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If you’re looking for a reliable income stream, dividend stocks with proven track records of dividend growth are a smart choice. Three real estate investment trusts (REITs) stand out today.

REITs own, operate or finance income-generating real estate, allowing individuals to invest in various real estate types without having direct ownership or management responsibilities. REITs must distribute a large percentage of their taxable income to shareholders as dividends, often resulting in high yields.

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Let's look at each of these REITs to see which would fit best in your portfolio.

UMH Properties

UMH Properties Inc. (NYSE:UMH) owns and manages manufactured home communities across 11 states. As of June 30, its portfolio comprised 136 communities containing approximately 25,800 developed home sites.

According to company filings from October 2024, UMH pays a quarterly dividend of $0.215 per share, which results in an annualized dividend of $0.86 per share and gives its stock a 4.6% yield at the time of this writing.

UMH has been a steady source of dividend growth in recent years. It has raised its annual dividend payment for three consecutive years and its 4.9% hike in April has it on track for 2024 to mark the fourth consecutive year with an increase.

Getty Realty 

Getty Realty (NYSE:GTY) is one of the nation's largest owners and managers of free-standing convenience and automotive retail properties. As of June 30, its portfolio comprised 1,124 properties across 42 states.

According to company filings from July 2024, Getty Realty pays a quarterly dividend of $0.45 per share, which results in an annualized dividend of $1.80 per share and gives its stock a 5.8% yield at this time.

Getty Realty also has an impressive track record of dividend growth. It has raised its annual dividend payment for 11 consecutive years and its 4.7% hike last October has it on track for 2024 to mark the 12th consecutive year with an increase. The company traditionally raises its dividend in October, so investors could be rewarded with another increase later this month.

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Rexford Industrial Realty

Rexford Industrial Realty (NYSE:REXR) is one of the largest owners and managers of industrial real estate in Southern California. As of July 16, its portfolio comprised 422 properties, 722 buildings and approximately 50 million square feet.

According to company filings from July 2024, Rexford pays a quarterly dividend of $0.4175 per share, which results in an annualized dividend of $1.67 per share and gives its stock a 3.6% yield at the time of this writing.

Like UMH and Getty, Rexford has consistently delivered dividend growth for its shareholders. It has raised its annual dividend payment for 10 consecutive years and its 10% hike in February has it on track for 2024 to mark the 11th consecutive year with an increase.

Better Yields Than Some REITs?

The current interest rate environment has created an incredible opportunity for income-seeking investors to earn massive yields, but not through publicly-traded REITs.

Arrived Homes, the Jeff Bezos-backed investment platform, has launched its Private Credit Fund, which provides access to a pool of short-term loans backed by residential real estate with a target 7% to 9% net annual yield paid to investors monthly. It paid 8.1% in July. The best part? Unlike other private credit funds, this one has a minimum investment of only $100. 

Looking for fractional real estate investment opportunities? The Benzinga Real Estate Screener features the latest offerings.

Wondering if your investments can get you to a $5,000,000 nest egg? Speak to a financial advisor today. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you up with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you.

This article 3 Top Stocks with Proven Track Records of Dividend Growth to Buy in October for Reliable Income (UMH, GTY, REXR) originally appeared on Benzinga.com