early two-thirds of Americans are homeowners, and for many people their dwellings are the biggest investments they own. But does this make the vast majority of homeowners real estate investors in a broad sense? Not really.
Homes clearly are investments, but they're also places to live. They require ongoing expenses for maintenance, repairs and property taxes. They aren't very liquid and can't be accurately valued, in real time, without a sale or appraisal. All this differentiates homes from stocks, bonds, mutual funds and other standard investments.
Read more... http://www.azcentral.com/story/money/business/consumer/2015/03/13/reits-offer-way-invest-real-estate/70306966/