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Not investment advice. Educational reading. See Disclaimer.
L.7 · INTERMEDIATE · 2 MIN

Building a Real Estate Allocation

Real estate typically represents 25–35% of the average American’s net worth — mostly through their home. Yet most investment portfolios allocate only 0–5% to real estate. Building a deliberate allocation starts with understanding the role RE plays in a diversified portfolio.

Quiz · 5 questions ↓
§ 01
Allocation LevelApproachSuitable For
0–5%REIT ETF as diversifierPassive investors, small portfolios
5–15%REIT ETFs + sector tiltsModerate investors seeking income
15–25%REITs + 1–2 direct propertiesActive investors with capital
25%+Significant direct portfolio + REITsReal estate professionals, high net worth
§ 02

Your primary home is NOT an investment allocation — it’s a consumption asset. Don’t count it as part of your real estate investment allocation. An investment property generates income; your home generates expenses.

§ 03
Calculate your current real estate allocation. Include investment REITs and rental properties but exclude your primary home. Is it 0%? 5%? Consider whether adding real estate exposure would improve your diversification.
§ 04
Your portfolio is 70% stocks, 20% bonds, 10% cash. A 10% REIT allocation would most likely:
§ 05

Real estate’s greatest portfolio benefit is the income component. REITs are required to distribute 90% of taxable income as dividends, providing a yield that typically exceeds the S&P 500 dividend yield by 1–3%.

§ 06
Building a portfolio. A financial advisor suggests 30% real estate allocation. Disciplined reaction?
Five questions · AI feedback

Sit with the ideas.

A 35-year-old homeowner has a $400,000 home (with $300,000 mortgage) and a $600,000 investment portfolio with zero REIT exposure. Net worth: $700,000. Real estate is what percentage of net worth, and what REIT allocation would make sense?

Why:
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