Better Buy: Empire State Realty Trust vs. Tanger Factory Outlet Centers

Real estate remains a big laggard, with the Vanguard REIT ETF (NYSEMKT: VNQ) down by 11%. Two of the most beaten-down areas of the real estate sector are office and retail, and there could be excellent opportunities for patient long-term investors in both. Two particularly interesting real estate investment trusts, or REITs, to put on your radar are office REIT Empire State Realty Trust (NYSE: ESRT) and outlet shopping REIT Tanger Factory Outlet Centers (NYSE: SKT).