Frequently Asked Questions.

What is a REIT?

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is a company that owns, operates, or finances income-producing real estate. Think of it like a mutual fund, but instead of pooling money to buy stocks and bonds, it pools money from many investors to buy a portfolio of real estate properties.

How does a REIT work?

A REIT raises capital by selling shares to the public (like any other stock). It then uses that money to purchase and manage a collection of properties (e.g., apartment buildings, shopping malls, offices, hospitals). The income generated from renting out these properties is then paid out to shareholders as dividends. Please note that the beginning stages of The Community REIT are foundational, meaning there are no intentions to go public within the first few years.

What is the main benefit of investing in a REIT?

The primary benefit is access and income. REITs allow everyday investors to own a piece of large-scale, commercial real estate without having to buy a whole building themselves. They are also required by law to pay out at least 90% of their taxable income to shareholders, making them a popular source of dividend income.

What are the rules a company must follow to be a REIT?

To qualify as a REIT, a company must:

  • Invest at least 75% of its total assets in real estate, cash, or U.S. Treasuries.

  • Derive at least 75% of its gross income from real estate rents, mortgage interest, or real estate sales.

  • Pay at least 90% of its taxable income to shareholders as dividends each year.

  • Be structured as a corporation and be taxable as a corporation.

  • Have a minimum of 100 shareholders.

What are the different types of REITs?

  1. Mortgage REITs (mREITs) don't own properties directly. Instead, they provide financing for real estate by purchasing or originating mortgages and mortgage-backed securities. Their income comes from the interest on these investments.

  1. Equity REITs are most common type. They own and operate income-producing real estate. Their revenue comes primarily from rent.

  2. Hybrid REITs combine the investment strategies of both Equity and Mortgage REITs.

What are the different property sectors REITs invest in?

REITs specialize in various property types, allowing you to target specific parts of the real estate market. Common sectors include:

  • Residential (apartments, single-family homes)

  • Retail (shopping malls, strip centers)

  • Office (office buildings)

  • Healthcare (hospitals, senior living facilities)

  • Industrial (warehouses, distribution centers)

  • Data Centers

  • Infrastructure (cell towers, fiber cables)

  • Hotels & Lodging

  • Timberland

Are REITs a good investment for income?

Generally, yes. Because of their 90% payout requirement, REITs often offer higher dividend yields than many other stocks. They can be a core component of an income-seeking investor's portfolio.

How do you make money with a REIT?

Investors typically earn returns in two ways:

  • Dividends: The regular, typically high-yield, dividend payments from the rental income.

  • Capital Appreciation: If the value of the REIT's underlying properties increases over time, the share price of the REIT may also rise, allowing you to sell your shares for a profit.

What are the risks investing in REITs?

Like all investments, REITs carry risks, including:

  • Interest Rate Risk: Rising interest rates can make REIT dividends less attractive compared to bonds and can increase borrowing costs for the REIT.

  • Real Estate Market Risk: Economic downturns can lead to higher vacancy rates and lower rents.

  • Liquidity Risk (for non-traded REITs): It can be difficult to sell your shares quickly.

  • Sector-Specific Risk: A problem in a specific sector (e.g., the "retail apocalypse" hurting mall REITs) can negatively impact REITs in that sector.