Apartment rentals REITs, REITs, commercial real estate, land and crowdfunding platforms are all kinds of real estate investments.
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There are several types of real estate investments, but most fall into two types: physical estate investments , such as land, commercial and residential properties as well as other forms of investment that don’t require physical property, like crowdfunding platforms and REITs.
The investment of traditional, physical real estate could yield the highest return, but it is also more expensive in the beginning and has expensive ongoing costs. REITs and crowdfunding platforms come with the lowest financial barriers for entry, which means that you can invest in different types of real estate for far lesser than it would to invest in just one traditional property. These alternatives to real estate investments also have the added advantage of not needing to leave your home or change into a suit in order to invest.
If you’re planning to invest in real estate there are five types to take into consideration:
1. REITs
The public market for publicly traded REITs that are publicly traded also known as real estate investment trusts, are companies which own commercial real estate (think offices, hotels, along with malls). It is possible to invest in shares of these businesses on the stock exchange. When you invest in REITs, you are investing in the real estate these companies own, without as many of the risks involved with owning real estate directly.
REITs must return at least 90% of their tax-deductible earnings to shareholders each year. That means investors can earn attractive dividends while diversifying their portfolios via real property. Publicly traded REITs also have greater liquidity than other property investments. In the event that you need some cash, you can sell your shares via the exchange. If you’d like to purchase REITs that are traded publicly you can do it via the use of a brokerage account.
2. Crowdfunding platforms
Real estate crowdfunding platforms give investors access to real estate investments which could yield high returns, but have a significant risk. Certain crowdfunding platforms are available only to accredited investors identified as individuals who have a net worth, or joint net worth of the spouse, of more than $1 million without excluding the worth of their houseor a yearly income within the last two years, that exceeds $200,000 ($300,000 with the help of a spouse).
“Keep in mind, many crowdfunding platforms have a short track record, and have yet to experience an economic slump.”
Others, such as Fundrise or RealtyMogul, offer investors who do not meet these requirements — referred to as”nonnaccredited investors” access to investments they wouldn’t otherwise be capable of investing in. These investments often come in the form of non-traded REITs which are REITs that don’t make use of the market for stock. Since they aren’t publicly traded REITs that aren’t traded are highly illiquid, meaning your funds are invested for at least a few years, and you may not be able to take your money from the investment if you want to use it. Remember that many crowdfunding platforms have a short history, and have not yet been able to survive an economic downturn.
3. Residential real estate
Real estate that is residential is anywhere where people live or stay, such as single-family homes, condos and vacation homes. Residential real estate investors earn profits by collecting rent (or regular rent for short-term rentals) from tenants who live in the property, via the appreciation value their property is worth between the time they purchase it and when they decide to sell it, or both.
Investments in residential real estate can take many kinds. It could be as easy as renting out an empty room or as intricate as buying and flipping a home to make the purpose of making a profit.
4. Commercial real estate
Commercial real property is space which is leased or rented by a company. A commercial building that is rented by a single firm or a gas station the strip mall which houses a number of different businesses, as well as leased restaurants are just a few an example of commercial estate. If the business is not the owner of the property in which case each business has to pay rent to the property owner.
Retail and industrial real estate may fall under the umbrella of commercial. Industrial real estate generally refers to buildings where goods are created or stored rather than sold, for example, warehouses and factories. Retail spaces are where consumers can purchase a product or servicesuch as an online clothing shop. Commercial properties generally have longer leases and can command higher rents than residential properties. This could lead to a steady and higher long-term income for a property owner. But they may also require more down payments and higher property administration costs.
5. Raw land
If you construct it, will people move in? The majority of investors purchase land for either residential or commercial development.
However, buying land to develop requires some market research, especially when you intend to develop the land yourself. This type of investment is best recommended for people with an enormous amount of money to invest and an in-depth knowledge of all things in real estate: building codes flood plains, zoning rules and knowledge of local residential and commercial rental markets.
Which real estate investment is the best one on Richardson?
If you’re thinking about taking a risk with traditional real property -including commercial or residential properties — making sure you do your homework doesn’t just mean finding a money for a downpayment. Understanding the local market is crucial. If there isn’t much demand for commercial or residential space in your region or property values begin sinking, that investment may quickly become an expense.
If you’d rather remain more in control of investment decisions, REITs as well as crowdfunding platforms provide a simple way to add real estate your portfolio, without having physical property.
Certain brokerages offer REITs for sale on the open market as well as mutual funds.