There are lots of sources for industry information as you prepare for a real estate private equity job, or continue to build your skill set. As industry insiders, we have a number of favorites, which we share below. Keep in mind that continuous learning isn’t just a catchphrase, it should be a way of life. Reading is at the core of learning, so commit to being an avid reader of both industry-related content and unrelated but interesting content. Being a well-rounded reader will make you more interesting as a person, but will also sharpen your real estate private equity skills.
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Cohen & Steers
The company describes itself as “a global investment manager specializing in liquid real assets, including real estate securities, listed infrastructure and natural resource equities, as well as preferred securities and other income solutions.” The firm was founded in 1986 and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2004. In addition to offering a variety of investment strategies and multiple vehicles to support those strategies, the firm also produces excellent industry content that is available to the public.
NAREIT
NAREIT is the industry voice representing REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts; find more here and here and here) and publicly traded real estate companies with an interest in U.S. real estate and capital markets. Nareit advocates for REIT-based real estate investment with policymakers and the global investment community. The website has a tremendous amount of data on REIT stocks, performance, dividends, as well as industry news.
Green Street Advisors
Green Street was founded in 1985 by Mike Kirby and Jon Fosheim. The firm provides independent research, analytics, and consulting for the real estate investment industry. “As the industry leader in real estate and real estate investment trust (REIT) research for over three decades, our mission is to help market participants drive the best possible public and private real estate capital allocation decisions.” Their blog, “The Spotlight,” should be considered required reading for any REPE professional.
Final Thoughts
When (not if) you land your first real estate private equity job, don’t neglect reading. You will be busy. Probably busier than you’ve ever been in your life. Find time to continue reading. Make time. Staying informed of current trends in the industry will prevent you from developing tunnel vision, living day-to-day, completely engrossed in the tyranny of work deadlines. It will actually help sharpen your real estate private equity skills and aid in furthering your career.