The REIT Industry
Congress created REITs in 1960 to give anyone and everyone the ability to invest in large-scale commercial properties. The REIT industry has grown dramatically in size and importance since then, and during the last decade in particular.
Because REITs must pay out almost all of their taxable income to shareholders, investors can look to REITs for reliable and significant dividends. In addition, analysis of historical data has concluded that the relatively low correlation between REITS and other stocks and bonds makes them a powerful diversification tool.
The Industry's Association
The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts® (NAREIT) is the representative voice for U.S. REITs and publicly traded real estate companies worldwide. Members are real estate investment trusts (REITs) and other businesses that own, operate and finance income-producing real estate, as well as those firms and individuals who advise, study and service those businesses. Visit our Web site at www.reit.com.
NAREIT Mission
NAREIT's principal mission is to communicate about REITs and real estate investment to members, policymakers nationwide, the investment community, the media and the public. NAREIT regularly represents the REIT and real estate investment community before Congress and the Administration, provides research on the REIT industry, publishes information about REITs and sponsors meetings dedicated to the REIT marketplace.