Life science is not just that high school class you took in 10th grade. In fact, it is a flourishing industry and it has caught the attention of many prominent and budding CRE investors recently. The life and bio science industry has been steadily surging for some time now due to increased knowledge, funding and research in the scientific and medical fields. In fact studies show 79% of adults say “science has made life easier for most people and a majority is positive about science’s impact on the quality of healthcare, food and the environment.” So why are investors eyeing these properties? Let’s take a look.

Female and Male Scientists Working on their Computers In Big Modern Laboratory. Various Shelves with Beakers, Chemicals and Different Technical Equipment is Visible.

1. Life Science Jobs are Increasing

Life science and biotech jobs are increasing at a steady rate. In recent years much of society has shifted into caring about scientific advancements in various fields such as, medical, nutritional, environmental and more. It has been recorded that “science holds an esteemed place among citizens and professionals. Americans recognize the accomplishments of scientists in key fields and, despite considerable dispute about the role of government in other realms, there is broad public support for government investment in scientific research.”

With this mindset, from now to 2026,  jobs are predicted to increase by 10%, a faster than average rate, and medical research will increase demand for workers. When investors see that an industry is steadily rising with no indication of plateauing anytime soon. it is normally a good industry to invest in early.

2. The Demand is High

Considering new innovations and jobs are opening incredibly frequently in this field, it is no surprise the demand is high. Growth has occurred in some of the most prominent cities including Boston, San Diego, Chicago, New York City and more. Vacancy rates for life science properties are remaining low. How low? It can fluctuate between 2-4% range, but in some cities like Cambridge, Massachusetts, for example, vacancies are virtually 0%.

In fact, rents in this city for scientific properties are on average $75/SF as per recent research. This is good news for developers and the investors who back them. Increasing supply in the slightest when demand is high can be a great move financially.

3. Advancements in Biotechnology

With the population of seniors growing, many diseases like cancer, HIV, and diabetes making headway in new medical advancements the need for lab spaces is critical in cities all over the country. One of the biggest reasons lab space has increased recently is the mapping of the complete human genome, and the specific advancements that have accompanied it. The price of mapping these genomes once cost millions of dollars, but with recent advancements, has dropped to around $1,000. This has resulted in expansive DNA research as well as medical and scientific advancements across multiple fronts.

The great thing about scientific advancements is that they build on each other, and one discover leads to the discovery of new things, which keep the market constantly evolving — a great thing for investors.

The industrial market has long been a favorite amongst CRE investors and occupiers for a variety of reasons. In the United States, there is normally a need for industrial properties at any given time. This makes the industrial sector especially hot for future real estate endeavors due to its resilience.

By using NAI Global’s expert local research, along with the input of their region-specific team members — which produces intelligence that conveys future predictions in quarterly reports — we have put together a list of 5 hot industrial real estate markets and why you should be watching them now.

1. Northern New Jersey

Northern New Jersey has always been a hotbed for industrial activity. New Jersey has the appeal to many investors and major corporations, especially in the warehouse, manufacturing and distribution sectors. The market has remained incredibly strong for a number of years and continues to grow. Due to the proximity to New York City, the valuable space in the Meadowlands, Wayne, and Totowa often results in incredibly high demand from buyers.

Overall, at the end of 2018, Northern New Jersey had an average asking rate of $8.16 and vacancy of only 2.9%. Asking rates have almost doubled since 2015, and vacancies have plummeted creating incredible demand. “Leasing of new construction has lead the charge, being absorbed before or upon delivery. Overall, this sector’s vacancy rate has further declined to leave little availability. This pressure has pushed rates to record heights with NNN deals in the $14 range,” says Russell Verducci, Vice President of NAI Hanson.

2. San Diego California

San Diego and the surrounding areas are commonly associated with success in the multifamily sector, and while that is true — the industrial sector is also thriving. Unlike the aforementioned area in New Jersey, San Diego mainly appeals to the defense, biotech, and life science industries. “Torrey Pines is home to world-renowned research institutions performing groundbreaking work,” research shows. Innovative current tenants looking to expand increases demand and pushes flex vacancies to an extremely desirable rate. Additionally, with new construction on the rise, and the enthusiasm shown by investors NAI San Diego’s regional experts predict high sales volume by the end of 2019.

3. Central North Carolina

North Carolina also has a positive outlook in the current and future industrial market making it one to keep an eye on. According to Colin Rockson, industrial division broker for NAI Piedmont Triad, vacancy is predicted to stay low in the regional market, which will encourage increased rental rates. Not to mention, the high demand in the area has sparked interest amongst developers — thus prompting new properties to be developed, especially ones with larger footprints.

4. Western Michigan

Western Michigan has some great stats for industrial development. With a low unemployment rate of only 3.3% and 130+ international companies in the immediate area, jobs flourish and so do industrial needs to support those jobs and companies. Pair this with a limited supply which has prompted new construction, giving even more opportunities to investors, corporations, developers, and brokers. This area of Michigan is especially proficient in the manufacturing sector, and predictions for the remainder of 2019 are looking especially strong so ensure you keep an eye on the industrial market here.

Be sure to keep an eye out for NAI’s market research for 2019 as the year progresses, for more facts and stats about regionally specific industrial markets.

When it comes to attracting and retaining the best talent, savvy companies know that they need to be competitive with more than just salaries and the standard perks, such as company-sponsored healthcare plans and paid vacation time. In fact, modern companies such a Google, Facebook, Pixar and more — commonly known as being among the very best places to work — are famous for providing their employees with workspaces that promote not only creativity and innovation, but also collaboration and morale.

And for good reason, too. The architect of Google’s Silicon Valley headquarters, Clive Wilkinson, said it best when he noted that “75 to 80 percent of America is cubicle land. Cubicles are the worst — like chicken farming. They are humiliating, disenfranchising, and isolating. So many American corporations still have them.” Harsh words, yes — but not entirely untrue. By comparison, today’s modern and employee-centric office designs are the very opposite. Rather than closed off walls, spaces and cubicles with bad lighting, they focus on open concept spaces with natural light and a casual, comfortable feel.

What’s more, in addition to a sleek and modern design aesthetic that promotes creative thinking, smart companies are also enticing their employees with attractive office perks, such as free food, drinks, and even recreation and entertainment. But is one better than the other? Does one seem to resonate more soundly with tenants?

The short answer is that if depends on who you ask. Many companies feel that making physical spaces more comfortable and flexible are most important, bringing in movable and comfortable furniture, lots of natural light, and inspired designs. Read on to find out more.

The Case for Physical Space

One of the people in this camp is Christa Tilley, Creative Producer at Glossier. She reports that working in Glossier’s open and airy offices with plenty of natural light actually makes her feel healthier every day — not to mention the benefits the physical space brings to her workflow. “In the closed door office I used to work in, I didn’t know who was in charge of things and where to find people. Now, we all sit together on comfortable couches that feel like we’re in a home and we’re really able to get down to it,” she says.

Of course, while this type of environment is great for collaboration, Tilley admits that sometimes quiet places are necessary, in order to get certain jobs or tasks done. “Sometimes there’s menial administration stuff I just need to get done but when I’m in the office, we’re so hands-on and communicating so much, I don’t have time to sit down and pay invoices, look at contracts and do more menial, less time-sensitive tasks even though they’re just as important to do,” she admits.

But What About the Perks?

And then there are those who feel that office perks are most important and that all perks are not created equal. In fact, they would go so far as to purport that offering perks has become a competitive sport among the top corporations and organizations, with each one fighting it out to see who can offer the best and newest perks.

While some perks might not always lead to improved productivity, nearly all of them help to build and foster community – and genuine familiarity always allows for greater and better collaboration. Experts agree that there are four characteristics of office perks that are genuinely effective:

• They inspire curiosity
• They help you see why your work matters
• They help you blaze a trail forward
• They help you stay sane, stable, and satisfied

By being deliberate with both the office perks and physical space design you offer your employees, you’ll see job performance, and morale, increase drastically.

As recently as just a few years ago, many retail experts and commentators were predicting that online retailers would completely take over the industry, driving physical stores to extinction — and many predicted this shift would happen by the year 2020. And while there has been steady growth in online retail sales, and e-commerce has definitely seen a boom, it is becoming clear that this supposed takeover of physical stores isn’t happening anytime soon.

However, there is an interesting trend that has been emerging in retail — known as “clicks to bricks.” In this movement, online retailers aren brands are starting to move offline and open physical, bricks and mortar stores. Even Amazon, which is arguably the world”s largest online brand, now has more than 600 physical stores and location.

So what’s coming next in this clicks-to-bricks movement? What can you expect to see in 2019? Here are 2 clicks-to-bricks trends that we’re watching — and you should, too.

Retail as a Service

Retail as a service is simply a catchy way to explain how retail is now so much more than just walking into a store and picking up an item. Thanks to the rise in e-commerce and the convenience it offers, physical retailers have been forced to up their game, enhancing the in-store experience by offering customers value adds and other incentives that shoppers simply can’t find online. As a result, traditionally online retailers are getting physical — and coming up with inventive ways to get shoppers in their doors.

Meaghan Brophy, a retail analyst at FitSmallBusiness.com, says that this particular retail trend is a great opportunity, especially for smaller sellers who focus on in-person selling. She predicts that 2019 will see retailers focusing on brand loyalty and earning the trust of their customers.

She goes on to add that she predicts “independent retailers will continue to focus on the non-merchandise aspect of their business, such as hosting classes and events, offering personalized gift wrapping and delivery, registry services, and hosting private parties.”

The Experience Will Remain the Priority

While the notion of a customer’s experience is nothing ew. exactly what consumers are expecting in their experience is changing and evolving. While it was once considered good service to greet customers as soon as they walked through the door, and perhaps provide a personal recommendation or two, it is no longer enough. Rather retailers now must continue to push and expand the boundaries of customers’ in-store experience.

While this is true across the board in retail. how does it apply specifically to the clicks-to-bricks movement? Simply put, “shopping a brand needs to feel the same, regardless of the channel,” says Carlos Castelan, managing director at the Navio Group. “With an increasingly complex customer journey and dozens of customer touchpoints with brands, from apps to websites to brick and mortar stores, companies need to present a seamless experience.”

As Millennials and younger generations continue to have more buying power, it is important that retailers take note. Nearly 80% of Millennials prefer to spend their hard-earned money on experiences rather than products, and 7 out of 10 people think of shopping as a form of entertainment. In order to stay relevant, retailers need to take notice of this — and respond accordingly.

In the 13 years since the first tweet was sent, professionals from across all industries have embraced the social media platform, engaging with others and building an online community or a great brand. And, while commercial real estate is an industry notorious for being slow to embrace change and technology, there has been a recent shift in adoption within the past few years.

No matter whether you are a tweeting pro or a newbie to the platform, it’s no secret that the most important thing to do on Twitter is to follow and engage with the right people, helping you to foster and build your sphere of social media influence. But how do you know who to follow?

If you’re looking to freshen up your Twitter feed, we’re here to help. Here are our suggestions for 3 CRE influencers to follow in 2019.

Linda Day Harrison (@DayHarrison)

Linda founded theBrokerList.com, and is known throughout the industry as a CRE technology guru who shares a wealth of knowledge on everything from new CRE trends and technologies to the can’t miss conferences that are coming up. Additionally, she regularly shares content from other CRE thought leaders and influences. Specializing in bringing people together, and using technology to make it happen, this is one account you’ll definitely want to follow.

Jeffrey Sica (@JeffreySica)

Jeffrey Sica is a regular commentator on financial news networks, such as Fox Business, along with Bloomberg Radio and CNBC. Known for being an expert in both wealth management and investments (specifically alternative investments), Sica is the founder, President, and CIO of Circle Squared Alternative Investments. Give him a follow if you’re looking for a bigger perspective when it comes to how finance relates to commercial real estate.

Jon Schultz (@JonSchultz_Onyx)

If you’re looking for a real and honest approach to commercial real estate, you’ll want to follow Jon Schultz. His perspective and outlook are what have propelled his content to the forefront of some of the most followed content in all of CRE. His Twitter features original content from his own blog with topics ranging from management and mentoring to new trends in CRE tech.

The online short-term rental industry is a relatively new trend that has changed the way the customers look at traveling, as well as how some investors, and “regular” people are choosing to boost their income. In fact, studies show that U.S. short term rentals generate the most revenue globally at nearly $15 million, and the momentum does not stop there.

Revenue is expected to increase at least 6.4% annually resulting in revenue of more than $18 million, with user penetration up to an additional 11.4% by 2023. With numbers, like that, staying ahead of industry trends and using the best technology available is pivotal to any . member of the short-term or vacation rental industry. Let’s look at 5 unique technologies both physical and digital, that will boost your game.

1. August 2nd Generation Smart Lock

Though you may choose to invite strangers into your home or property for the sake of profit, that does not mean you need to forgo security and privacy. A smart look will allow you to avoid sharing physical keys which can be lost (Americans lose almost 20 million keys per year) or copied (creepy). They August smart lock, for example, is a sleek, user-friendly option that has 4.5 stars and more than 600 reviews on Amazon. It has remote control features, but can also work via wifi. With an easy installation that is compatible with many existing deadbolts and a mobile app you can link to your phone, it is extremely useful.

2. KIGO Vacation Rental Software

KIGO is the vacation rental company’s premier management software. It provides users with tech that helps maximize revenue, reduce operating costs, and provide guests with better experiences. They can even set you up with insurance and a website to kick your short-term rental off properly. Additionally, guests can manage their stay, reservations, reviews, and payments right from their phones. KIGO has a global booking volue of $2,388,831,562 to date, which is quite impressive.

3.  AirDNA Market Minder

AirDNA Market Minder is another tool that can be utilized to gain extremely valuable insights on competition within the short-term rental market. It uses data to analyze the metrics in your general location and show competitive comparisons on things like daily rates, occupancy, revenue, and lead times. It also mines data to show you when, how, and why pricing can be spiked in your area, and when bookings are most desired. If you’re thinking about listing your property as a short-term rental, there is even a handy tool that allows you to see what it could possibly be worth. Accounts with AirDNA are free, and the MarketMinders tool ranges from $19.95 – 99.95 per month, giving options for all budgets.

4. Nova-Flo Flood Prevention

Not every guest will be as conscientious with your home’s/property’s appliances as you may be. Often times, guests can leave faucets running or dripping, which can lead to costly water bills, leaks, floods, and water damage. But what if you could prevent a flood before it even starts? Enter “Nova-Flo.”

Its description according to its website is as follows “Nova-Flo is a unique flood prevention device that turns off the water to a bath or basin as soon as the water level reaches the overflow. It’s fully mechanical, no electrical supply is required, it’s completely hidden from the user and it automatically resets as soon as the taps are turned to the closed position.” This handy little robotic device can even notify you when the leak is prevented, thus saving you thousands in possible damages.

5. RING Doorbell Cam

The RING doorbell cam allows you to answer the door and view guests before they enter your home either from inside the house or remotely via an app. It is a great way of screening guests prior to them ever entering your home. This ensures that the guest you are expecting matches the description and photo of who actually shows up, even if you are not at the property to greet them. Additionally, the doorbell also detects motion, this is a good way to monitor that guests aren’t throwing parties or sneaking multiple non-paying guests into your rental property.

It is clear that in the future the market should only expect an increase in growth of the short-term rental industry. With the majority of renters being millennials  it is key to stay ahead of technological trends to give customers the best experience possible and in turn, maximize your profits.

The United States has seen a major shift in health and fitness trends in the past few years. It may be due to the influx, and subsequent increase, of the average American’s social media viewing habits. Studies show that many people have begun to compare themselves to others due to the constant exposure to peers on social media. In some cases this has hurt some people’s self-esteem, however, for others it has been found to be a motivational factor and correlated with a positive attitude toward exercise, health and fitness. This is further demonstrated in statistics, which show that between 2000 and 2017, the number of fitness and health memberships nearly doubled.

Now, people are taking it a step further and desiring fitness and health amenities where they live. Here are 3 health and fitness amenities that all multifamily buildings need in 2019, to provide the best quality of life for your tenant to keep them happy and healthy.

1. Advanced Fitness Centers

Gone are the days where a fitness center could be described as a desolate room tucked away in a lowly corridor of your multifamily property. Tenants want advanced fitness centers that rival the offerings of a gym. Landlords and developers can even go beyond and lease space to an actual gym and include membership in rental rates. This provides an additional income incentive for fitness minded individuals. A study by the National Multifamily Housing Council found that 55% of tenants would not lease a property that did not have a proper fitness center. Ensuring your fitness center includes, fitness machines, open stretching/training areas, free weights, and ample mirrors is pivotal. Making sure you fitness center is at its peak functionality is key.

2. Bike-friendly Trails/Parking

According to a study by Commercial Property Executives and Kingsley Associates, tenants stated they desired a covered parking area designated specifically for bikes. Biking as a way to commute to and from work increased more than 60% from 2004-2014 according to the United States Census Bureau, and it has been increasing in popularity ever since. That being said, the addition to bike-friendly parking areas in your multifamily property allows tenants to have a safe, convenient place to store their bikes. Combine this with bike trails connecting your property to the street, or other bike trails in the city and it increases convenience for those tenants who ride a bike regularly or recreationally.

3. Better Building Standards

Health amenities are not always as “in-your-face” as having a gym in your building, they can also be subtle amenities that enhance your tenant’s overall wellness and health. Making sure they have a clean and healthy environment is also key. As a landlord or developer, you can implement or mimic The WELL Building Standard.

“The WELL Building Standard is a performance-based system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring features of the built environment that impact human health and well-being, through air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind.” Including amenities in the common areas such as advanced air filters, natural lighting and plants can increase a human being’s health. Additionally, making certain your cleaning crew uses non-toxic chemicals and your landscaping crew minimizes the use of dangerous pesticides for natural alternatives.

Health and fitness are more than just trends. It should be a lifestyle, mindset, and common practice for all people. Implementing great health, wellness, and fitness amenities in your multifamily property not only benefits the property owner by increasing property values, but also his or her tenants by providing them with the option to live a healthier lifestyle — because remember health is wealth.

Sustainable building and design is something we have been hearing a lot about this past year. With topics such as climate change trending in multiple facets like politics, collegiate lectures, or even just break-room talks, how has sustainability made its way into commercial real estate? Not only is an effort to become more sustainable seen favorably by tenants, but also by many investors, developers, and landlords. Sustainability has proven to not only benefit the environment, but also lower operating costs. So, let’s look at 5 ways sustainable design is making its way into CRE.

1. Green Spaces

Green spaces added to buildings can help with sustainability in a number of ways, as well as provide appealing common areas for tenants. Green roofs, decks, and indoor gardens are all sustainable designs that have made their way into CRE, especially the office and multifamily sectors. Green roofs provide additional benefits such as absorbing rainfall and increasing insulation, which can reduce energy costs and consumption. Indoor gardens can also create an appealing aesthetic for tenants and can cool surrounding air in a process called evapotranspiration.

2. Utility Effeciency

Utility and energy efficiency is another sustainable design that has made its way into CRE. Elements like solar panels, sustainable HVAC systems, and windows help create more effcient and profitable buildings. It lessens the impact on the environment, as well as saves landlords money on utility costs. Using wind or hydro-energy along with solar can also increase a property’s efficiency. Check out this  handy calculator on how much money solar saves average homes based on location.

3. Advanced Lighting

Employing advanced lighting techniques also lends to utility efficiency; however, this can be achieved in other ways as well. Daylighting is a technique started in the developmental stages of building. This design strategically places windows, skylights, reflective surfaces and breezeways to light a building naturally. It also reduces energy and can cool a building without the use of AC.

Coupling this with smart lighting that can be controlled remotely can optimize energy efficiency in new ways. According to CCIM Institute “Good lighting design uses as little as 0.5 to 0.75 watts psf fo floor space, compared to lighting loads of 2.5 to 3 watts psf in older buildings. Furthermore, sensors that measure indoor light levels can raise and lower artificial lighting in response to changing outdoor conditions, and occupy sensors turn lights off when not needed.”

4. Government Initiatives

Many cities have pledged to become carbon neutral by 2050 (or sooner) as part of the  Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance. These cities include Berlin, Boston, London, New York City, Portland, and San Francisco to name a few. To achieve this goal, many of these cities’ governments have given initiatives to creating more sustainable buildings and converting existing buildings.

Some initiatives include tax breaks, others include penalties for new buildings that do not meet sustainable criteria. Here is a link to the EPA, which includes guides to local and state specifics on various initiatives.

5. Sustainable Building Materials

Developing buildings with sustainable materials sets a standard from the ground up — literally. Using materials like recycled metal, rubber, and glass for structures, wood that bears a “Forestry Stewardship Council” stamp, insulation made from products like cork, woodfiber, hemp, and more can create a sustainable building.

Maintaining our environment is crucial. By adding sustainable aspects in to CRE developers can attract investors, and tenants while potentially lowering costs and energy output.