List of public REITs in the United States and How to Invest

If you're new to real estate investing, REITs can be a great way to get started. There are over 200 public REITs in the United States, listed on major stock exchanges.

Some of the most popular REITs include Realty Income, Simon Property Group, and Welltower. These companies have a proven track record of delivering steady returns to investors.

To invest in public REITs, you'll need to open a brokerage account with a reputable online broker. This will give you access to the stock market and allow you to buy and sell shares of your chosen REITs.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) allow you to earn income from real estate without buying, managing, or financing properties yourself. They were created by a 1960 law to make real estate investing more accessible to smaller investors.

REITs are companies that own, operate, or finance income-producing real estate across various property sectors. These investments have changed and funded much of American real estate.

REITs operate like mutual funds, pooling capital from investors to buy large real estate portfolios. Investors earn returns in two ways: from dividends or an increase in the value of the REIT's shares.

There are three main types of REITs, each with its own unique characteristics. Equity REITs make up the majority of the market, accounting for 96% of the market share in 2023.

Equity REITs are the most common type, owning and operating income-producing real estate. They generate revenue primarily through rent, not by reselling properties.

Mortgage REITs, on the other hand, lend money to real estate owners and operators, either directly through mortgages and loans or indirectly through acquiring mortgage-backed securities. Their earnings are generated by the net interest margin.

Hybrid REITs used to exist, but they've largely disappeared since the 2007-2008 financial crisis, and their market share is now negligible.

Here's a breakdown of the types of REITs and their market share:

California has a significant presence of public REITs. One notable example is Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

The state is home to many prominent REITs, including American Assets Trust, American Healthcare REIT, Inc., and AMH. These companies are actively contributing to the real estate market in California.

Here is a list of some of the notable REITs in California:

Brandywine Realty Trust is a REIT that owns, develops, leases, and manages a portfolio of urban town centers and transit-oriented properties in cities like Philadelphia and Austin. They have 163 properties across these cities.

Their operating income is primarily generated in Pennsylvania, with the remainder coming from Austin, TX, and other markets. Brandywine Realty Trust reported a slight decline in occupancy from 87.3% to 87.2% in the third quarter of 2024.

Interest expense grew 26% year-over-year, which is the eighth quarter in a row where the impact of high interest rates was evident. This is a notable trend in the company's financial performance.

Here's a brief summary of Brandywine Realty Trust's key statistics:

Ellington Credit Co is a top REIT that focuses on acquiring, investing in, and managing residential mortgage and real estate related assets. They primarily focus on residential mortgage-backed securities, specifically those backed by a U.S. Government agency or U.S. government-sponsored enterprise.

These securities are created and backed by government agencies or enterprises, while others are not guaranteed by the government. Ellington Residential reported net income of $5.4 million, or $0.21 per share, for the third quarter of 2024.

In the same quarter, Ellington achieved adjusted distributable earnings of $7.2 million, leading to adjusted earnings of $0.28 per share, which covered the dividend paid. Their net interest margin was 5.22% overall.

At the end of the quarter, Ellington had $25.7 million of cash and cash equivalents, and $96 million of other unencumbered assets.

New Jersey has a notable presence in the REIT market, with several prominent companies operating within the state.

One of these companies is Alexander's, Inc., a well-established player in the industry.

Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. is another notable REIT based in New Jersey, with a focus on single-tenant properties.

First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey, Inc. rounds out the list of New Jersey-based REITs, with a portfolio of commercial properties across the state.

Four Springs Capital Trust and UMH Properties, Inc. also have a presence in New Jersey, with a focus on various aspects of the REIT market.

Veris Residential, Inc. completes the list of New Jersey-based REITs, with a diverse portfolio of properties across the state.

Here is a list of New Jersey-based REITs mentioned in the article:

These REITs are ranked based on expected total returns, which take into account income, growth, and value.

Note that these REITs have not been vetted for safety, so investors should be aware of the potential risks involved.

We encourage investors to fully consider the risk/reward profile of these investments.

The REITs listed below have high expected total returns, but also come with elevated risks.

For a safer option, check out our Top 10 REITs service, which includes REITs with 4%+ dividend yields and a focus on safety.

Investors should be cautious and do their own research before investing in these high-risk REITs.

Investing in REITs can be a fantastic way to generate income, with high dividend yields that are often higher than the S&P 500.

Publicly traded REITs are listed on a public exchange, where they can be bought and sold by individual investors, and are regulated by the SEC. Public non-traded REITs, on the other hand, are registered with the SEC but don't trade on exchanges, making them less liquid but potentially more stable.

REITs can be included in defined benefit and defined contribution plans through mutual funds and ETFs, making them a common investment option for many U.S. investors.

Here are the main types of REITs:

Community Healthcare Trust (CHT) is a top REIT that offers a promising investment opportunity. Its expected total return is 17.6%, with a dividend yield of 9.8%.

The trust has a diversified portfolio of 197 properties in 35 states, totaling 4.4 million square feet. Community Healthcare Trust focuses on income-producing real estate properties linked to the healthcare sector.

One notable acquisition made by the trust in the third quarter of 2024 was a physician clinic for $6.2 million. The property was 100% leased with a lease expiration in 2027.

Community Healthcare Trust also has eleven properties under definitive purchase agreements, with a combined purchase price of roughly $178.3 million. These properties are expected to close from 2024 through 2027.

Here are some key financial metrics for Community Healthcare Trust:

Investing in REITs is a great way to generate income from your investment portfolio. REITs have traded at a higher dividend yield than the S&P 500 for decades, making them an attractive option for investors seeking regular income.

The high dividend yields of REITs are due to the regulatory requirements of doing business as a real estate investment trust. In exchange for listing as a REIT, these trusts must pay out at least 90% of their net income as dividend payments to their unitholders.

REITs give investors the ability to experience the economic benefits of real estate ownership without the hassle of being a landlord. This makes them well-suited to investors who aim to generate income from their investment portfolios.

Dividend yield will be the primary metric of interest for many REIT investors, as it directly relates to the income generated by the investment.

Investing in REITs can seem daunting, but understanding the basics will help you get started. There are three main types of REITs: publicly traded, public non-traded, and private.

Publicly traded REITs are listed on a public exchange, where they're bought and sold by individual investors. They're regulated by the SEC, which provides a level of protection for investors.

Public non-traded REITs, on the other hand, are registered with the SEC but don't trade on exchanges. This makes them less liquid than publicly traded REITs, but also more stable due to reduced market volatility.

Private REITs aren't registered with the SEC and don't trade on securities exchanges. They're primarily sold to institutional investors and are often associated with REIT-related frauds.

You can invest in REITs through various channels, including mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This is a great way to diversify your portfolio and potentially earn stable returns.

Here's a breakdown of the three main types of REITs:

Monthly payment options can be a great perk for investors seeking regular income. Some REITs pay monthly, making them attractive to income-focused investors.

Most REITs pay quarterly, but a few pay annually or semiannually. This frequency of payments doesn't necessarily indicate higher returns or better financial health for the REIT.

For income-focused investors, monthly-paying REITs can provide a steady income via dividends. However, it's essential to note that the frequency of payments doesn't directly correlate with returns or financial health.

According to the Investor's Guide to REITs, some REITs offer monthly payments. Healthpeak Properties' investor relations page also highlights their strategy, which includes clarity in delivering value to investors.

Here's a breakdown of REIT payment frequencies:

It's crucial to remember that payment frequency doesn't directly impact returns or financial health. Always research and evaluate a REIT's financials and investment strategy before making a decision.