The fund invests in publicly traded real estate operating companies or investment trusts.

FORBES: Old money chasing new

For stock market investors looking for a less obvious real estate-related play, publicly-traded companies specializing in home improvements may be worth a consideration for longer-term investment.

FORBES: One Industry Recovering From The Housing Market Collapse

Another positive sign for construction is that publicly-traded construction companies seem to be on the leading edge of the real estate industry recovery.

FORBES: Where Not to Look for a Job (Yet): Worst-Performing Businesses of the Year