a New Medical Office Space," that has information on office location, office size, and renovation. The section on office location suggests using a Google map to find a good space that will be easy for all of your patients to get to. To read the article in its entirety, click here.

Appeal for Office Medical Space is Up

Is the need for medical office space recession proof? David Scherer, vice president of Grubb & Ellis thinks so because people will always need to go to the doctor whether or not the economy is in a recession. An article by Tony Illia, "Medical-space demand strong in weak office market" from the Las Vegas Business Press, explains how even in the poor economy office medical space is still needed. This is a great article for both investors and physicians interested in medical office real estate.

Health Reform and Medical Office Investors

Now that health care reform laws have been passed, more and more people will be insured. Of course, this will lead to more people going to see physicians, and is believed to ultimately lead to more medical office space having to be built. Denise Kalette from National Real Estate Investor wrote an article, "Medical Office Investors Mobilize as Health Reform Becomes Law, explains how one investing company, National Standard Finance, is choosing to invest in medical real estate.

Medical Office Condo May Suit You

For some physicians, choosing to purchase a medical office condo is a great option, especially because it means they get to own their space. An article from MedicalOfficeToday.com, "Buying a Medical Office Condo" by Sibley Fleming, explains the benefits of owning a medical office condo. The article even includes "Tips for new buyers" for all the physicians thinking about purchasing a medical office condo. Anyone interested in a medical office condo should take a look at this article, here.

Preparing Medical Office Space for Sale

When selling medical office space there are some steps physicians should take in order to make their office space look better for a potential buyer. The following article from American Medical News, "Selling your practice? Here's how to prep it" by Victoria Stagg Elliott, gives 5 steps for physicians to follow if they're trying to sell their medical office space. The first of her five steps is "organize the money." For the rest of the steps (descriptions included) check out the article, here.

Legal Issues in Medical Real Estate

In any type of real estate, there are going to be legal issues surrounding the case. In medical real estate, it is vital to have knowledge of all these issues. An article from the Colorado Real Estate Journal, "Medical Office Leasing," by Jonathan A. Goodman does a great job of explaining some of the legal issues in the world of medical real estate.

Things to Know in Medical Real Estate

This Orlando Medical News article highlights ten areas of interest doctors may consider when selecting an office space. A few of the ten factors highlighted in the text are: affordability, accessibility, shell space vs. used space, geographic location, and exclusivity. For detailed information on the 10 factors, check out the rest of this article.

Look Before You Sign

This article, "Review Medical Office Lease Before Signing", discusses some common provisions found in medical office lease agreements between landlords and physicians. The article urges physicians looking to sign a lease to read the contract carefully, and suggest alterations to provisions if need be. Overall, the article warns against contract language that can lead to a misunderstanding or may permit the physician to be overcharge.

A How to on Leasing Office Space

Thinking about opening up a new office, or relocating an already existing one? This article gives a basic, general overview of the steps that should be taken prior to signing a lease to rent any type of office space. The instructions suggest contacting a real estate agent, thinking about the future of your business and the office space, and addressing all possible concerns of the space.

Maybe it's Time to Invest in Medical Real Estate

This article, featured in General Surgery News, discusses the raising trend amongst physicians of investing in medical office buildings. Today, many physicians are merging with larger practices to reap the economic benefits of being an investor, and guarantee stabilization of their practice. The article offers questions physicians should consider if they are interested in investing in medical office space, and how to measure the value of this type of investment.

Success in Medical Real Estate

In the article, "Doctors invest in medical office buildings, future", author Jay Greene exposes the benefits physicians are receiving from investing in their own office spaces. By investing in and building a medical office rather than paying rent to lease one, physicians save money and increase revenue. The article goes into depth by explaining the success stories of physicians around the country who have chosen to invest in medical real estate.

Should you be selling your medical office space?

If you have been wondering when a good time to sell medical office space then you may be in luck because it’s possible the time is now. An article from amednews.com, “Medical office buildings: Time to sell?” by Victoria Stagg Elliott has key insights on why now might be the time to sell your medical office space. One important topic she discusses is what type of space is most appealing currently. If this article sounds interesting to your current situation, take a look at it here.

Renting out your space to other physicians

Once you have your own office space it can be a good idea to rent some of it out to other physicians. This can be a great idea with the way the economy is treating us all right now. An article from amednews.com, “Sharing your space: Things to consider when looking for an office mate” by Victoria Stagg Elliott, explains some of the important details when it comes to sharing office space with another physician. One major benefit she discusses is the possibility for growth. If you are interested in taking a look at the article it can be found here.

Another Fresh Look at Leasing vs. Purchasing Medical Office Space

As seen in the last blog, there are many benefits to both leasing and purchasing medical office space, but the research hasn’t stopped there. Join Christine Miller from M.D. News as she digs deep exploring different positives and negatives of leasing and purchasing medical office space. Read her article here to see which option may benefit you the most.

To Rent or To Purchase: Some Advice to Consider

To rent or to purchase. That is the question facing physicians, doctors, and other health care professionals. Initial costs and potential for growth must both be considered. Naturally, the most important factor in purchasing or leasing medical real estate is what you can afford. Read here for more information on Planning a New Medical Office, including how to best deal with a broker that best suits your unique situation.

MedScape Today: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/554115_2

New to Medical Real Estate?

A new physician or doctor entering an established practice has a lot to consider when it comes to real estate. Helping to make the process of leasing, partnering, and/or buying medical real estate is Jeffrey B. Sansweet, Esq of the Physicians News Digest:

"Buying in to medical practice real estate"

Medical Office? Lease Now!

Thinking about leasing a medical office? Victoria Elliott from American Medical News says now is the time to act. Due to the real estate downturn, many tenants are finding that less competition and more space means lower rates. If you currently rent, now may also be the time to renegotiate the terms of your lease. Plus, if you play your cards right, a few luxuries and perks might get thrown in.

Those of you with an eyebrow raised might be wondering what led the current climate of the medical real estate market. Skeptics need not worry, because the issue is fairly clear-cut: before the downturn, there was an abundance of real estate developed; now, rents are down and vacancies are up. This type of market means that owners of medical real estate may have to get creative to keep old tenants are lure new ones. Many landlords are offering incentives such as a few free months or golf club memberships. These perks avoid devaluation of the real estate and show the tenant that their business is important.

What does the future hold for the medical real estate market? Predictions are that the average price will continue to go down, at least in the immediate future. While 10.1 million square feet of medical office space are set to be completed by the end of 2009, that number should reduce by about 3 million in 2010.

American Hospital Review http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/12/14/bil21214.htm

Leasing Medical Office Space

Increasingly, medical professionals and investors are finding that leasing office space can be mutually beneficial. First, by opting out of ownership of the property, the physicians and staff are able to receive substantial captial in exchange. This money can be used for growth or improvements, while also paying off tenant fees. Second, the medical staff can choose to retain or forgo responsibilities such as utilities and maintenance, depending upon the type of lease. As for the investor, medical real estate presents a unique opportunity, as the healthcare sector remains largely immune to trying economic times. Hospital Review Magazine addresses the benefits and potential risks of such a scenario in an article entitled "Investing in Medical Office Net Lease Properties":

• Leases are tax deductible.
• Not tying up your cash and keeping more liquidity.
• Off balance sheet financing.
• Lower risk

For more from this article, visit

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