A hospital hijacking homeowners?

A hospital looking for a new home doesn't seem to be offering enough compensation to people for theirs. An article in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, FL, which already has started its 15-year expansion plan, is low-balling some homeowners in the area. So far, 19 of 32 homeowners who've received offers have accepted buyouts at an average price of $318,000. But for some, that's not nearly enough. "It's like they put a pistol on your chest and said, 'We want to buy your house,'" said homeowner Horst Kessler.

According Memorial Healthcare System spokeswoman Kerting Baldwin, "the offers were determined by a veteran appraiser working for the district." While several homeowners have hired independent appraisers who have advised against selling, citing that the value of the homes is significantly more than the offering price, none of the neighbors have to participate if they don't want to.

To learn more:
- read the article in the Sun-Sentinel