Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
Type of investment company that invests money in mortgages and various types of investment in real estate, in order to earn profits for shareholders. Shareholders receive income from the rents received from the properties and receive capital gains as properties are sold at a profit. REITs have been formed by a number of large financial institutions such as banks and insurance companies. The stocks of many of them are traded on security exchanges, thereby providing investors with a marketable interest in real estate investment portfolio. By law, REITs have to distribute 95 percent of their income to shareholders, and in turn they are exempt from corporate taxes on income or gains. In exchange for this special tax treatment, REITs are subject to numerous qualifications and limitations including:
- Qualified asset and income tests. REITs are required to have at least 75% of their value represented by qualified real estate assets and to earn at least 75% of their income from real estate investments.
- Shareholder qualifications. Generally, REITs are not permitted to be closely held and must have a minimum of 100 shareholders.
Popular Real Estate Terms
Structure built into the water from the land providing a facility for boats to tie up. A dock will often provide utility access ...
Net amount received when property is sold. It equals the selling price less outstanding mortgage balance less all costs incurred in connection with the sale. These expenditures include ...
The right to possess, exclusively occupy, enjoy, control, and dispose of real estate. Ownership rights to realty are granted by the ownership of a title to real property. ...
Tax imposed by some state and local governments to record into the public record property deeds and mortgages. ...
To clip or prune shrubbery,etc. ...
An estate constrained from some heirs and dedicated to others on the basis of a certain condition. ...
Schedule which is part of Form 1040 showing income or loss from real estate transactions including net rental income (rental revenue less rental expenses). ...
Dividing a lot into two or more parcels. Normally a variance would have to be obtained to permit a lot split. The lot cannot be split unless they meet minimum area zoning requirements ...
Individual engaged in selling a product or service. The product may be an investment in real estate. In some instances, state law may require licensing to safeguard the public by requiring ...
Have a question or comment?
We're here to help.