Posted by What is real estate crowdfunding?
Real estate crowdfunding is a relatively new way to invest in real estate that allows people to pool their money together to buy, develop, or finance properties. There are several different platforms that will enable people to do this, and each has its own set of rules and regulations.
5 things to consider when joining real estate crowdfunding sites
There are several reasons why you might want to consider real estate crowdfunding. For one, it can be a great way to get involved in the real estate market without putting up a lot of money yourself. Additionally, it can help you diversify your portfolio and get exposure to various properties.
READ: Crowdfunding Myth: Legally Raising Money for your Business.
Tips on how to choose the best real estate crowdfunding sites
1. Consider the fees
One of the things you’ll want to consider when choosing a real estate crowdfunding platform is the fees. Some platforms will charge higher fees than others. Make sure you compare the fees of different platforms before making your decision.
2. Consider the minimum investment amount
Another thing to consider is the minimum investment amount. Some platforms will have a higher minimum investment amount than others. If you’re looking to invest with a smaller amount of money, choose a platform with a low minimum investment amount.
3. Consider the types of properties available
When choosing a real estate crowdfunding platform, you’ll also want to consider the available properties. Some platforms will specialize in a specific property type, such as residential or commercial.
4. Consider the location of the properties
Another thing to consider is the location of the properties. Some platforms will only offer properties in specific areas. If you prefer a particular location, make sure you choose a platform that provides properties in that location.
5. Consider the reputation of the platform
When choosing a real estate crowdfunding platform, you’ll also want to consider the importance of the platform. Make sure you read reviews of the platform before making your decision.
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What are the best real estate crowdfunding platforms?
There are several different real estate crowdfunding platforms, but not all of them are created equal. Here are a few of the best:
1. CrowdStreet
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-Fees- 0.50% for CrowdStreet funds; other fees vary by offering
-Minimum investment- $25,000
-Average annual returns- 17.3% as of 2021, depending on the investment
-Total investor distributions- $220 million
-Investment options- Funds, individual deals, and a professionally managed, tailored portfolio
-Accredited investors only-Yes
More than 100, 000 investors throughout the U.S have invested on the Crowdstreet platform. Its innovative approach gives direct access to a vetted range of institutional-quality real estate investments. Accredited investors can pick a single property or invest in a fund. Crowdstreet was founded in 2014 and headquartered in Portland, Ore.; the company has published more than 540 commercial real estate investment offerings. To date, 63 of these offerings have been fully realized.
| Pros of CrowdStreet | Cons of CrowdStreet |
| User-friendly platform with a helpful chatbot | Accredited investors only |
| Institutional-quality offerings | Steep investment minimums |
| Easy to find investment details [once you sign up for a free account]. | No early withdrawals. |
READ: Crowdfunding Myth: Legally Raising Money for your Business.
2. DiversyFund
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-Fees- 2% to 8% developer fee
-Minimum investment- $500 depending on account level
-Average annual returns- 17% to 18% historically, depending on the investment
-Total investor distributions-$135 million
-Investment options- Real Estate Investment Trust [REITs]
-Accredited investors only- No
DiversyFund’s model is unique in the real estate crowdfunding space. Instead of serving as a broker that connects investors with projects. DiversyFund buys, develops, and manages a portfolio of properties, collects the cash flow, and allocates the profits amongst its investors. DiversyFund doesn’t charge any management or broker fees unlike some crowdfunding platforms. Currently, you can invest in the DiversyFund Growth REIT [$500 minimum].
| Pros of DiversyFund | Cons of DiversyFund |
| Zero management fees for investors | Limited investment choices |
| One of the few platforms with a mobile app | No early withdrawals |
| Low minimum investment. | Payment at the end of the investment term. |
READ: Crowdfunding Myth: Legally Raising Money for your Business.
3. EquityMultiple
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-Fees- 1% on equity investments; other fees vary by offering
-Minimum investment- $10,000
-Average annual returns- 16.8% historically
-Total investor distributions- $126.7 million
-Investment options- Institutional, commercial real estate; equity, preferred equity, and senior debt; opportunity zones; and 1031 exchange investment
-Accredited investors only- Yes
EquityMultiple focuses almost entirely on institutional, commercial real estate, and senior debt investment. The company recently added tax-advantaged real estate investments to its lineup, namely Opportunity Zone and 1031 exchange and fund products. Distribution schedules vary by the deal but are usually monthly or quarterly.
| Pros of EquityMultiple | Cons of EquityMultiple |
| Good investment selection | Accredited investors onl |
| Variety of target hold periods | Steep minimum investment |
| Easy-to-use platform. | Limited redemption options. |
READ: Crowdfunding Myth: Legally Raising Money for your Business.
4. Fundrise
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-Fee-0.15% Advisory fee; 0.85% Asset management fee
-Minimum investment- $10 to $100,000, depending on account level
-Average annual returns- 7.31% to 16.11%, from 2017 to 2021
-Total investor distributions- $124 million
-Investment options- Varies depending on the selected account level
-Accredited investors only- No
Fundrise is a real estate crowdfunding site best for beginners. Since its launch in 2012, Fundrise has invested in more than $5 billion worth of real estate across the U.S. Today, and it manages over $1.5 billion of equity on behalf of more than 170,000 individual investors. Fundrise offers five account levels: Starter, Basic, Core, Advanced, and Premium. There’s a minimum investment strategies and potential returns
| Pros of Fundrise | Cons of Fundrise |
| No accreditation required | Nonqualified dividends. |
| Well-rated mobile app | |
| Request share redemption at any time possible fees and redemption are not guaranteed. |
READ: Crowdfunding Myth: Legally Raising Money for your Business.
5. PeerStreet
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-Fees- Typically 1%
-Minimum investment- $1,000
-Average annual returns- 2% to 9%
-Total Investor distributions- $225 million
-Investment options- Real estate debt
-Accredited investors only- Yes
PeerStreet is an online marketplace where accredited investors are allowed to invest in high-quality private real estate loans. With PeerStreet, your investment gives lenders capital to lend to real estate borrowers. Peerstreet collects the monthly payments from the borrowers, and you, the investor get a share of those monthly payments. In addition, you can diversify your portfolio manually or automatically with investments from different locations, lenders, borrowers, asset classes, terms, loan-to-value [LTV] ratios, and rates.
| Pros of PeerStreet | Cons of PeerStreet |
| Unique offering among real estate investment platforms | Accredited investors only |
| Diversification across various parameters | Only offers investments in debt |
| Low-interest rate risk because loans are a maximum of 36 months. | Higher risk than some other crowdfunding options. |
READ: Crowdfunding Myth: Legally Raising Money for your Business.
6. RealtyMogul
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-Fees- 1% to 1.5%
-Minimum investment- $1,000
-Average annual returns- 4.5% to 8%
-Total Investor distributions- $136 million
-Investment options- REITs, individual properties [multifamily, office, industrial, self-storage, retail, and medical office], and 1031 exchanges
-Accredited investors only- No
Since the inception of RealtyMogul in 2012, more than 219,000 investors have joined RealtyMogul to access its REITs and private market offerings. Known for its exemplary due diligence, the company vets every potential property in person and scrutinizes each deal using propriety methods and models. The company looks for well-leased properties or those with existing leases, and it works only with real estate partners with proven track records and experience managing assets. RealtyMogul does not invest in non-cash-flowing investments, such as raw land or ground-up construction. Investors can choose from there e main objectives: passive income, growth, and diversification.
| Pros of RealtyMogul | Cons of RealtyMogul |
| Good investment selection | Different fees associated with each investment |
| Thorough due diligence | Investments not quickly sold or traded |
| Monthly auto-investing in REITs starts at $250 per month. | Some long hold periods. |
READ: Crowdfunding Myth: Legally Raising Money for your Business.
7. Groundfloor
Groundfloor is a real estate crowdfunding platform that focuses on residential properties. It was founded in 2013 and has since funded over $100 million in property investments.
| Pros of Groundfloor | Cons of Groundfloor |
| Residential properties only: If you’re looking to invest in residential real estate, Groundfloor is your platform. | Minimum investment: The minimum investment on Groundfloor is $1,000. |
| Wide variety of investment options: Groundfloor offers many investment options, including single-family homes, multifamily properties, and commercial real estate. | Accredited investors only: You must be an accredited investor to invest on Groundfloor. |
| Transparent platform: Groundfloor is a very transparent platform, providing investors with detailed information about each property before they invest. |
READ: Crowdfunding Myth: Legally Raising Money for your Business.
What are the risks of real estate crowdfunding?
As with any investment, there are always some risks involved. Here are a few of the dangers to keep in mind with real estate crowdfunding:
1. Fraud
Unfortunately, there have been a few fraud cases involving real estate crowdfunding. This is why it’s essential to do your research and only invest in platforms that you trust.
2. Illiquidity
Another risk to keep in mind is that investments in real estate crowdfunding can be pretty illiquid. It may be challenging to sell your investment if you need to cash out early.
3. Risk of loss
As with any investment, there is always the risk that you could lose money. However, this risk can be mitigated by diversifying your portfolio and investing in various properties.
These are just a few risks to keep in mind with real estate crowdfunding. However, as long as you do your research and invest carefully, it can be a great way to get involved in real estate.
How does crowdfunding works in real estate?
Real estate crowdfunding platforms work by allowing people to pool their money together to buy, develop, or finance properties. Each forum has its own rules and regulations, but the basic process is usually the same.
First, you’ll need to create an account with a real estate crowdfunding platform. Once you’ve done this, you’ll be able to browse through various properties that are available for investment.
Once you’ve found a property you’re interested in, you’ll need to decide how much money you want to invest. Most platforms will have a minimum investment amount, so make sure you have enough to meet this requirement.
Once you’ve made your investment, the platform will use your money to help fund the property’s purchase, development, or financing. You’ll typically receive a share of the profits in return for your investment once the property is sold.
What are the benefits of real estate crowdfunding?
There are a number of benefits that come with investing in real estate crowdfunding. Here are a few of the most notable:
1. Access to a broader range of properties
One of the most significant benefits of real estate crowdfunding is its access to a much more comprehensive range of properties. This is because you’re pooling your money together with other investors, which provides you with more buying power.
2. Lower investment minimums
Another benefit of real estate crowdfunding is that it typically has lower investment minimums than traditional real estate investing. This means that you can get started with a smaller amount of money.
3. Diversification
Real estate crowdfunding also offers the benefit of diversification. This is because you’re investing in various properties, which can help mitigate your risk.
4. Passive income
Another benefit of real estate crowdfunding is that it can provide you with a source of passive income. You’ll receive a share of the profits once the property is sold.
5. Professional management
Another benefit of real estate crowdfunding is that the property will be professionally managed. This means that you won’t have to worry about dealing with the day-to-day management of the property.
How Can You Start in Real Estate Crowdfunding?
If you’re interested in getting started with real estate crowdfunding, there are a few things you need to do. First, you’ll need to find a reputable platform to invest through.
Once you’ve found a platform you trust, you can create an account and start browsing through the available properties. Once you’ve found a property that you’re interested in, you can then make your investment.
It’s important to remember that real estate crowdfunding is a long-term investment. This means that you shouldn’t expect to see immediate results. However, over time, you should be able to earn a healthy return on your investment.
Can You Crowdfund in Commercial Real Estate?
Yes, you can crowdfund in commercial real estate. Commercial real estate crowdfunding works the same way as residential real estate crowdfunding.
The main difference is that, with commercial real estate, you’re investing in more significant properties, such as office buildings or shopping centers. As with residential properties, you can earn a share of the profits once the property is sold.
Can You Make Money from Crowdfunding?
Yes, you can make money from crowdfunding. Real estate crowdfunding is a great way to earn a passive income. You’ll receive a share of the profits once the property is sold.
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