Real estate investment trusts (REITs) offer a practical way to invest in real estate with the added benefit of eliminating taxes. Separate from other types of stocks and bonds, the real estate market offers performance and diversification benefits that can be attractive to many self-directed IRA investors.
True diversification
Suitability requirements
Multiple types
REIT investing operates similarly to mutual funds, as individual investors acquire ownership in commercial real estate portfolios that receive income from the facilities. Diversification is a benefit of REITs, as the real estate market does not directly correlate to other types of stocks and bonds.
Many REITs are accompanied by DRIPs, or dividend reinvestment plans. This allows shareholders to automatically reinvest dividends into additional shares of the same company.
Private REITs
Publicly traded REITs
Public non-traded REITs
A private REIT is not registered with the SEC. The shares are not listed on a public exchange such as the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and are not directly affected by stock market volatility. Only accredited investors can purchase a private REIT. These products are illiquid and frequently have limited redemption windows that vary by company.
Publicly traded REITs are listed on a stock exchange and, as such, they are subject to the volatility of the stock market. Because these REITs are registered with the SEC and publicly traded, there is significant public information available. There are no restrictions as to who can invest in publicly-traded REITs. Publicly traded REITs are liquid and may be traded daily, just like traditional stocks.
Public non-traded REITs must file with the SEC, which requires public reporting. Shares, however, are not traded on a stock exchange. These shares are also illiquid and not directly subject to stock market volatility, but frequently have limited redemption periods. Non-traded REITs are available to all investors but are subject to certain investment limits and suitability requirements that vary by fund.
Once you have determined that a REIT is suitable for you, it can be purchased with your Self-Directed IRA or other retirement accounts at Mainstar Trust.