Don't rush into REITs
You'd think that investors would be leery of companies that own and manage commercial real estate. Vacancy rates remain elevated in office buildings and shopping centers. Except for apartment buildings, rents really haven't grown at all in four years. And given the possibility that the global economy may retrench yet again, things could still get worse before they get better.

Commercial property tax plans stir opposition in Iowa
Iowa can't whack 40 percent from commercial property values for tax purposes without cuts in city and county services or mammoth tax shifts, local government officials say.

Griffin-American Healthcare REIT II Acquires Spokane Integrated Medical Plaza for $33 Million
SPOKANE, Wash., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Griffin-American Healthcare REIT II (formerly known as Grubb & Ellis Healthcare REIT II) announced today that it has acquired Spokane Integrated Medical Plaza ...

Buildings built after 2005 'can withstand' magnitude 8 quakes
THE Cebu City Office of the Building Official (OBO) admitted that some buildings in the city are vulnerable to strong earthquakes. Acting Building Official Josefa Ylanan pointed out that even in Japan, where advance technology is used in construction projects, some buildings are still not stable enough to withstand strong earthquakes.

Midwest Industrial Park Phase II work planned
Bids are now being accepted for infrastructure construction at Midwest Industrial Park Phase II, and work could begin as early as March or April, Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County President Tim Rogers said Monday.

Buildings built after 2005 can withstand magnitude 8 quakes, says OBO
THE Cebu City Office of the Building Official (OBO) admitted that some buildings in the city are vulnerable to strong earthquakes. Acting Building Official Josefa Ylanan pointed out that even in Japan, where advance technology is used in construction projects, some buildings are still not stable enough to withstand strong earthquakes.

REITs to avoid
Investors are racing into REITs that promise higher yields than equity REITs. But be forewarned, the higher yields of these other types of real estate vehicles come with very real risks.

New Liquidity For Private REITs Is A Real Drag
So-called non-traded REITs represent a rapidly growing income producing niche among alternative investments.

Industrial Land Shortage
Addition of Farbest Leaves County with No More Large Parcels in Industrial Park

CapLease to Host Fourth Quarter and Year End 2011 Earnings Conference Call and Webcast
CapLease, Inc. , a real estate investment trust focused on owning and managing single-tenant commercial real estate properties, today announced that it will host a conference call and webcast on Friday, February 17, 2012, at 9:00 a.m.