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(Updated February 2016)
Over the last 50 years, the U.S. real estate investment trust (REIT) industry has become an important segment of the U.S. economy and investment markets. REITs also make a good entry point for everyday consumers and small investors to break into real estate investing. This field guide gives some background on REITs and information on how to add them to your portfolio. (A. Siudzinski, Senior Library Information Specialist)
E - EBSCO articles available for NAR members only. Password can be found on the EBSCO Access Information page.
The Basics
What is a REIT?, (NAREIT, 2014). A great resource from the trade association representing the industry: What are REITs, their history, a glossary, getting started in investing, benefits, a directory, etc.
Landmark Buildings You Can Invest In, (Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, June 2012). Slideshow of some famous properties owned by REITs.
REITs Go on a Spending Spree, (Real Estate Forum, May 2012). REITs are on the rise again. They’ve raised billions of capital in the past few years, and many are seeing strong returns
Powerhouse: The REIT Industry Celebrates 50 Years as a Revolutionary Force, (National Real Estate Investor, Oct. 18, 2010). In the past half century, REITs have transformed the commercial real estate industry.
Adding REITs to Your Investment Portfolio
As with all investments, putting your money in REITs has risk. Before investing, be sure to thoroughly review current market conditions, the fund’s prospectus, and consult investment professionals or other resources.
How to Invest in Commercial Real Estate With REITs, (US News, Oct. 9, 2015).
Use REITs to Invest Like a Property Mogul, (WSJ, June 22, 2015).
Real Estate’s Place in a Portfolio, (Barron’s, Mar. 18, 2014). With REITs besting stocks this year, it doesn’t take much to see their role in creating well-diversified returns.
3 Secrets to Investing in Real Estate, (USNews, Feb. 25, 2014). Real estate is a great way to diversify your portfolio.
Investing: REITs Rise From the Wreckage, (USA Today, Feb. 20, 2014). Although values have risen in the last year, REITs still represent decent value, and a good place to add money this year.
Practical Investing: Why You Need REITs, (Kiplinger, July 2012). Holding real estate trusts can add stability to your investments without reducing your returns.
Real Estate’s Rehabilitation, (Financial Planning, May 2012). E
A Place for REITs, (Financial Planning, June 1, 2011). E
eBooks & Other Resources
eBooks.realtor.org
The following eBooks and digital audiobooks are available to NAR members:
Commercial Real Estate Investing for Dummies® (Kindle, Adobe eReader)
Commercial Real Estate Investing (Kindle, Adobe eReader)
Real Estate Investing for Dummies® (Adobe eReader)
Real Estate Investment (Adobe eReader)
Real Estate Investments and How to Make Them (Adobe eReader)
Urban Real Estate Investment: a New Era of Opportunity (Kindle Book, OverDrive Read, EPUB eBook, PDF eBook)
Books, Videos, Research Reports & More
The resources below are available for loan through Information Services. Up to three books, tapes, CDs and/or DVDs can be borrowed for 30 days from the Library for a nominal fee of $10. Call Information Services at 800.874.6500 for assistance.
Real estate investment trusts handbook, (Chicago, IL: West, Annual). HG 4530.4 F26
Investing in REITs (New York, NY: Bloomberg, 2002). HG 4530.4 B62i
REITs: building profits with real estate investment trusts, (New York, NY: Wiley, 1998). HG 4530.4 M91
Field Guides & More
These field guides and other resources in the Virtual Library may also be of interest:
Field Guide to Investing in Real Estate
Field Guide to Multi-Family Property
Field Guide to Office Property
Field Guide to Retail Property
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