Brokers may find that their clients are not as eager to change health care vendors, despite continuing cost increases.

A new survey of 449 employers by Watson Wyatt and the National Business Group on Health finds that the percentage switching plan providers to curb costs has dropped drastically.

One in 10 employers surveyed changed medical vendors in 2003 to curb costs, compared to three in 10 in 2002. Additionally, less than 10 percent of employers switched pharmacy vendors in 2003, compared to 23 percent the year before. read more »

Just like in the housing market, there is a big supply and demand issue for real estate investors, especially for smaller investors looking for multi-family homes.

“Capitalization rates are lower, and the return on investment is not as high as it has been historically, seven to eight percent or even five percent versus 10,” said Mark Danielsen, commercial specialist and associate broker with the Silverdale office of Windermere Real Estate who is a former housing director and has worked with real estate since 1978. read more »

In these times of double-digit increases in health insurance premiums, what can a small employer do to find reasonably priced health insurance for themselves and employees?

While few of us would argue that we have a serious health insurance crisis in our country, many feel that this crisis is even more poignant in Washington State. read more »

Although Kirkland-based Chaffey Homes, which has an office in Silverdale and has built literally hundreds of homes in Kitsap County, pulled out of the deal to develop the 48-acre area known as Eastpark in Bremerton, the city says it is moving ahead with plans to build the mixed residential development. Prospective developers were due to be interviewed at the end of May, according to the city’s Economic Development Director Gary Sexton. read more »

How much insurance does a business really need, anyway?

Jason Mayer, marketing manager for Edgren Hecker & Lemmon Insurance in Poulsbo says the most important thing a business owner needs is a good agent. “It should be someone who tracks and understands the insurance industry. Things change very rapidly,” he says.

Legally, a business may not be required to have insurance. Lending institutions may require liability and other insurance. read more »