What exactly does classification as a REIT mean?
Equity LifeStyle Properties is a real estate investment trust (REIT). A REIT is a company dedicated to owning and, in most cases, operating income-producing real estate. In addition to manufactured housing, companies owning apartments, offices, shopping centers and warehouses could be classified as REITs. In order for a company to qualify as a REIT, it must pay 95 percent of its taxable income to its shareholders each year.