A basic understanding of real estate includes vacant land, working farms, ranches, early growth, subdivision, and site assembly. The profession of real estate involves the purchase, development, and sale of real estate. Adding to this definition is the construction of new buildings, which comprises residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The construction of new buildings accounts for about six percent of the United States’ market. But how do you get started? Read on to learn more.
Investing in real estate via REITs
If you’re an investor looking for a low-risk way to invest your money, consider real estate through REITs. Publicly traded REITs are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), but that doesn’t mean they’re risk-free. Investors should still perform their own due diligence before investing in any type of real estate. The market’s fluctuations, interest rates, debt, geography, changing tax laws, and fees can make an investment a risky one. Moreover, many REITs charge high transaction and management fees, reducing payouts to shareholders. Before investing, read the fine print of the investment company’s terms and conditions to understand the fees.
Special purpose real estate
Many people are unfamiliar with the concept of special purpose real estate, but it exists. Such properties are categorized by their unique purpose and are difficult to repurpose. Common examples of this type of real estate include schools, car washes, self-storage facilities, and universities. A large portion of this type of real estate is devoted to the hospitality and tourism industries. Some of the more common examples of special purpose real estate include hotels, airports, sports stadiums, and amusement parks.
Industrial real estate
Industrial real estate is traditionally associated with big factories and assembly lines. However, it can also encompass other types of real estate, such as truck terminals, general-purpose warehouses, and even data centers. Most household goods go through a long manufacturing process and industrial real estate can be beneficial for any company involved in that process. There are several risks associated with industrial real estate investments. One of them is the heightened risk of vacancy. Industrial real estate investments also require investors to keep up with the changing economy and consumer base.
Residential real estate
The term “residential real estate” refers to properties in which at least one residential dwelling unit is located. There are four major types of residential real estate. Apartments are multi-unit buildings bounded by locked doors, while detached houses are composed of individual units. Condominium buildings, on the other hand, are multi-story structures with individual units. While each of these types of properties has its own benefits and drawbacks, they all have their own unique set of considerations.
Buying and selling property via multiple listing service
Using a multiple listing service (MLS) to buy or sell property news can be beneficial for many reasons. For one thing, it provides you with historical data about properties, including prior sales, taxes, expired listings, and foreclosures. MLS systems also allow you to specify certain features and price ranges to narrow down your search. They also have utilities costs, so you can see exactly how much the property will cost you before you make a decision.
