Question 1

Why hire a healthcare-focused broker instead of a generalist?

Accepted Answer

Healthcare real estate runs on different rules than standard commercial property — vacuum lines, medical gas systems, ADA-compliant exam rooms, and payer-driven site selection. A broker who works exclusively in dental, medical, and veterinary real estate catches these requirements before they turn into expensive change orders, where a generalist often misses them.

Question 2

Should I lease or buy my medical practice's real estate?

Accepted Answer

The right choice depends on your practice's life cycle, growth plans, and timeline to a future sale or transition, not just monthly cost. A practice expecting rapid growth often benefits from leasing flexibility, while an established practice nearing a stable size can build equity by owning.

Question 3

What is tenant representation?

Accepted Answer

Tenant representation means a broker works exclusively for you, the tenant or buyer, with no ties to the landlord or seller. That structure removes the conflict of interest that comes with dual agency and keeps negotiating leverage on your side of the table.

Question 4

When should I start looking for new practice space?

Accepted Answer

Start 12 to 18 months before your current lease expires or before you plan to open. Specialized buildout, permitting, and equipment installation take longer than standard commercial space, and starting early preserves negotiating leverage instead of forcing a rushed decision near your deadline.

Question 5

What are typical lease terms for a healthcare practice?

Accepted Answer

Healthcare leases commonly run 7 to 10 years given the cost of specialized buildout, with renewal options built in to protect the tenant's investment. Tenant improvement allowances, exclusive use clauses, and co-tenancy protections are worth negotiating before signing.

Question 6

How are we compensated?

Accepted Answer

In the majority of cases, on a lease we are compensated through the landlord, and on a purchase or sale we are compensated through the seller.

Contact Our Atlanta Healthcare Real Estate Team