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Robert Shumake

REIT and Real Estate Mutual Funds Profile – Commonwealth Real Estate Securities

As you consider your real estate mutual fund and REIT investments, it is important to take a closer look at many of the offerings out there. This article will focus on Commonwealth Real Estate Securities (CNREX).

Fund Profile

Commonwealth Real Estate Securities holds 13.2 million dollars in assets that are focused in the service and manufacturing industries. The minimum investment to buy into Commonwealth Real Estate Securities is $200.00. The fund is comprised of 57 stocks and 5 bonds.

Fund Performance and Ratings

Commonwealth Real Estate Securities is moving up in the rankings. It has recently been rated a 5-star investment, up from 4. It ranks currently as an above average return investment while also claiming a low risk assessment.

Where Does it Invest?

Commonwealth Real Estate Securities is focused on the service and manufacturing industries. The majority of their stock is in financial services (77.71%), followed by consumer services (12.55%) and industrial materials (9.73%).

Who's in Charge?

Ronald Manning is at the helm of Commonwealth Real Estate Securities. Manning is the decision making force in many of the Commonwealth's global funds in addition to the Commonwealth Real Estate Securities fund.

How does it Choose Investments?

The majority of the holdings in the Commonwealth Real Estate Securities portfolio are those that are small to middle market stocks and bonds that are rated as value purchases. That means they buy into companies when the shares are considered by the portfolio manager to be undervalued at purchase time, therefore a good deal. The belief is that they will eventually realize their real value and create a nice amount for profit for shareholders.

What's in the Portfolio?

Among the holdings in the Commonwealth Real Estate Securities portfolio are Public Storage, Vornado Realty Trust, Equity Residential, Homex Development Corp. ADR, Hang Lung Properties Ltd. ADR, CRH PLC ADR, Washington REIT, Boston Properties, Hilton Hotels and Lowe's Companies Inc.

Adding to Your Portfolio

When it comes to Commonwealth Real Estate Securities, this is one fund that nearly anyone can become an investor in. Some real estate mutual funds and REITs have high buy ins, but in this case the minimum buy in is just $200.00.

A low buy in still does not mean that you should not know what you are buying before you enter into a share purchase. Just like any other investment, you should be aware of where your money is going and the risk and return assessments of the REIT or real estate mutual fund. To this end you need to do your research. By joining a website like REITBuyer.com you can get all of the research you need in this specific market in one place. REITBuyer.com is the first and only online brokerage that specializes in REITs and real estate mutual funds.

Once you have done your research and are sure this is a purchase you want to make, the process is simple, just click and buy then be able to watch your portfolio as well as what is happening to your real estate investing market all in the same place.

REITbuyer.com, a site dedicated to educating Real Estate Investors on how to invest in Real Estate Mutual Funds to diversify their investing portfolio. Learn more at http://www.reitbuyer.com

Online Brokerage: REIT and Real Estate Mutual Funds Profile – Cohen & Steers Realty Shares Instl

As you consider your real mutual fund estate and REIT investments, it is important to take a closer look at many of the offerings out there. This article will focus on Cohen & Steers Realty Shares Instl (CSRIX).

Fund Profile

Cohen & Steers Realty Shares Instl holds 605 million dollars in assets that are in the service and manufacturing sectors. There is a minimum investment of $3,000,000 to be a part of his fund that holds 51 stock assets.

Fund Performance and Ratings

Cohen & Steers Realty Shares Instl is moving up the ratings on the market. Now at a 4-star this is one of those funds that are going in the right direction. Currently it rates as an above average return and average risk investment avenue.

Where Does it Invest?

Cohen & Steers Realty Shares Instl focuses it's spending on stocks that are in the financial services and manufacturing sector. The majority of the assets are in the financial services sector (97.22%) with only a small portion in manufacturing (2.78%).

Who's in Charge?

Jon Cheigh is the manager of this fund. Cheigh is a senior vice president for Cohen & Steers. He is also the portfolio manager of their U.S. real estate securities portfolios. Cheigh joined the Cohen & Steers family in 2005. Prior to that time he spent time with Security Capital Research & Management as well as InterPark and Urban Growth Property Trust.

How does it Choose Investments?

The holdings in the Cohen & Steers Realty Shares Instl portfolio tend to be in the middle value market stocks, with the majority of their stock purchases being those that are in the value to blended fields. Since they are focused on stocks, there is more of a risk to this type of fund, but with wise purchases on the part of the fund, there is also opportunity for great growth.

What's in the Portfolio?

Among the entities in the Cohen & Steers Realty Shares Instl fund are Simon Property Group Inc, Public Storage, Vornado Realty Trust, Equity Residential, Boston Properties Inc, Federal Realty Investment Trust, Host Hotels & Resorts Inc, Regency Centers Corporation, Ventas Inc. and Nationwide Health Properties, Inc.

Adding to Your Portfolio

Cohen & Steers Realty Shares Instl is not for most investors. This is a fund that is more at the institutional level, requiring major capitol to buy into the fund ($3,000,000 minimum).

With that said, if you do have the funding for this type of investment, you should always make sure you make a well educated decision before making such a purchase. In this case you can analyze the fund more deeply and see return statements that help you gauge whether it is the right purchase for you through REITBuyer.com. REITBuyer.com is the first and only online brokerage that specializes in REITs and real estate mutual funds. That means not only can you buy and monitor your purchases through them, but you will also be able to get specialized research and news features that will keep you on the top of your investment market.

REIT Buyer.com, a full service online information resource dedicated to assisting investors who are interested in learning more about Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), Real Estate Mutual Funds and how to invest in them. Visit http://www.reitbuyer.com to learn more.

Scholarship Relays in Detroit Seeks Donations and Sponsors to Help Young People with College

Top high school athletes prepare to compete in the 5th Annual Showdown in Motown on April 25th

Detroit, MI - Track and field teams from high schools all over the world will come to compete in Detroit for the 5th Annual Robert S. Shumake Scholarship Relays on April 25, 2009. Success depends on consumer participation; Robert Shumake said, "We are still in need of donations; every little bit helps; we will be very thankful for all donations; big and small. The Shumake Relays is a 501 c3 organization; donations are tax deductible."

Robert Shumake is a former Detroit all-city track star and founder of the Shumake Scholarship Relays. Robert Shumake, former Detroit Track and Field star said, "Track and field helped me focus on being the best; now I am giving back to the community by helping other teens compete for scholarships."

Previous Robert Shumake Relays have received media coverage from NBC, CBS and ABC. Being the largest independently sponsored HS track meet in Michigan, they have received strong political and community support from political leaders in Detroit and Pontiac. Shumake has long been committed to helping the youth obtain their dreams. This unique track and field meet not only awards the winners with medals and trophies but also provides college scholarships to qualified participants.

The Shumake Scholarship Relays http://www.shumakerelays.com is also looking for sponsorships and items for auction. They will gladly accept cash, check or credit card donations; corporate or personal. People wishing to make a donation can contact Ms. Robinson at 313-887-0090 or email araconsultants@gmail.com

Contact:

Robert Shumake

Inheritance Capital Group, Inc

25900 West 11 Mile Road

Southfield, MI 48034

Phone: 248-443-0939

Email: nmccalister@icgreit.com

This press release was submitted by Right Now Marketing Group, LLC

REITBuyer.com is an Online Investment Broker Providing Educational Material, Tools and Research Including a Savings Calculator and Ticker Symbol Tutorial

Members can utilize a library of educational and research tools to assist them as they prepare to make the best investment decision for their financial situation

Detroit, MI - The new online broker, REITBuyer.com officially launched their website in February, 2009, to give real estate investors information for researching and investing in REITs. They are proud to announce that the site is now beta tested and fully operational for investors to purchase REITs to add to their investment portfolio.

The site contains all the information an investor needs to learn about REITs. The information is clear and easy to understand so that even beginners can learn and invest.

The unique online Assessment Wizard is an easy to use investment tool designed to help investors choose an account type and investment that is suitable for their specific goals based on their time horizon and risk tolerance.

The Savings Calculator is an easy to use tool to help determine an appropriate monthly amount to contribute toward an investment goal.

Ticker Symbols were created nearly 150 years ago to give investors a snapshot of a stock's current activity. Though Ticker Symbols have been in existence for a long time, many people still have trouble understanding how to read them. REITBuyer.com has developed an easy to understand tutorial about how to read a Ticker Symbol.

As part of the robust educational tool box, REITBuyer.com offers its members monthly real estate investment webinars with expert financial advisors. The webinars cover a broad range of topics in order to increase investment knowledge to assist in making a sound investment decision for individual financial situations.

As part of their continued commitment to provide educational tools, REITBuyer.com offers recommended reading for real estate investors. Their team of advisors and money managers has developed a list of books for investors to consider reading to help them make wise investment decisions.

http://www.reitbuyer.com/ is an online brokerage specializing In REITs and Real Estate Mutual Funds - The first and only site dedicated to REITs Real Estate Mutual Funds. This is a place for the small investor to own a piece of world class real estate.

Online Brokers Threatened by the Competition as REITBuyer.com Announces the Grand Opening of their Online Brokerage for Real Estate Stock Investors

Real Estate Investors discover a new way to invest in real estate while avoiding the liability exposure of property ownership and the pressure of property management

Detroit, MI - REIT expert, Earl E. Bird, III, recently spoke to a group of investors at a local real estate investors' association meeting. He explained what REITs are and the benefits of investing in REITs as he announced the grand opening of the REITBuyer.com.

Though the website contains a wealth of educational material several of the investors requested a follow up meeting with Earl to talk more. Earl agreed and they met for lunch so the young investors could have the opportunity to ask questions.

One investor said, "I'm just getting started in real estate investing and it's great! I just bought a house for less than $40,000 that was foreclosed with a mortgage balance of over $100,000! I feel fortunate to be a new investor today, rather than one who has a bunch of upside down properties; however, I'm intrigued with the idea of REITs. I'm not interested in owning and managing too many properties while I wait for the market to turn around. My question is; what type of people purchase REITs and would you expect someone like myself to invest in REITs?"

Earl answered, "All types of investors find REITs to be an excellent investment to have in their portfolio, including new investors with no previous experience, intermediate investors with some experience and highly experienced investors."

The others agreed that they were open to learning about REITs to further diversify their investments. One of the investors asked about how dividends are handled for tax purposes. Earl explained, "Dividend distributions for tax purposes are allocated to ordinary income, capital gains and return of capital, each of which may be taxed at a different rate."

The obvious question that a young investor would ask is what to keep in mind while choosing a REIT to invest in. Earl explained, "Look for a corporation that demonstrates consistent earnings and dividend growth as they are rewarded by the market with higher price-earnings multiples. Factors to keep in mind are the strength of their management team, a demonstrated ability to increase revenue consistently and an effective operating structure."

Earl went on as he discussed professional groups that advocate on behalf of REITs, "The National Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT) was established as a trade association created to represent US REITs and publicly traded real estate companies. The NAREIT is comprised of companies, academics and industry professionals whose primary purpose is to advocate for and help promote the industry and REITs."

The young investors were impressed as they learned more about REITs and how they work. Of course, they still felt a little overwhelmed with how much there is to know about REITs. Earl said, "You can invest in nearly 200 publicly traded REITs located on the major stock exchanges by purchasing shares. The highly specialized experts at REITBuyer.com can help you make your investment. http://www.reitbuyer.com/ is an online brokerage specializing In REITs and Real Estate Mutual Funds - The first and only site dedicated to REITs Real Estate Mutual Funds. This is a place for the small investor to own a piece of world class real estate.