How Many Jobs Are Available in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITS)?

If you’re eager to advance in your career and enter the real estate industry, specifically real estate investment trusts, you’ve come to the right place.

The journey to discovering the career possibilities in real estate investment trusts (or the REIT industry, for short) starts here.

An estimated 3.4 million positions populate the real estate industry (of which 326,000 are in REITs), underscoring the sector’s robust growth and its role as a significant employer.

In terms of how many jobs are available in real estate investment trusts, current job opportunities depend on the broader real estate industry, real estate market trends, and your location, to name a few key factors. Generally, you can expect about 1,000-2,000 open positions at any time. This indicates a thriving and expansive array of real estate investment trusts worth exploring.

That being said, read on to learn more about real estate investment trusts and the job opportunities in the market.

What Are Real Estate Investment Trusts?

REITs stand as businesses or enterprises that own, and often manage, properties generating income. Such entities may hold assets in both the residential and commercial real estate sectors.

Real estate investment trusts can either be privately held (private REITs) or publicly traded across major stock exchanges. Publicly traded REITs are notable for distributing a minimum of 90% of their income before taxes to investors as dividends.

The spectrum of commercial properties under REITs includes office complexes, storage facilities, cinemas, retail centers, medical facilities, and hospitality venues. Residential properties, on the other hand, encompass mobile homes, apartment blocks, single-family residences, and accommodations for students.

Furthermore, real estate investment trusts extend to categories such as infrastructure, industrial, mixed-use, retail, or specialized sectors. We’ll explore these in detail below.

How Does a Real Estate Investment Trust Make Money?

Real estate investment trusts harness capital from both individual and institutional investors to finance the acquisition, and sometimes the construction, of real estate properties. These assets are then leased out or sold for profit.

Investors in these trusts benefit from income generated through rents and sales without the need for direct property management or ownership. This framework presents a unique investment opportunity, allowing participation in the real estate market without the traditional barriers associated with real estate investment and property management.

Types of Real Estate Investment Trusts

1. Industrial REITs

Favoring industrial properties for their potential for high rental yields, industrial REITs lease spaces like factories and warehouses, which are crucial for manufacturing and distribution operations.

2. Residential REITs

Specializing in the acquisition of living spaces for lease, residential REITs often target larger complexes capable of housing multiple tenants, including multifamily and student accommodations.

3. Commercial REITs

These trusts focus on acquiring commercial properties, which are used by businesses. Office REITs, for instance, own spaces leased to various enterprises. Retail REITs have properties housing retail outlets, catering to a broad spectrum of business needs.

4. Hospitality REITs

Focusing on residential or commercial properties related to tourism, including hotels and resorts, hospitality REITs own assets more commonly than individuals, reflecting their stake in global travel and tourism real estate.

5. Medical REITs

Investing in healthcare facilities such as hospitals and care homes, medical REITs are destined for growth. Their importance in the sector comes to light when you consider the aging population in the US and globally.

Each category showcases the versatility and expansive reach of REITs across different sectors, offering diverse opportunities for investors and skilled professionals.

Job Opportunities in Real Estate Investment Trusts

The structure of a real estate investment trust encompasses various departments and job functions, mirroring the diversity found within larger corporations. This organizational diversity translates to a broad job market and a wealth of job opportunities, inviting candidates from different backgrounds to find their niche.

Here’s a closer look at some major roles:

1. Real Estate Agent

Sales agents assist in buying and selling residential or commercial properties. They serve as intermediaries, ensuring smooth transactions between parties.

2. REIT Analyst

These are financial analysts who play a vital role in evaluating new business opportunities by leveraging financial modeling and analysis. A REIT analyst relies on financial tools and financial reporting to help an organization make informed decisions regarding property acquisitions and investments.

3. Real Estate Managing Broker

Unlike the common perception, managing brokers are skilled professionals who hold a more advanced certification than agents, enabling them to manage a real estate firm. This role requires a higher licensure level, emphasizing the responsibility of overseeing agents and ensuring compliance with legal standards.

4. Real Estate Attorney

As legal professionals, attorneys navigate the intricacies of property contracts, ownership disputes, and transactional documentation, covering all legal matters and ensuring fairness in all dealings.

5. Asset Manager

Asset managers oversee the financial health and operational performance of the REIT’s portfolio. An asset manager has to coordinate closely with acquisitions and development departments as well as other financial analysts, while adhering to SEC regulations and REIT policies.

6. Leasing Consultants

Acting as the liaison between landlords and potential tenants, leasing consultants engage directly with clients, facilitating property viewings and negotiations. They are in charge of tenant relations, so the position demands excellent interpersonal skills.

Advantages of Investing in a Real Estate Investment Trust

1. Lucrative Returns

By mandating the distribution of at least 90% of their taxable income as dividends, REITs stand out for their potential to generate significant returns for shareholders. This structural requirement not only facilitates a steady income stream but also positions REITs for rapid growth compared to other investment vehicles.

2. Portfolio Diversification

Adding REITs to your investment portfolio introduces an additional asset class.

Not putting all of your eggs in the same basket is a smart investing strategy, especially with profitable real estate sectors like office buildings, retail venues, residential complexes, and industrial facilities. This diversification method can mitigate risk while potentially enhancing overall returns.

3. Transparency

Governed by strict SEC regulations, real estate investment trusts offer a high degree of transparency. They ensure investor confidence by safeguarding against management misappropriation of funds. This level of supervision provides an additional layer of security and trust in REIT investments.

These benefits amplify the attractiveness of real estate investment trusts as an investment option. Successful investors often leverage their potential for high returns.

Getting Started with a Career in Real Estate Investment Trusts

Embarking on a career within the REIT sector requires a blend of industry knowledge, networking, and a clear understanding of your career aspirations.

Whether you’re drawn to financial analysis, property management, legal affairs, or sales, the REIT industry offers a spectrum of job opportunities.

Here are some steps to consider:

1. Educate Yourself

Understanding the fundamentals of real estate investment strategies, financial analysis, and the regulatory landscape governing real estate investment trusts is essential. Consider courses, certifications, or degrees in real estate, finance, or a related field.

2. Gain Relevant Experience

Entry-level positions or internships in real estate firms, financial institutions, or legal practices can provide practical experience and insight into the workings of the real estate industry and its accompanying job market.

3. Network

Building connections with professionals in the REIT sector can open doors to a multitude of opportunities. Participate in online forums dedicated to real estate investing, attend industry conferences, and become a part of an esteemed investment community.

4. Specialize

Given the broad spectrum of REITs, specializing in a particular type of REIT (for instance, commercial, residential, or healthcare) can help focus your career path and make you a more attractive candidate for specific roles.

5. Stay Informed

The real estate market is dynamic, with regulatory, economic, and technological changes shaping the landscape always shifting. You’ll want to build strong analytical skills and keep yourself acquainted with the latest market trends and regulatory changes.

6. Get Professional Licensing and Certifications

Depending on your career path, obtaining a real estate license, becoming a certified public accountant (CPA), or achieving certifications in property management may enhance your qualifications and credibility.

Trends and Future Outlook of the Real Estate Market and REIT Industry

The REIT sector, mirroring the broader real estate market, is subject to shifts driven by economic, technological, and societal changes. Analyzing these trends can provide a strategic edge to those looking to enter or advance within this field.

Here are some key developments to watch:

1. Sustainability and Green Buildings

Increasing awareness of climate change and sustainability is driving the interest in energy-efficient and eco-friendly properties. REITs focusing on green building practices and sustainability certifications are well-positioned for guaranteed growth.

2. Technological Innovation

From virtual property tours to blockchain in lease transactions and AI in property management, technology is transforming how REITs operate. Familiarity with these technologies can open new career paths within the sector.

3. Urbanization and Changing Work Patterns

The resurgence of rural life and the evolution of work-from-home culture are influencing demand for different types of spaces, from mixed-use developments to flexible office buildings.

4. Healthcare and Aging Population

An aging global population is increasing demand for healthcare facilities, senior living, and assisted living properties. REITs specializing in these areas may see expanded growth opportunities.

5. Ecommerce Impact on Retail and Industrial Spaces

The growth of ecommerce is reshaping retail REITs while fueling demand for industrial spaces for warehouses and distribution centers.

6. Regulatory and Economic Shifts

Changes in regulations, economic conditions, and interest rates can significantly impact REIT performance. Staying informed on these fronts can aid in making informed career and investment decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions about Careers in REITs

1. Which real estate investment trust opportunities are most profitable?

It all depends on your investment goals and preferences.

For those inclined toward immediate income, mortgage REITs may offer appealing returns, especially in rising interest rate environments.

Regardless of your investment goals, real estate investment trusts serve as a gateway to the real estate market, providing benefits that might not be readily available through other investment avenues.

2. What is the typical return on REIT investments?

The return on a real estate investment trust can fluctuate based on the trust’s specific performance and the broader economic context.

As of 2023, the 5-year average annual return stood at 10.3%, with a 50-year track record of 12.7%, comparing favorably against benchmarks like the S&P 500 and Russell 2000.

This demonstrates the potential for real estate investment trusts to offer superior returns, partly due to their obligation to distribute a majority of profits as dividends.

In Closing

As enterprises that own and manage income producing real estate across residential, commercial, and specialized sectors, REITs provide lucrative investment opportunities. The dynamic nature of the REIT industry, driven by trends such as sustainability, technological innovation, and demographic shifts, presents many well-paying jobs and different avenues for career growth.

If you’re looking to break into the REIT industry, you don’t have to worry too much about how many jobs are available in real estate investment trusts. The real estate job market is ripe with opportunities, but the first step to grasping them lies in acquiring relevant education.

On top of that, you’ll also want to gain practical experience, be ready to network with industry professionals, and closely follow real estate market trends.

By specializing in specific areas within the real estate investment trust landscape and leveraging advancements in technology and sustainability, you’ll be ready to position yourself for success.

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Nick

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