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(Updated August 2012)
Over the last fifty 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.
The Basics
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
REIT 101, (NAREIT, 2012). 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.
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
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: The time may be right to persuade clients to get into the real estate market. What are the best ways to do it? (Financial Planning, May 2012).
Q
Are REITS a safe investment for retirement? (CNN/Money, April 24, 2012).
Don’t rush into REITs, (CNN/Money, Feb. 1, 2012). Before you rush into this space, get to know the landscape and the funds that will help you avoid the quicksand.
A Place for REITs, (Financial Planning, June 1, 2011)—Some financial planners take a strategic approach to REITs while others use them tactically, with some seeking the best of both worlds. Q
Investing in real estate via REITs, real estate mutual funds, (USA Today, Mar. 25, 2011). Are real estate funds overvalued? The answer: No, but they sure aren't cheap.
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)
Books, Videos, Research Reports & More
The resources below are available for loan through Information Central. 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 Central 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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