Archive for January, 2011

REITs Looking Good for 2011

When banks made mortgage cash loans for bad credit and people started defaulting, that was the beginning of a long period where investing in anything to do with real estate was a bad idea. Things are finally starting to look better in some metropolitan areas for private investors. Several different bond-rating agencies also believe that 2011 will be a good year for Real Estate Investment Trusts, as long as they are within the right market sector. You will be able to pick from publicly traded REITs or non-public kinds. As a way to diversify your portfolio in 2011, they offer some stable and higher-yield choices for the average investor looking for a better deal than their local bank’s Certificate of Deposit (CD).

Types of Holdings

Apartments and multi-family dwellings are headed for a recovery, despite potentially lower rental prices. People still need a place to live and with fewer new residential buildings being built, the competition won’t be as stiff. The office sector is also showing stronger fundamentals. Even retail space appears to be headed in the right direction. The only market segment in real estate that has a negative outlook is the industrial sector. Other than that the outlook for REITs are favorable.

Type of REITs

There are publicly traded REITs and non-publicly-traded REITs. The difference is that the non-public or private versions are not traded on open exchanges. This can make them harder to sell. The return you can expect to receive from either type is dependent on any fees or commissions that must be paid to brokers or intermediaries. Despite that, you can expect about a 4 to 5 percent return on a good, stable, REIT after fees are deducted. While it’s not a thrilling return, it is better than a savings account and many CD rates that are being offered right now.

Benefit Trigger Types

There are two types of benefit triggers that are generally considered in a long-term, non-tax qualified term care insurance: activities of daily living (ADLs) and cognitive impairment. In ADLs, this trigger involves the inability to do those activities of daily living, and it is the most common way that insurance companies will decide when you are already entitled for benefits. It will include activities like bathing, continence, dressing, eating, toileting, and transferring.

In cognitive impairment, this trigger is suitable for those who are suffering from illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or any type of illness that has similar disabilities. Insurance buying tips would suggest that you have to understand these two before signing on the contract because if the insurance coverage that you have is lacking some policy features, chances are, you may be unable to completely take advantage of your coverage when you need it the most. Keep in mind that if your insurance policy only has ADLs as a trigger, you may not be able to get the proper benefits if you have Alzheimer’s disease because there is a chance that you may still have the ability to perform those daily activities, without the help of another person.