Are you interested in real estate investment but don’t want to manage properties? Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are a great choice. They let everyday Americans tap into the profitable world of commercial and residential real estate¹.

REITs are companies that own, operate, or finance real estate that makes money. They cover a wide range of properties, like offices, apartments, warehouses, retail centers, and even data centers. This option gives you a chance to earn income through dividends and see your investment grow over time. Plus, it helps improve communities across the U.S¹..

Key Takeaways

• REITs offer a simple way for Americans to invest in real estate and enjoy its potential gains.
• REITs invest in many property types, giving you diversification and exposure to different real estate sectors.
• REITs must pay out most of their taxable income to shareholders, offering attractive dividend yields.
• REITs have often given strong total returns, beating the broader stock market’s performance.
• Investing in REITs can protect against inflation and add diversity to your investment portfolio.

What is a REIT?

A real estate investment trust (REIT) is a company that owns, operates, or finances real estate that makes money². REITs let everyday people invest in real estate, offering a chance to earn income and see their investments grow². You can invest in REITs like you would in other industries, through stocks, mutual funds, or ETFs². This way, you get a share of the income without the hassle of managing property.

Definition and Explanation of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

REITs own and run real estate like office buildings and homes that make money³. They must use 75% of their assets for real estate and give out at least 90% of their income as dividends³. This setup helps REITs avoid corporate taxes, giving investors higher dividend returns.

REITs are popular worldwide, with about 39 countries offering them⁴. By January 29, 2021, there were 490 REITs listed in 39 countries, with a total value of around $1.7 trillion⁴.

REITs can be traded on stock exchanges, not traded, or private³. Public REITs are watched by the SEC and listed on big exchanges, but not easy to sell³. Private REITs aren’t SEC-regulated and are mainly for big investors³.

REITs let investors tap into the real estate market for steady income and growth potential³. But, it’s key to know the risks and downsides before investing³.

How REITs Work

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) have a simple business model. They lease properties and collect rent, then share the income with shareholders as dividends⁵. This lets any investor own commercial real estate without managing it themselves⁵.

REITs must give out at least 90% of their taxable income to shareholders yearly⁶. This rule makes sure most of their profits go to shareholders, giving them regular income⁶. Mortgage REITs (mREITs) don’t own properties directly. They finance them and make money from the interest on these investments⁷.

Understanding the Operational Model of REITs

To be a REIT, a company must use at least 75% of its assets for real estate or cash. It also needs to earn 75% of its income from rents, interest, or real estate sales⁶. REITs must also have at least 100 shareholders after their first year⁶. These rules help REITs focus on real estate and ensure they have a wide range of owners.

REITs come in different types, like Equity, Mortgage, and Hybrid REITs, each with its own way of investing⁷. Equity REITs own and manage properties that make money. Mortgage REITs lend money for real estate by buying or creating mortgages⁷. Hybrid REITs mix owning properties and lending on real estate⁷.

REIT Type	Description
Equity REITs	Own and operate income-producing real estate such as apartments, office buildings, and warehouses7.
Mortgage REITs (mREITs)	Provide financing for real estate by purchasing or originating mortgages and mortgage-backed securities, earning fixed income7.
Hybrid REITs	Invest in a combination of income-producing real estate and real estate-backed loans7.

REITs grow by making smart buys and aiming for efficiency⁶. They also keep an eye on their finances, watching their debt levels and the mix of fixed and floating-rate debt⁶.

The REIT model lets investors own commercial real estate easily, without managing it. It offers a steady dividend income⁵. This approach adds diversity to a portfolio, can lower risk, and makes real estate investing easier through the stock market⁵.

Types of REITs

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) have different types, each focusing on specific areas. They include equity REITs, mortgage REITs, and hybrid REITs⁸.

1. Equity REITs: These REITs act like landlords. They own and manage real estate. They make money by collecting rent and improving properties⁸. The FTSE NAREIT Equity REIT Index has a 10-year return of 6.93% as of March 2024⁸. Over 25 years, it returned 9.63%, beating the S&P 500 and Russell 2000⁸.
2. Mortgage REITs (mREITs): These REITs invest in real estate debt, like commercial mortgages. They earn from interest on these investments⁸. By May 31, 2024, there were about 32 mortgage REITs in the FTSE Nareit U.S. Real Estate Indexes⁸.
3. Hybrid REITs: Hybrid REITs mix equity and mortgage REIT strategies. They own properties and hold mortgages.

REITs can also be public or private:⁹

• Publicly Traded REITs: These are listed on stock exchanges. You can buy and sell them like any stock.
• Public Non-Listed REITs: These are registered but not listed. They are less liquid but more stable than public REITs⁹.
• Private REITs: Private REITs are not traded publicly. They are mainly for accredited or institutional investors.

As of January 2024, REITs hold about $4.0 trillion in commercial real estate assets⁹.

REIT Type	Number of REITs	Investment Focus
Equity REITs	Approximately 28 retail REITs listed on the FTSE Nareit U.S. Real Estate Indexes as of May 31, 20248	Owning and managing real estate properties
Mortgage REITs	Around 32 mortgage REITs on the FTSE Nareit U.S. Real Estate Indexes as of May 31, 20248	Investing in debt securities backed by real estate
Hybrid REITs	N/A	Combining equity and mortgage REIT strategies

REITs must follow certain rules, like having 75% of their assets in real estate and getting 75% of their income from rent and interest⁹. They also must pay 90% of their taxable income to shareholders, offering high dividends⁸.

“REITs offer investors a chance to invest in commercial real estate and earn passive income through dividends. They add diversity to portfolios and can lead to long-term growth.”⁹

Benefits of Investing in REITs

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are a great choice for those looking to grow their investments. They let you tap into the real estate market’s potential. REITs come with many benefits that make them a smart pick for investors¹⁰.

Advantages of REIT Investments

One big plus of REITs is how they help diversify your portfolio. They don’t move in line with stocks and bonds, which lowers your risk¹¹. Plus, they offer a steady flow of income through dividends¹⁰.

REITs are known for their strong long-term performance¹⁰. They often match the returns of other stocks but with a steady dividend income. This mix of growth and income makes them appealing for balanced investing.

Another advantage is how easy it is to buy and sell REIT shares on major stock exchanges¹⁰. This ease of trading gives investors flexibility, unlike direct real estate investments¹¹.

REITs also offer tax benefits. The way they distribute income can be more tax-friendly for investors¹¹. They must give out at least 90% of their taxable income, which means more income for you¹².

In summary, REITs bring many benefits to the table. They offer diversification, steady income, strong returns, and tax perks. For those looking to grow their real estate holdings, REITs are a solid choice¹⁰¹¹¹².

Historical Performance of REITs

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) have shown a strong track record. They offer reliable and growing dividends and long-term stock price increases. This has made them a top choice for investors, often beating the broader stock market, bonds, and other assets over the past 45 years¹³.

Over the last 20 years, REITs have outdone the S&P 500 Index and other major indices, even beating inflation¹⁴. They saw big gains in 1995–1997, 2000–2006, and 2009–2012¹³. But they did poorly during the 2007–2008 financial crisis. They bounced back well in 2009 and beat other indexes in 2010¹³.

The REIT industry’s value has grown a lot, reaching about $939 billion by 2015¹³. This was more than tech giant Apple Inc.’s value at the time. This growth came from strong investor interest, seen in the rise of real estate funds from 2000 to 2006¹³.

Looking at the long term, from 1991 to 2015, REITs grew by 12.1% annually¹³. This was better than the S&P 500, NASDAQ, and DJIA over different periods¹⁴. This long-term success has made REITs a key part of many investment plans.

Today, REITs manage over $4.5 trillion in real estate and own more than 535,000 properties¹⁵. They are a big part of the real estate market. The trading volume for REITs has also grown a lot, from $1.7 billion in 2005 to $6.2 billion in 2015¹³.

REIT performance has been strong overall, but different sectors have done better at times. Self-storage REITs, for example, have given an average annual return of 17.3% since 1994¹⁴. Other sectors like industrial, residential, and office have also done well, but not as much¹⁴. Newer sectors like data centers and telecommunications are showing strong performance too¹⁴.

In summary, REITs have consistently offered good returns, often beating the broader market and other assets over the long term. Their strong performance and growing role in real estate make them a strong investment choice for those looking at the real estate market¹³¹⁴¹⁵.

Equity REITs

Equity REITs are a big part of the REIT market. They own and run real estate that makes money¹⁶. In the U.S., public equity REITs have over $2.5 trillion in real estate assets. This includes more than 575,000 buildings in all 50 states and the District of Columbia¹⁶. These REITs help the economy by supporting different sectors like apartments, shopping centers, warehouses, hotels, offices, and data centers¹⁶.

Investing in Property-Owning REITs

Investing in equity REITs lets you tap into real estate and the chance for dividends and growth¹⁶. Over time, most of the returns from equity REITs come from dividends. They often have higher dividend yields than the S&P 500 Index¹⁶. Equity REITs don’t move much with other assets, which helps diversify your investments¹⁶. Over 20 years, they’ve shown a 60% correlation with large-cap stocks, making them good for diversifying a portfolio¹⁶.

Equity REITs can also protect your investments from inflation, keeping your money’s value¹⁶. Over 45 years, they’ve done better than the stock market, bonds, and other assets. They’ve beaten major indexes and inflation rates¹⁶.

REITs are listed on big stock exchanges, making them easy to buy and sell like other stocks¹⁶. They’re part of over 250,000 401(k) plans, with about 150 million Americans investing in them through various plans, mutual funds, and ETFs¹⁶.

But, the prices of Equity REITs can change with the market and the real estate cycle. This means there are risks for investors to think about¹⁶.

Mortgage REITs (mREITs)

Mortgage REITs, or mREITs, are special real estate trusts that don’t own buildings. They invest in mortgages and mortgage-backed securities, making money from the interest¹⁷. These trusts have helped finance 1 million home purchases, showing their big impact on housing¹⁷. They help provide loans for homes and businesses, making the real estate market more liquid and credit-friendly¹⁷.

These trusts buy and sell real estate by investing in commercial mortgages and securities¹⁷. They use more equity and less debt than other big mortgage investors, showing their unique financing approach¹⁷. To handle risks from short-term loans, mREITs use strategies like interest rate swaps and financial futures¹⁷.

The risk for mREITs depends on the credit of the loans they hold, the security structure, and over-collateralization levels¹⁷. They also use tools to protect against early loan repayments due to changing interest rates¹⁷. Yet, they must roll over short-term debt before their long-term assets mature, relying on the short-term debt markets¹⁷.

mREITs aim for high dividend yields, often around 10% or more, drawing in income-focused investors¹⁸. The IRS requires REITs to distribute at least 90% of their income to shareholders, ensuring investors get a big share of earnings¹⁸.

Investing in mortgage REITs can be appealing but comes with risks like interest rate and prepayment risks, credit risk, and rollover risk¹⁸. It’s important for investors to understand these risks before investing in this sector¹⁸.

Despite risks, mortgage REITs are crucial in the real estate industry, financing about 1.4 million homes each year in the U.S¹⁹. Companies like Arbor Realty Trust and Annaly Capital Management offer a way to invest in real estate without owning property¹⁹.

Annaly Capital Management has given investors a 726% return since its IPO in the late 1990s, showing the potential for growth in mortgage REITs¹⁹. Arbor Realty Trust has also increased its dividend every year since 2021, showing its stable earnings¹⁹. However, mortgage REITs face challenges like interest rate changes, prepayment patterns, and credit quality, needing careful management¹⁸¹⁹.

In conclusion, mortgage REITs let investors join the real estate market without owning property. They offer high dividends and growth potential, making them a good choice for those looking at real estate investments¹⁹.

Retail REITs

Retail REITs focus on shopping centers, malls, and other retail spaces. They make money by getting rent from stores like grocery shops, restaurants, and entertainment spots²⁰. But, the retail world has changed a lot lately because of online shopping and new consumer habits²¹.

To keep up, retail REITs are changing their properties and using new strategies. They aim to offer unique experiences that you can’t get online²¹. This helps them keep tenants that offer the shopping experiences people want²¹.

Even with these changes, some retail REITs are doing well²². Kimco Realty, Realty Income, and Simon Property Group are leading the way. They have big portfolios, a mix of tenants, and strong finances²².

• Realty Income Corp. has a current dividend yield of 3.74%²⁰.
• National Retail Properties (NNN) has a current dividend yield of 3.9% and has averaged a 10-year annual return of 15.1%, compared to 13.5% for the S&P 500²⁰.
• Slate Retail REIT (SRRTF) offers a current dividend yield of 9.06%²⁰.
• Cedar Realty Trust provides a competitive dividend yield of 7.72%²⁰.
• SITE Centers Corp. boasts a dividend yield of 6.75%²⁰.
• Simon Property Group (SPG) offers a dividend yield of 6.86%²⁰.

Retail REITs still face challenges, but the best ones are adapting well. They focus on retail spaces that people need and work with top brands. This approach keeps them strong financially and attractive to investors²¹.

“Retail REITs have responded to the impact of e-commerce by repositioning locations, exploring multichannel methods, and focusing on experiential retail.”

Residential REITs

Residential REITs let investors get into the multi-family and rental property sectors. These trusts own and manage different types of homes, like apartments, single-family homes, and mobile home communities²³.

Investing in residential REITs helps diversify your portfolio and enter the real estate market without needing a lot of money upfront. They let investors with less cash or buy properties they couldn’t afford alone by pooling money with others²³

Investing in Multi-Family and Rental Property REITs

Investors in residential REITs can earn money from dividends and the increase in REIT share value. Public residential REITs trade on the New York Stock Exchange. There are also ETFs focused on residential properties that include shares of many REITs²³

When looking at residential REITs, check the company’s finances, its access to money, and the markets it’s in²³. The best places for renting tend to have low home prices, making rents higher²³. Look for REITs in areas with growing population and jobs, strong finances, and lots of capital²³.

Residential REIT Company	Key Metrics
Camden Property Trust	Reported a 96% occupancy rate in 2022, with an average unit rent of $1,881, up 12.57% over 2021’s average of $1,67124.
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.	Has a net real estate asset value of $10.98 billion, with liabilities of $5.03 billion, allowing for property improvements and increased returns to investors24.
UMH Properties	Increased dividends by 5.5% in 2021, the first time since 2009, and raised dividends by another 5.26% in 2022. Owns approximately 25,700 developed home sites across 11 states in the U.S., in addition to interests in two communities in Florida24.

Residential REITs are seen as stable investments because people always need homes, no matter the economy²⁴. But, rising interest rates can make it harder for them to borrow money, affecting property quality and rent prices²⁴.

When thinking about investing in residential REITs, do your homework on the companies and their properties. Know the risks and rewards to make smart choices and take advantage of the opportunities in this sector²³.

“Residential REITs are a unique way for investors to gain exposure to the multi-family and rental property markets, potentially benefiting from steady rental demand and attractive dividend yields.”

²³²⁴²⁵

Healthcare REITs

Healthcare REITs are a great investment choice, thanks to the growing healthcare industry. They focus on real estate like hospitals and nursing homes²⁶.

These REITs do well when the healthcare system does. They make money from fees and government reimbursements²⁶. Investors should look for REITs with a wide range of properties and lots of experience.

Healthcare real estate has seen big growth. Spending on healthcare hit $3.8 trillion in 2019 and is growing again after a dip in 2020²⁶. It’s expected to reach $6 trillion by 2028, showing the potential for REITs in this field²⁶.

As people get older, they’ll need more healthcare. The number of people over 80 is growing fast, which means more healthcare facilities will be needed²⁶. This trend is good news for healthcare REITs.

When picking healthcare REITs, look for ones with a mix of properties and a strong track record. Medical Properties Trust has raised its dividend every year for nine years and has returned 18% annually over five years²⁶. Community Healthcare Trust has also done well, with returns over 18% a year for five years²⁶.

There are 16 healthcare REITs listed, according to NAREIT²⁶. CareTrust is one of the top performers over one, three, and five years²⁶.

Healthcare REITs offer good dividends and the chance for your investment to grow. They can give you a dividend of about 3.5%, more than other REIT types²⁷. They could also give you total returns of around 12%²⁷.

Healthcare REITs often have high occupancy rates, between 85% and 95%²⁷. They invest in different healthcare properties, with most in seniors housing, followed by medical offices, and skilled nursing facilities²⁷.

The healthcare real estate market is big, with billions in assets across various companies²⁷. Investors looking at healthcare should consider healthcare REITs for their potential.

But, investing in healthcare REITs requires careful research. Look at the REIT’s properties, finances, management, and growth plans. By understanding these aspects, investors can make smart choices and benefit from the healthcare real estate sector’s growth²⁶²⁷²⁸.

Office REITs

Office REITs focus on commercial office properties. They make money by leasing office spaces to businesses and organizations²⁹. In early 2022, 22 office REITs were publicly traded²⁹.

Top office REITs include Alexandria Real Estate Equities (NYSE: ARE), Boston Properties (NYSE: BXP), and Cousins Properties (NYSE: CUZ)²⁹. These companies have big market caps and focus on different areas.

Investors should look for REITs in strong economic areas with low vacancy rates²⁹. Boston Properties had $2.7 billion in projects, including life sciences²⁹. Cousins Properties focuses on Class A office buildings in the Sun Belt²⁹.

Investing in Commercial Office Space REITs

When investing in office REITs, consider the economy and employment levels³⁰. There are 19 office REITs with an average dividend yield of 5.29%³⁰. Their financial performance in Q4 2023 was strong, with good FFO and NOI³⁰.

The top office REITs are Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Kilroy Realty Corp, and Boston Properties³⁰. It’s important to research and analyze these REITs before investing³¹.

Office REITs let investors earn from rental income. By knowing the office REIT sector, investors can make better choices²⁹³⁰³¹.

reit

A real estate investment trust (REIT) is a company that owns, operates, or finances income-producing real estate³². REITs let everyday Americans invest in real estate. This gives them a chance to earn income and help communities grow³³.

REITs invest in many real estate types like offices, apartments, and shopping centers³³. They also invest in hotels, data centers, assisted living facilities, and manufactured housing³³. Data center REITs, assisted living facilities, and manufactured housing REITs are good options³³.

To be a REIT, a company must have at least 100 shareholders for 335 days a year³⁴. It can’t be closely held, meaning more than 50% of its stock can’t be owned by a few people³⁴. REITs must pay out 90% of their taxable income each year³²³⁴.

Real estate mutual funds can be actively or passively managed³². For example, the Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund (VGSLX) tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Real Estate 25/50 Index³². Private real estate funds are for accredited investors and require a big investment³².

REITs trade like stocks and are very liquid³². Real estate fund share prices change once a day but don’t trade like stocks³². REITs pay dividends, giving investors income. Real estate funds gain value through appreciation³².

REITs are more liquid than real estate mutual funds, trading on major stock exchanges³². Investors can short REITs but must pay dividends, unlike shorting homebuilder stocks or housing ETFs³².

REIT Sector	2019 Total Return
Industrial	48.7%
Data Centers	44.2%
Timber	42.0%
Infrastructure	42.0%

Data center operators have seen rental income growth, with rates doubling in the past year or so³³. Housing-related REITs like assisted living facilities and manufactured housing are good opportunities³³. REIT bonds offer chances in the high-interest-rate environment³³.

Experienced managers can help reduce risks in REIT investments³³. REIT shares have tax and reporting complexities³³. Managers can help investors understand REITs and benefit from their income potential and inflation protection³³.

Diversified mutual funds and ETFs give investors a way to easily invest in real estate³³.

For individual investors, REITs offer diversification, dividends, and easier tax reporting than owning property directly³⁴. Following REIT rules is key for successful investing in these real estate options³⁴.

“REITs provide an investment opportunity that makes it possible for everyday Americans to benefit from valuable real estate, presenting the opportunity to access dividend-based income and total returns, and help communities grow, thrive, and revitalize.”

How to Invest in REITs

Strategies for Investing in Real Estate Investment Trusts

Investing in REITs is a simple way to get into the real estate market. You can buy shares of publicly traded REITs through a brokerage account, just like any other stock³⁵.

For those wanting quick diversification, REIT mutual funds and ETFs are great choices. These funds hold many REIT stocks, giving you wide exposure to the real estate sector³⁶.

Working with brokers or financial advisors can also help. They can match your financial goals with the right REIT investments. These experts suggest REIT strategies that fit your risk level and goals³⁷.

There are also public and private REITs to consider. But, these options might be less liquid and cost more than public ones³⁶.

“REITs typically invest at least 75 percent of their assets in real estate and derive at least 75 percent of their gross income from rents or mortgage interest for real estate.”³⁶

Before investing in REITs, it’s key to research and understand the risks and rewards. By using different REIT strategies, you can tap into the real estate market’s potential³⁶.

Risks and Considerations

Investing in real estate investment trusts (REITs) can diversify your portfolio and offer steady dividends. It also has the chance for your money to grow. But, REITs come with risks that investors need to think about before they invest³⁸.

One big risk is the use of debt, which many REITs do to buy and keep their properties. This debt can make both profits and losses bigger, making REITs more unpredictable. Also, changes in interest rates can affect how much people want to rent and how much properties are worth³⁸.

It’s important for investors to know about the competition in the REIT market. REITs focused on areas like old malls might be at higher risk as trends and markets change. Also, some REITs might not be honest or well-run, making it key to do your homework and pick only those that are registered and checked by the SEC³⁸.

Another thing to think about is how REIT dividends are taxed. These dividends are usually taxed as regular income, which is different from other corporate dividends. This can affect how much money you keep³⁸.

For those looking into non-traded REITs, there are special things to know. These REITs often have higher fees, around 9% to 10% of your investment, and can keep your money for at least 10 years because they’re not easy to sell³⁸. Also, they might pay dividends from money from investors, not from the properties themselves. This can make it hard to see how well the properties are really doing³⁸.

Risk	Description
Leverage	REITs often use debt financing, which can amplify both gains and losses.
Interest Rate Sensitivity	Rising interest rates may impact the demand and valuation of REITs.
Competitive Landscape	REITs in declining sectors may face higher risks as market conditions change.
Fraudulent or Mismanaged REITs	Investors should only choose registered REITs identified through the SEC’s EDGAR tool.
Tax Treatment of REIT Dividends	REIT dividends are taxed as ordinary income, subject to the investor’s tax rate.
Non-Traded REIT Risks	Non-traded REITs often have higher fees, limited liquidity, and may pay dividends from investor funds rather than property income.

While REITs can add value to your portfolio with diversification and income, it’s important to look closely at the risks and details of different REITs before deciding to invest³⁸³⁹⁴⁰.

Conclusion

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are a great way for investors to get into the real estate market. They can help investors earn dividend income and see long-term growth. By learning about the different types of REITs, their past performance, and the pros and cons, investors can decide if REITs fit their investment goals. REITs had the second highest average annual return of 10.9% among 12 asset classes in the 2023 CEM Benchmarking study⁴¹. Over the decades, America’s public REITs have grown in size nearly every four years⁴².

It’s important for investors to do their homework before investing in REITs. In 2021, the average REIT had a yield over 3%, more than twice the average stock yield in the S&P⁴³. REITs have also beaten bonds in every period over the last 40 years⁴³. By understanding REITs, investors can make smart choices and add them to a diverse portfolio.

The conclusion is that REITs are a strong investment option. They let investors tap into the real estate market and aim for good returns. Yet, it’s key to research and weigh the risks and benefits before investing in REITs.

FAQ

What is a REIT?

A real estate investment trust (REIT) is a company that owns, operates, or finances real estate. It lets everyday Americans invest in real estate. This offers a chance for dividend income and total returns. It also helps communities grow and improve.

How do REITs work?

REITs work by leasing space and collecting rent. This income is then paid out to shareholders as dividends. They must pay out at least 90% of their taxable income to shareholders, often 100%.

What are the different types of REITs?

There are three main types of REITs: equity, mortgage, and hybrid. Equity REITs act like landlords, owning real estate and collecting rent. Mortgage REITs (mREITs) own debt securities backed by real estate. Hybrid REITs combine both equity and mortgage REIT features.

What are the benefits of investing in REITs?

REITs offer strong total returns with steady dividends and long-term growth. They are less correlated with other assets, making them a great way to diversify a portfolio. This can help reduce risk and increase returns.

How have REITs performed historically?

REITs have a history of reliable dividends and long-term growth. This has led to strong total returns over the past 45 years. For the last 20 years, REITs have outperformed the S&P 500 Index and other major indices, even beating inflation.

What are Equity REITs?

Most REITs are equity REITs. They own or operate real estate that generates income. Equity REITs act like landlords, collecting rent and reinvesting in the property. This provides exposure to real estate and potential for dividends and capital growth.

What are Mortgage REITs (mREITs)?

mREITs (or mortgage REITs) don’t own real estate directly. They finance it and earn from the interest on these investments. They buy or originate mortgages and mortgage-backed securities for income.

How can I invest in REITs?

You can buy REIT shares on major stock exchanges. Or, invest in REIT mutual funds or ETFs for diversification. Brokers or financial planners can help pick the right REITs based on your goals. You can also invest in public or private REITs, but these might be less liquid and cost more.

What are the risks of investing in REITs?

REITs offer diversification, income, and growth potential but come with risks. These include leverage, interest rate changes, and competition. It’s important to understand the specific risks and characteristics of different REITs before investing.

Source Links

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16. Guide to Equity REIT Investing – https://www.reit.com/what-reit/types-reits/guide-equity-reits
17. Guide to Mortgage REIT (mREIT) Investing – https://www.reit.com/what-reit/types-reits/guide-mortgage-reits
18. A Complete Guide To Mortgage REITs (mREITs) – https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/mortgage-reits
19. Guide to Investing in Mortgage REITs (mREITs) | The Motley Fool – https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/market-sectors/real-estate-investing/reit/mortgage-reit/
20. 7 Top Retail REITs to Buy Now – https://view.ceros.com/fidelity-interactive/7-top-retail-reits-to-buy-now
21. 8 of the Top Retail REITs in the United States | AlphaMap – https://alphamap.com/blog/8-of-the-top-retail-reits-in-the-united-states
22. Investing in Retail REITs | The Motley Fool – https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/market-sectors/real-estate-investing/reit/retail-reit/
23. Residential REITs: A Complete Guide – https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/residential-reit
24. 3 Best Residential REITs to Buy in 2024 | The Motley Fool – https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/market-sectors/real-estate-investing/reit/residential-reit/
25. REIT – Residential Stock Performance – Yahoo Finance – https://finance.yahoo.com/sectors/real-estate/reit-residential/
26. 3 Healthcare REITs to Consider in 2024 | The Motley Fool – https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/market-sectors/real-estate-investing/reit/healthcare-reit/
27. Healthcare REITs Showing Strong Performance In February – https://finance.yahoo.com/news/healthcare-reits-showing-strong-performance-134510724.html
28. Best Healthcare Facility REIT Stocks to Buy Now (2024) – Top Healthcare Facility REIT Stocks – https://www.wallstreetzen.com/industries/best-reit-healthcare-facility-stocks
29. 3 Office REITs to Consider in 2024 | The Motley Fool – https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/market-sectors/real-estate-investing/reit/office-reit/
30. Best Office REITs: 2024 Investment Guide • Benzinga – https://www.benzinga.com/money/office-reits
31. 3 Office REITs With Yields Up To 27.35% – https://finance.yahoo.com/news/3-office-reits-yields-27-190012582.html
32. REIT vs. Real Estate Fund: What’s the Difference? – https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/012015/what-difference-between-reit-and-real-estate-fund.asp
33. What is a REIT? | REIT investing guide | Fidelity – https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/trading-investing/investing-in-REITs
34. ABCs of REITs – https://rsmus.com/insights/industries/real-estate/abcs-of-reits.html
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36. 5 Ways To Invest In REITs | Bankrate – https://www.bankrate.com/investing/ways-to-invest-in-reits/
37. How to Invest in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) – https://www.reit.com/investing/how-invest-reits
38. Risks of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) – https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/031915/what-are-risks-reits.asp
39. Risk Factors of Investing in REITs – https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/career-map/sell-side/capital-markets/risk-factors-of-investing-in-reits/
40. Real Estate Investment Trust: Types and Risks of REITs – https://paperfree.com/en/magazine/real-estate-investment-trust-types-and-risks-of-reits
41. CEM Study Shows REITs Outperform Private Real Estate by Nearly 2.3% in DB Plans – https://www.reit.com/data-research/research/updated-cem-benchmarking-study-highlights-reit-performance
42. A Theory of the REIT – https://www.yalelawjournal.org/article/a-theory-of-the-reit
43. REIT Investing: A Complete Guide – https://silverstarreit.com/reit-investing/