REITs are companies that own or finance income-producing real estate across a range of property sectors, ranging from warehouses to commercial real estate to multifamily housing. There is also a class of REITs that invest in mortgage-backed securities, known as Mortgage REITs. These investments may include mortgages that are guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae, non-agency mortgages or commercial mortgages. Mortgage REITs are a more volatile instrument than equity REITs.
The following external websites include both U.S. and overseas associations and organizations involved in REITs.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are heavily regulated on the local, regional, and federal level. As such, materials from government agencies can enhance your research on these topics.