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
To sign a note on behalf of another individual and, therefore, to guarantee payment. The cosigner is responsible for the loan if the borrower defaults. Such an agreement may occur in ...
The amount of a periodic payment, whether monthly, quarterly, or annually, including interest and principal, required for a mortgage payment. ...
Also called a teaser. The starting interest rate of an adjustable rate loan. It generally lasts between 1 and 12 months, at which time the loan rate increases based on prearranged criteria. ...
mortgage being reduced through periodic principal and interest payments. ...
Situation where a neighbor hood is gradually occupied by progressively lower income people. ...
Reference to let the vendor beware. Without specific exemptions, the vendor is obligated for action by the buyer for any explicit or implied modifications in the contract or warranty. ...
Property description contained in a title deed. A deed description is intended to inform a reasonable person where property is located. It can be described by metes and bounds, by ...
An adversary hearing allows both parties to an issue to present their views. A public procedure performed by an administrative or legislative body to investigate certain matters and ...
Investments, usually in limited partnership, that can protect of defer shelter) part of the income from current taxes. Under current law, passive leases can be applied up to passive income. ...
Have a question or comment?
We're here to help.