WHAT IS A REIT (REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST)?

An Overview of REITs

A REIT is a company that owns, operates, or finances income-producing real estate. REITs are traded on major exchanges like other stocks but must meet certain regulatory requirements. REITs can be categorized by their structure, property type, and how they generate income. The two main types of REITs are equity REITs and mortgage REITs.

Equity REITs own and operate properties and use the rental income to pay dividends to shareholders. Mortgage REITs invest in mortgages and other loans secured by real estate and use the interest payments to pay dividends to shareholders. Both types of REIT must pay out at least 90% of their taxable income as dividends to shareholders. This tax treatment gives REITs a significant advantage over other investment vehicles.

Benefits of REIT

• Diversification
  Through REIT investing, the buyer can get real estate exposure in their portfolio without buying or managing physical property. This can help diversify their investments and reduce the overall risk.
• Liquidity
  REITs are traded on major exchanges, offering investors liquidity (the ability to sell their investments quickly and at a fair price).
• Potential for income and growth
  REIT mutual funds can provide investors with regular income through dividends and the potential for long-term capital appreciation.
• Professional management
  REITs must be professionally managed, providing investors with peace of mind to know that their investment is in good hands.

Risks of REITs

REITs are subject to many of the same risks as other types of real estate investments, including:

• Changes in economic conditions
• Changes in interest rates
• Tenant turnover
• Increased competition from new development
• Loss of key personnel
• Natural disasters

In addition, REITs are also subject to unique risks, such as:

• Dependence on management’s expertise and abilities
• Potential conflicts of interest between owners and managers of the REIT structure itself may create incentives for managers to take actions that don’t necessarily benefit shareholders. For example, a manager may choose to invest in a property that is not the best investment for the REIT to increase their compensation.
• The REIT structure may also limit a REIT’s ability to raise capital, making it difficult for a REIT to take advantage of opportunities or respond to adverse market conditions.
• REITs are also subject to taxation at the corporate level, which can reduce the overall return on investment.

Before investing in a REIT, be sure to consider all the risks involved carefully. As with any investment, there is no guarantee of success or safety from loss. However, by understanding the risks and rewards associated with REITs, a buyer can decide whether they are worth investing in or not.

How to Buy and Sell REITs

• Recognizing taxes and fees
  When someone buys or sells a REIT, they should be aware of a few taxes and fees. First, there’s the federal income tax. While buying a publicly traded REIT on an exchange, the buyer will also have to pay state and local taxes. Finally, other fees may be associated with buying or selling a REIT, such as broker commissions.
• Special Tax Considerations
  REITs are subject to special tax considerations. To qualify for REIT status, a company must meet certain requirements regarding asset diversification, income distribution, and corporate structure. As a result, REITs are generally not subject to corporate income taxes. Instead, they are taxed as pass-through entities, meaning that the company’s shareholders are responsible for paying taxes on their dividends.
• Preventing Fraud
  It is best to steer clear of anyone who is trying to sell REITs without being registered with the SEC. The buyer can verify whether publicly listed and non-traded REITs are registered using the SEC’s EDGAR system. EDGAR allows users to view a REIT’s quarterly, annual, and any offering prospectus. To learn more about using EDGAR, go to Research Public Companies.

The Bottom Line

REITs can be a good way to diversify the portfolio and earn income from REIT real estate without buying or managing the property. However, REITs are subject to some risks as other investments, so do proper research before investing.

Disclaimer- This article is based on the information publicly available for general use as well as reference links mentioned herein. We do not claim any responsibility regarding the genuineness of the same. The information provided herein does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, it is for general informational purposes only. We expressly disclaim any liability, which may arise due to any decision taken by any person/s basis the article hereof. Readers should obtain separate advice with respect to any particular information provided herein.