Commercial real estate is any property other than a single-family home or residential land in a neighborhood. The commercial real estate market is treated very similarly to the industrial and residential real estate markets. The commercial real estate market has its ups and downs, just like any other investment market, but investing in commercial real estate can be a very wise decision. Commercial real estate is similar to industrial and residential real estate in that when you buy it, you are purchasing a building or land. What differentiates these three types of real estate is how they are zoned and what they are used for. Since these three properties are so similar, the question may be asked: "What exactly is commercial real estate?" In summary, almost all types of real estate, except single-family homes and land, can be classified as commercial real estate. Even then, a single-family home could, in certain circumstances, be "commercial real estate" if you purchase the home with the intent of renting it out and generating income or if you own the home and convert it into an income-generating property. . With this in mind, commercial properties, office buildings, shopping centers, hotels, apartments, vacant lots, and warehouses are all considered commercial real estate. Since all of these buildings are examples of commercial real estate, many people are looking to buy and invest in them. Commercial real estate can be purchased by anyone. Most often it is purchased by companies or business owners. However, it is not uncommon for people to invest in commercial real estate through “REITs” or real estate investment trusts. A real estate investment trust is a real estate company that offers common stock to the public. Thus making it similar to any other middle of paper......ate. Work CitedBull, Michael. “When is the best time to buy commercial real estate.” www.bullrealty.com. Internet. May 1, 2011. .Harper, David. “What are REITs?” » Investopedia.com - Your source for investing education. Internet. May 1, 2011. .MacGyverKnows. "How to Invest in Commercial Real Estate | EHow.com." EComment | How To Videos, Articles & More – Trusted Tips for the Curious Life | EHow.com. Internet. May 01, 2011. .Personal | Document.write('Jul, By Inc. "How to Buy Commercial Real Estate." Small Business and Small Business Information for the Entrepreneur. July 8, 2010. Web. May 1 2011. .