REITs were created, Yoram Eliyahu explains, to enable companies to own a diverse collection of properties ranging from residential (home and apartment) and office buildings to large corporate structures. Investors allow the company in ownership to maintain this diverse real estate portfolio, while receiving the benefit of considerable returns on valuable properties without personal responsibility for the sites. Available statistics support Yoram Eliyahu’s views on investment properties. A recent study showed that publically traded REITs have outperformed the broader stock market. There is still risk involved in investing in REITs, and investors should acquaint themselves with the fund and company before investing.

As the housing market changes, the availability and worth of investments may change. Yoram Eliyahu has observed that when the economy makes it difficult to own a home, apartment building rentals take an upswing, and their desirability will command higher rents, making this already popular choice more profitable. The investment value of private homes will change as the housing market shifts, and housing demands with it. For the time being, Yoram Eliyahu feels that REITs are a solid way to mitigate the risks of investing in real estate and are an alternative worth researching for those looking to get involved in real estate investments.