Equity Trusts
Definition of "Equity trusts"
Same as term REIT: Type of investment company that invests money in mortgages and various types of investment in real estate, in order to earn profits for shareholders. Shareholders receive income from the rents received from the properties and receive capital gains as properties are sold at a profit. REITs have been formed by a number of large financial institutions such as banks and insurance companies. The stocks of many of them are traded on security exchanges, thereby providing investors with a marketable interest in real estate investment portfolio. By law, REITs have to distribute 95 percent of their income to shareholders, and in turn they are exempt from corporate taxes on income or gains. In exchange for this special tax treatment, REITs are subject to numerous qualifications and limitations including:
- Qualified asset and income tests. REITs are required to have at least 75% of their value represented by qualified real estate assets and to earn at least 75% of their income from real estate investments.
- Shareholder qualifications. Generally, REITs are not permitted to be closely held and must have a minimum of 100 shareholders.
Popular Real Estate Terms
Latin abbreviation for the literal translation meaning" which see". ...
Interest in real property that exists when a tenant remains in possession of leased premises or a "hold over" after his right to possession has ended. In a tenancy at sufferance, a tenant ...
The definition of Fair Market Value in the real estate business is the highest amount that could be received on the sale of a property when there are a willing buyer and a willing seller. ...
Paneled brickwork between timber quarters, a framed wall, or partition. ...
Unrealized gain in value of real property from holding it. The increase value is not recognized in the accounts. When the property is sold there will be a realized gain or loss. ...
An interest in property with the right o possession being postponed into the future until a certain even occurs. There are several possibilities where a future interest in property could ...
Interpreting the objective of a testator in his or her will. The disposition of the testator's estate must be untreatable or it could be legally challenged. ...
Legal lien on property on behalf of an individual who has not been paid for material furnished in constructing property. The material enhanced the value of the property, and as such the ...
Primary business district of a city or urbanized area having the areas major governmental offices, professional, and retail businesses represented. ...
Have a question or comment?
We're here to help.