Real estate investing without owning property.
Get matched with a licensed financial advisor who specializes in REITs. Understand your options clearly before making any decisions. Free, no obligation guidance.
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Moms across America learning to invest in real estate through TheSmartMom
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Real estate exposure without buying, managing, or selling property.
REITs allow individual investors to access large-scale, income-producing real estate portfolios. They are required by law to distribute a significant portion of taxable income to shareholders.
A licensed financial advisor can help you understand whether REITs align with your specific goals, risk tolerance, and tax situation before you make any decision.
Real estate exposure without property ownership
REITs let you invest in large-scale real estate portfolios with as little as the cost of one share, without the responsibilities of being a landlord.
Required to distribute most taxable income
By law, REITs must distribute at least 90% of their taxable income to shareholders as dividends. A licensed advisor can explain what this means for your specific tax situation.
Publicly traded REITs offer liquidity
Unlike owning physical property, shares in publicly traded REITs can be bought and sold on major stock exchanges during market hours.
Understanding the main categories
A licensed advisor can help you understand which types of REITs may be relevant to your goals. Every investor's situation is different.
Equity REITs
Own and operate income-generating real estate such as apartment buildings, shopping centers, office parks, and warehouses. Returns come primarily from rental income.
Most common type: Retail, office, residential, industrial
Mortgage REITs (mREITs)
Invest in real estate mortgages and mortgage-backed securities rather than physical properties. Returns come from interest income on loans.
Higher yield potential with different risk profile
Hybrid REITs
Combine elements of equity and mortgage REITs, owning both physical properties and real estate debt instruments. Offers a blended approach to real estate investing.
Diversified exposure across equity and debt
Our standards
How it works
Three simple steps from answering questions to speaking with a licensed advisor who can help you understand your options.
Answer a 2-minute questionnaire
Share your investing experience, timeline, and financial goals. No account numbers or sensitive data required at this stage.
Get matched with a licensed advisor
A licensed financial advisor who specializes in real estate investing reviews your profile and contacts you to discuss your options.
Get personalized guidance and decide
Your advisor walks you through REIT options relevant to your goals. You decide freely, with no obligation to act on any recommendation.
Moms who got clarity on REIT investing
"I always thought real estate investing was only for people who could afford a rental property. My advisor explained REITs in plain terms and helped me understand how they fit my retirement goals. No pressure, just education."
"As a working mom with limited time, I needed someone who could explain my options clearly without the jargon. The advisor I was matched with was patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful."
"I had heard about REITs but had no idea where to start. TheSmartMom connected me with an advisor who walked me through the basics and helped me think through whether they were right for my situation."
Testimonials recreated for illustration purposes.
Why families trust TheSmartMom
We connect you with licensed advisors who prioritize your understanding and goals, not product sales.
Licensed advisors only
Every advisor in our network holds the required registrations and licenses. Ask your advisor for their credentials and verify through FINRA BrokerCheck.
No pressure to invest
Our service connects you with information and guidance. You are never obligated to open an account, make a trade, or follow any recommendation.
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Speak with a real licensed professional who can answer your questions and help you think through your options clearly.
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TheSmartMom does not charge consumers for this service. Advisors are independent professionals who are separately compensated.
REIT investing FAQ
What is a REIT and how does it work?
A Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) is a company that owns, operates, or finances income-producing real estate. REITs allow individual investors to earn a share of the income produced through real estate ownership without actually having to buy, manage, or finance properties. Most publicly traded REITs can be purchased through a brokerage account just like a stock.
Are REITs a good investment?
Whether REITs are appropriate for you depends on your personal financial situation, goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Like all investments, REITs carry risk including possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. A licensed financial advisor can help you evaluate whether REITs belong in your portfolio.
How are REIT dividends taxed?
REIT dividends are generally taxed as ordinary income rather than at the lower qualified dividend rate, which can affect after-tax returns depending on your tax bracket. Tax rules are complex and individual situations vary. A licensed advisor or tax professional can explain how REIT income would be treated in your specific situation.
What is the minimum amount needed to invest in REITs?
Publicly traded REITs can be purchased for the price of a single share on a stock exchange, which can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars depending on the REIT. Non-traded REITs may have higher minimum investment requirements. A licensed advisor can walk you through the differences.
What are the risks of investing in REITs?
REITs are subject to market risk, interest rate risk, real estate sector risk, and liquidity risk (for non-traded REITs). The value of REIT shares can go down as well as up. Dividends are not guaranteed. All investing involves risk including possible loss of principal. This is not investment advice. Consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision.
What is the difference between publicly traded and non-traded REITs?
Publicly traded REITs are listed on major stock exchanges and can be bought and sold during market hours. Non-traded REITs are not listed on exchanges and are generally less liquid, meaning it can be difficult to sell your shares quickly. Non-traded REITs may also have higher fees and less price transparency. A licensed advisor can explain the tradeoffs for your situation.
Speak with a licensed advisor about REIT investing. Free, no obligations.
Answer a few quick questions. A licensed financial advisor will reach out to explain your options clearly. No pressure, no product push.
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Talk to a licensed REIT advisor
A licensed financial advisor will contact you within 24 hours to discuss your goals.
Free service. No obligations. Investing involves risk including possible loss of principal.
TheSmartMom is not a registered investment adviser or broker-dealer. TheSmartMom is a free matching service connecting consumers with licensed financial professionals. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. No specific returns, yields, or fund names are endorsed or recommended. By submitting your information, you authorize licensed advisors to contact you regarding investment topics. Verify advisor credentials at FINRA BrokerCheck (brokercheck.finra.org) or the SEC Investment Adviser Public Disclosure database.