The seniors’ housing deal factory that churned out record numbers over the past 3 years hasn’t shut down completely, but financing terms have become increasingly difficult as lenders and investors alike retool their expectations amid the credit crunch. Most of the deals that are going through today are getting re-priced downward, and sellers are starting to face that reality. On the other hand, with more discerning residents, longer life expectancies, growing acceptance by consumers and an outdated supply, players will be able to capitalize on the need for quality independent living, assisted living and continuing care retirement communities. Cap rates will rise in the second half of 2008, partly because of the liquidity issues in the capital markets and less aggressive bidding. As a result of that, sales of the higher-end properties that tended to have the lowest cap rates will not be as prevalent as in the past few years.

Consolidation Is Coming

Ninety percent of senior housing will be owned by institutional investors by 2015, a reverse from the current 90% mom-and-pop ownership structure of today, according to a recent report by Jones Lang LaSalle Capital Markets.

The Wall Street Journal reports that senior housing is set to boom in the next 20 years, and with the increasing older demographics, there will likely be a big shift in senior housing ownership. According to the US Census Bureau, the oldest baby boomers will turn 65 in 2011, and the senior population is expected to double between 2010 and 2030 from 35 million to 72 million. To put the influence of older Americans into perspective, while the total US headcount is projected to go up by 18% between 2010 and 2030, the older population will rise 78% during that same period. As a result, one in five Americans will be 65 or older in 2030. Those 85 or older are also projected to grow from 4.2 million in 2000 to almost 10 million by 2030 and 21 million by 2050.

Assisted Living Rents Increase

The average assisted living resident pays $3,008 per month for housing and services, according to a recent national study by Genworth Financial. That figure is up 25% from $2,397 per month in 2004. The higher end costs topped $4,900 per month in New Jersey, while the lower end is about $2,000 per month in Arkansas. Read more

Finding Your Real Estate Agent

Whenever you buy or sell real estate, you may be like millions of other people out there, in thinking that you don’t need a real estate agent. Most people who buy or sell homes, generally think that a real estate agent is a waste of money. Those who choose to buy a new home, think that real estate agents only add to the cost of purchasing the home.

What most people aren’t aware of, is the fact that real estate agents are normally paid by the seller, not by the buyer. As a buyer, you’ll get to work with a professional real estate agent without really having to pay for it yourself. The policies can vary greatly from state to state and company to company, which is why you should always check any paperwork or contracts that are provided to you to ensure this is the case. When you are interviewing agents, make certain to ask about any type of fees as well. Read more

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