Alternative investments can include real estate

Radio Transcript, 60 seconds, for use during week of Dec. 24.

This is an Invest Wisely minute brought to you by Iowa State University Extension.

Real estate is considered another alternative investment option designed for the advanced investor or for someone who uses an advisor.

You can own real estate, own rental units, or invest in real estate investment trusts, or REITs. (pronounced like feets)

Owning your own home is usually a good long-term investment, but returns on other real estate options may not be a wise choice unless you can do your own maintenance on rental units or until the market settles down.

It helps to understand these investments and why they might not be appropriate for the typical investor.

Invest Wisely comes from Iowa State University Extension through a grant from the Investor Protection Trust providing investor education on the web at investorprotection.org.

-30-