As we have previously noted, regulators have already hit broker-dealers for big fines and damages for the sale of non-traded REITs:
- In May Massachusetts regulators order five firms to pay $6 million for improperly selling non-traded REITs
- Earlier in 2013 LPL Financial was hit with a $4.8 million order from the Massachusetts securities regulators for failing to train and supervise brokers in connection with the sale of non-traded REITs.
In early September 2013, Massachusetts regulator William Galvin announced a second round of restitution orders, totaling $10.75 million, against the same five firms: Securities America, Ameriprise Financial, Commonwealth Financial Network, Lincoln Financial and Royal Alliance.
In total, the six firms have agreed to pay up to $21.6 million in restitution and fines of $1.5 million.
According to Galvin, “These investments are popular, but risky. Our investigation showed widespread problems with adherence to the firms’ own policies, as well as the state rule that an investor’s purchase of REITs cannot be more than 10% of that person’s liquid net worth”.
What are non-traded REITs?
Non traded real estate investment trusts (REITS) do not trade on any conventional exchange and were sold with the promise of steady and dependable income, with little warning as to the illiquid nature of the investment and with the hopes of appreciation. Many purchasers believed them to be safe, secure investments similar to bonds. Now many of these investments have ceased making distributions and have plummeted in value. Since they are not traded on any conventional exchange, investors may look only to a secondary market if liquidity is required.
Popular Non-Traded REITs include:
Behringer Harvard (Multifamily, Opportunity I and II)
CNL Lifestyle Properties
Cole Credit Property Trust II and III
Corporate Property Associates 16, 17
Dividend Capital Diversified Property Fund
Healthcare Trust of America
Hines
Inland Diversified
KBS I and II
KBS Strategic
Landmark Apartment Trust
Lightstone Value
Retail Property of America
TNP Strategic Retail
United Development Fune III and IV
Columbus Property (Wells REIT II)
Wells Timberland
If you believe you were sold a non traded REIT based upon misrepresentations, you may be able to recover damages through FINRA arbitration. Contact us for more information.
Rex Securities Law , with offices in Boca Raton, FL, and Austin, TX, provides representation to investors nationwide who are seeking recovery of investment losses due to the negligence or fraud of stockbrokers and broker dealers. If you have questions about how your account has been handled, call to speak with an experienced securities attorney.
Most cases handled on a contingent fee basis meaning that you do not pay legal fees unless we are successful.
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