Real estate crowdfunding is not a new concept. The idea has been around for more than a decade. However, it is experiencing a resurgence in this age of post-pandemic excess liquidity.
If you want to get into real estate investing but don’t want to own the property or be a landlord, real estate crowdfunding may be an option. Crowdfunding allows one to invest in real estate alongside many other investors. You do not physically own the property, but depending on your investment, you have rights to equity or debt.
Crowdfunding is a viable option for both investing in real estate and raising the capital required to complete a project. Crowdfunding, like any other type of investment, has advantages and disadvantages that must be addressed and weighed before making a decision.
Key Takeaway
- What Is Real Estate Crowdfunding?
- The Pros and Cons of Real Estate Crowdfunding
- Provide the answer to some frequently asked questions on real estate crowdfunding.
What Is Real Estate Crowdfunding?
Real estate crowdfunding platforms connect real estate builders and developers with individual investors who wish to invest in real estate without actually owning the properties.
Investors can make equity or debt investments in residential and commercial real estate.
How To Get Started With real estate Crowdfunding
It’s not difficult to find real estate crowdfunding platforms ready to accept your contributions online. However, before making the leap to online property investments, it is critical to conduct extensive research and due diligence. Here are a few things to have in mind as you begin:
- Compare websites, services, fee structures, terms, and investment opportunities and classes.
- Consider the pros and cons of any online real estate crowdfunding solutions. • Determine how much you can comfortably invest without going overboard.
- Determine the expected return on investment.
- Determine how long your money will be locked up and how long you can go without funds comfortably.
- Examine which types of real estate and property holdings you’d like to invest in.
- Prepare any documentation or tax forms required to demonstrate accredited investor status.
- Review user feedback and comments to learn what current investors think about any given site or service.
- Consult with your accountant to determine the potential tax implications of your investments.
- Examine preferred financial vehicles for crowdfunded real estate investments.
What are Crowdfunding Pros
Crowdfunding has both advantages and disadvantages. Understanding the ‘positive’ aspects can help you decide if it’s right for you.
1. Portfolio Diversification and Expansion
Diversification is essential for any investment portfolio, but it can be challenging to achieve when you only invest in the stock market. Alternative investments, like real estate and other commodities, should be included in a diversified portfolio.
Your portfolio could potentially grow due to your real estate investments as equity is built up and capital gains are realized.
Many people use Crowdfunding to experience the returns real estate offers without the risk and hassle of owning it themselves because investing directly in real estate can be expensive and risky.
2. Eliminates Typical Landlord/Property Owner Concerns
Crowdfunding enables you to become a real estate investor without the hassle of managing the property, finding tenants, and being on call around-the-clock in case something goes wrong.
When you own your own real estate, you have to be prepared to handle any issues, be able to vet tenants and know what to do when you experience unexpected vacancies. Even if you hired a property management company, you would still be responsible for some tasks that some investors simply don’t want to do.
3. Larger Dividends
Because you can invest directly in the real estate development you want, Crowdfunding frequently offers higher dividends than REITs. If you invest in debt, you may receive interest, and if you invest in equity, you may receive a rental income. The payoff is typically much higher because the risk is higher.
Most investors refer to dividends as passive income. The income just appears as the value of the property increases or a mortgage is paid off; you don’t have to do anything to get it.
4. Lower Investment Minimums
Real estate crowdfunding platforms have low minimum investment requirements even though real estate investing typically requires a large amount of money. Even platforms with a $500 minimum investment requirement exist.
You probably had no idea you could invest in real estate with such little money until now. As a result, you can benefit from real estate investing without going broke.
5. Access to Unique Real Estate Projects and Opportunities
Real estate investors aren’t just people who buy and rent out houses. Instead, they can be behind-the-scenes investors, funding the debt or equity of real estate projects so that builders and developers can realize their dreams while investors profit.
You may have access to unique real estate development opportunities that you would not have otherwise. Real estate investors can be creative with their projects, and if you think it’s a good idea, you can also participate in the investment.
What are the cons of Crowdfunding
You should be aware of a few additional drawbacks to crowdfunding real estate investment opportunities, though all investments can potentially lose money.
1. Can’t Easily Sell Assets
Real estate is not liquid. Make sure you understand the timeline before you invest. Not all programs have a redemption program, which could mean you’re on the hook for 5 – 10 years, depending on the timeframe of the investment.
2. Relatively Little History
Since Crowdfunding is a more recent idea, we don’t have a lot of historical data to assess the stability and potential performance of the investment opportunities.
3. Must Pay Taxes on Dividends Earned
You will be required to pay taxes on your dividends as ordinary income unless you open an IRA and invest in crowdfunded real estate projects. Your tax liability might increase as a result, which would hurt and decrease your profits.
4. Management and Advisory Fees
Although management fees are common in investments, crowdfunding platforms frequently charge much higher fees than other types of investments.
Because of this, it’s crucial to do your research, learn the costs, and read the fine print to understand exactly what you’re responsible for when you invest through a crowdfunding platform. Before choosing a platform, compare them because some have no management fees.
5. Some Opportunities Are for Accredited Investors Only
Only accredited investors are permitted on many crowdfunding platforms. This means that either you must have a net worth of at least $1 million or a net income of $200,000 over the previous two years.
Conclusion
Real estate crowdfunding provides investors of all levels and backgrounds with a one-of-a-kind and exciting opportunity to diversify their investment portfolio and increase their exposure to residential and commercial property holdings.
However, as with any other type of real estate investment, it is critical to conduct research and consider individual opportunities and alternative forms of investment (as well as compare and contrast individual providers) before committing to any opportunity.
FAQs
Is real estate crowdfunding risky?
While investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio and offer competitive returns, real estate crowdfunding is risky.
What are the returns on real estate crowdfunding?
The average IRR for equity crowdsourcing investments made on reputable platforms with terms of five years or longer is over 17%. The average return on shorter-term real estate crowdfunding investments is between 10% and 12%.
What is the 50% rule in real estate?
The 50% Rule is a shortcut real estate investors can use to quickly predict total operating expenses from rental property investment. To calculate a property’s monthly operating expenses using the 50 rules, multiply the gross rent income by 50%.
What is the 2% rule in real estate?
According to the rule, the rental amount should equal 2% of the property’s purchase price. According to that calculation, if you buy a house for $100,000, your monthly rent should be $2,000.
Is investing in Crowdfunding worth it?
It is a risky business that requires a lot of homework, market insight, and intuition, just like alternative investments. You’ll have to find the projects, research them, and track their progress. However, if you’re willing to take the risk and put in the effort, it can be a rewarding path.
How Much Does Real Estate Crowdfunding Cost?
Each crowdfunding platform has its own set of management and administrative fees. Before agreeing to an investment, always read the fine print and understand the bottom line. Some platforms do not charge management fees, while others take a percentage of the money invested.
You can learn more from the video below:
About Author
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My name is Precious Ejiofor, I am a professional self motivated, dependable writer and editor, with over 4 year of experience in writing for variety of business and platforms. I am able and capable to write on any kind of topic.
Specifically, I focus on producing persuasive and compelling contents that is thoughtful, prominent, and engaging.
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