Fundrise Real Estate Investing Platform Overview

Author

Reads 12K

Illustration of house for private property representing concept of investing in purchase of real estate
Credit: pexels.com, Illustration of house for private property representing concept of investing in purchase of real estate

Fundrise is a real estate investing platform that allows individuals to invest in a diversified portfolio of properties with as little as $500. Fundrise was founded in 2012 by Ben Miller, Dan Miller, and William E. Milam.

Investors can choose from several eREITs, which are a type of real estate investment trust that is traded on the platform, allowing for easy buying and selling. Each eREIT is composed of a diversified portfolio of properties.

Fundrise offers a variety of investment options, including a core portfolio, a core plus portfolio, and a long-term eREIT portfolio, each with its own investment strategy and risk level.

See what others are reading: White Label Crowdfunding Platform

Getting Started

Getting Started with Fundrise is a breeze. Fundrise offers a user-friendly app experience and investment process that makes it easy to get started with alternative investing.

To begin, download the Fundrise app from the App Store or Google Play, where it's rated 4.8/5.0 and 4.4 respectively. With over 25,000 reviews, you can trust that Fundrise has a reputation for being easy to use.

Close-up of Romanian banknotes with a set of keys, representing real estate investment and financial planning.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of Romanian banknotes with a set of keys, representing real estate investment and financial planning.

You can manage and make investments, track performance, and review the progress of the projects you invest in through the mobile app or desktop application. Fundrise makes it simple to review financial breakdowns of performance and fees, and access tax documents.

With auto-invest options, you can keep growing your portfolio while taking a completely hands-off approach to investing.

A unique perspective: Fundrise Performance

Efund Launch

The eFund launch was a significant milestone for Fundrise, marking a new era in real estate investing. In June 2017, Fundrise announced the eFund, a diversified portfolio of for-sale housing in major U.S. cities.

The first eFund was the Los Angeles eFund, which had an initial offering of $50 million under Regulation A+.

Ease of Use via Mobile App & Online Platforms

Fundrise makes it incredibly easy to get started with alternative investing, thanks to its user-friendly app experience and investment process.

The mobile and desktop applications are exceptionally easy to use and well designed, allowing you to manage and make investments, track performance, and review project progress with ease.

Housing market, real estate prices. Business analytics.
Credit: pexels.com, Housing market, real estate prices. Business analytics.

You can access financial breakdowns of performance and fees, as well as tax documents, all through the app.

Automating contributions is a breeze, and you can even calculate potential returns based on your contribution decisions.

Fundrise's education resources provide valuable insights into real estate and venture capital investing, helping you make informed decisions.

The app is available on both the App Store and Google Play, with over 25,000 reviews and a rating of 4.8/5.0 in the App Store and 4.4 with more than 2,000 reviews on Google Play.

Users praise the smooth experience, saying it's easy to track investment performance, but some note that you may need to leave the app to make more detailed adjustments to your account.

Readers also liked: Fundrise Performance 2023

Benefits and Features

Fundrise makes it easy to get started with alternative investing through a user-friendly app experience and investment process.

The Fundrise platform has a great reputation for being easy to navigate, whether you're a brand-new or seasoned investor. You can easily track your investment performance and understand your portfolio.

A couple and realtor discuss details in an unfinished property. Ideal for real estate themes.
Credit: pexels.com, A couple and realtor discuss details in an unfinished property. Ideal for real estate themes.

Fundrise is available on both the App Store and Google Play, with over 25,000 reviews and a 4.8/5.0 rating in the App Store. Its Google Play rating is 4.4 with more than 2,000 reviews.

Dividends are paid on a quarterly basis, providing a fairly consistent time to see income generation from real estate. This predictability can be helpful when building your Fundrise portfolio and looking at your bigger financial picture.

Benefits Of Using

Using Fundrise offers a number of benefits that help to make real estate and venture capital investing more accessible. Fundrise makes it easy to get started with alternative investing through a user-friendly app experience and investment process.

One of the key benefits is that Fundrise is cost-effective, making it a more affordable option for retail investors.

Best Features

Fundrise's user-friendly app experience and investment process make it easy to get started with alternative investing.

The mobile and desktop applications are exceptionally easy to use and well designed, allowing users to manage and make investments, track performance, and review the progress of the projects they invest in.

Real estate business finance background template. Calculator door key.
Credit: pexels.com, Real estate business finance background template. Calculator door key.

Users can automate contributions, calculate potential returns based on contribution decisions, and access useful education about real estate and venture capital investing through the app.

Fundrise makes it simple to review financial breakdowns of performance and fees, and access tax documents, providing transparency and clarity to investors.

There's a lot to love about Fundrise, and its ease of use is just one of the many benefits that make it a great option for retail investors.

Quarterly Income

Quarterly income is a predictable and consistent aspect of investing with Fundrise. You can count on receiving dividends on a quarterly basis, which means you'll see income generation from real estate at fairly consistent times of the year.

This predictability is helpful for building your Fundrise portfolio, as you can reinvest your dividends and potentially grow your investments faster. Fundrise doesn't guarantee dividends, but if you do earn them, you can expect to see them show up in your account on a regular schedule.

Related reading: Fundrise Income

Listen to Ben Miller's Podcast Episode

Two professionals engaged in a thoughtful interview in a well-lit room.
Credit: pexels.com, Two professionals engaged in a thoughtful interview in a well-lit room.

You can listen to a podcast episode with Ben Miller, the CEO of Fundrise, by clicking the embedded player below or going directly to the episode on Apple or Spotify.

Fundrise is a proud partner and sponsor of Financial Samurai, and you can sign up for Fundrise with as little as $10.

Ben Miller shares valuable insights in the podcast episode, and listening to it can help you learn more about investing and making money.

Investment Options

Fundrise offers a range of investment options, including real estate, private credit, and venture capital funds. These options are designed for investors seeking to access investment opportunities traditionally inaccessible to non-accredited investors.

Fundrise's real estate funds and eREITs offer capital appreciation and income by building single-family homes, multifamily apartments, and commercial properties. The Income Fund provides gap financing to multifamily housing, delivering real estate income to investors.

Fundrise's portfolio investment options can be broken down into four strategies: Fixed Income, Core Plus, Value Add, and Opportunistic. These strategies vary in return and risk level, with Opportunistic being the highest risk and highest return.

Hand holding door keys new house real estate stairs
Credit: pexels.com, Hand holding door keys new house real estate stairs

Here are the four portfolio investment options:

Fundrise invests in a diversified portfolio of private real estate properties through eREITs and eFunds. This approach allows investors to access real estate investing without directly owning properties.

Fundrise offers eREITs, which are private and not publicly traded, and are only available through their platform. These eREITs are managed by Fundrise, allowing them to charge lower fees and offer a more streamlined direct investment process.

You might like: Fundrise Private Credit

Risks and Considerations

Real estate investments, including those through Fundrise, can be subject to economic and interest rate environment downturns.

Fundrise's managers can make mistakes in portfolio management and use of funds, posing a platform risk.

Investors should assess their tolerance for risk before investing in Fundrise and real estate in general.

The economy experiencing a downturn, high interest rates, or decreased demand for a type of real estate can negatively affect investments.

Fundrise reserves the right to restrict or delay withdrawals during certain periods, such as an economic downturn.

Spacious, modern room with large window overlooking greenery, ideal for real estate ads.
Credit: pexels.com, Spacious, modern room with large window overlooking greenery, ideal for real estate ads.

Investors should consider this reduced liquidity when determining the amount they'd like to invest through Fundrise.

Funds needed within five years should not be invested in Fundrise, as its real estate and venture capital investments are fundamentally long-term.

There is a potential for loss, like with any investment, and investors should understand that real estate or venture capital investments through Fundrise can result in partial or total loss of invested funds.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Types of Private Investment Funds

Risks of Using

Real estate investments, like those offered through Fundrise, can be inherently volatile and subject to downturns from the economic and interest rate environment.

Investors should be aware that platform risk is also a concern, as mistakes in portfolio management and use of funds can negatively impact investments.

Fundrise is meant to be a long-term investment, and your investments may not be immediately available if you need to withdraw money.

This reduced liquidity can be a benefit for account values, as private REITs are known to fluctuate less in price than publicly traded REITs.

A Real Estate Agent Handing the Key to the New Homeowners
Credit: pexels.com, A Real Estate Agent Handing the Key to the New Homeowners

There is a potential for loss, like with any investment, and investors should assess their risk tolerance and understand the volatility of the real estate market.

The economy experiencing a downturn, a high interest rate environment, or decreased demand for a type of real estate in a given area, can all negatively affect real estate investments.

Investors should consider the amount of time they can afford to keep their money invested, as Fundrise suggests a five-year time horizon or greater for seeing the best return on investments.

Fundrise reserves the right to restrict or delay withdrawals during certain periods, such as an economic downturn, which can further limit liquidity.

Discussion Points:

As we explore the topic of risks and considerations, it's essential to understand the potential pitfalls of investing in real estate. The Savings and Loan crisis had a significant impact on the industry, highlighting the importance of being cautious and informed.

The history of Fundrise's founding is a great example of how a company can adapt and thrive in a challenging environment. By understanding the pros and cons of being conservative, investors can make more informed decisions about their investments.

A real estate agent reviews plans next to a 'For Sale' sign outdoors, indicating property availability.
Credit: pexels.com, A real estate agent reviews plans next to a 'For Sale' sign outdoors, indicating property availability.

A mental model for identifying and investing in mega trends can be a powerful tool for navigating the market. By predicting a recession in 2H 2024, investors can prepare for potential changes in the market.

The Federal Reserve's role in the economy is complex, and it's not always clear why they can't do their job better. However, this can create opportunities for investors who are willing to take on more risk.

There's a window of opportunity to lend for construction loans and refinances, making it an attractive time to invest in these areas. This is due to a capital constraint, not an opportunity constraint, for lending deals.

Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when investing in real estate:

  • Investing in the right sponsor is everything.
  • It's more attractive to invest in value versus risk today.
  • The launch of the opportunistic credit product with a minimum investment amount of $100,000 is a significant development.
  • The launch of the venture capital product, which invests in private growth companies in the artificial intelligence, prop tech, fintech, and SAAS space, is also worth noting.

Fees and Costs

Fundrise's fees are relatively low compared to other real estate investing platforms. They charge a 0.15% annual advisory fee, which covers services like reporting, dividend distribution, and customer support.

Real estate agent discussing property details with clients in an unfinished apartment.
Credit: pexels.com, Real estate agent discussing property details with clients in an unfinished apartment.

This fee is combined with a 0.85% management fee for portfolio management and expansion in funds like the Flagship Fund and eREITs. Private REITs often charge 9% to 10% of invested funds, making Fundrise's 1% annual fees reasonable in comparison.

Fundrise's fees are transparent, with most investments coming with a 1% fee that includes a 0.85% asset management fee and a 0.15% advisory fee. However, they also mention that "other fees may apply", which could be a source of confusion for new investors.

You might enjoy: Fundrise Fees

Minimum Requirements

The minimum requirements for investing with Fundrise are pretty straightforward. The minimum investment for Fundrise taxable accounts is $10.

If you're planning to invest in a Fundrise IRA, you'll need to have a bit more money set aside, with a minimum investment of $1,000.

Recommended read: Fundrise Minimum Investment

Fees and Costs

Fundrise charges a 0.15% annual advisory fee, which covers reporting, dividend distribution, customer support, and other services.

The Flagship Fund and eREITs charge a 0.85% management fee for portfolio management and expansion, which is significantly higher than Fundrise's advisory fee.

Detailed close-up of gold bars and coins symbolizing wealth and investment opportunities.
Credit: pexels.com, Detailed close-up of gold bars and coins symbolizing wealth and investment opportunities.

Private REITs often charge 9% to 10% of invested funds, making Fundrise's 1% annual fees seem reasonable in comparison.

Fundrise's fees are in line with other real estate investing platforms, but the company could be more transparent about additional fees that may apply.

The Innovation Fund charges an annual management fee of 1.85% if investors choose to make venture capital investments through Fundrise.

Fundrise's 1% annual fee is broken down into a 0.85% management fee and a 0.15% advisory fee.

The Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) has an expense ratio of just 0.13%, which is significantly lower than Fundrise's fees.

You might enjoy: Indiegogo Fees

Taxes Handling

Fundrise delivers tax documents to investors annually.

You'll receive Form 1099-DIV for eREITs and Schedule K-1 and K-3 for the eFund.

Consult with a tax professional to assess how Fundrise investments will affect your taxes.

Versus Other RE Platforms

Investing in real estate can be a bit overwhelming, especially when there are so many platforms to choose from. Fundrise stands out from the crowd by offering a streamlined and effective platform for investing in private assets.

Couple and Real Estate Agent in House
Credit: pexels.com, Couple and Real Estate Agent in House

One of the key differences between Fundrise and other real estate platforms is its focus on long-term investing. For investors who are comfortable with market fluctuations and liquidity restrictions, Fundrise is a great option.

Fundrise's platform is designed to be easy to use, even for those who are new to real estate investing. It's a great choice for investors who want to diversify their portfolios without having to deal with the hassle of direct property ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you really make money with Fundrise?

Yes, it's possible to earn a return on investment with Fundrise, with reported net annualized returns of up to 5.3% or more. However, individual results may vary, and it's essential to understand the platform's terms and risks before investing.

Is Fundrise a legitimate company?

Fundrise is a legitimate company with over 10 years of experience, registered with the SEC for some funds and exempt for others. Founded in 2012, Fundrise offers investment options for various risk levels.

Can you take money out of your Fundrise account?

Yes, you can liquidate your Fundrise account, but you'll need to request a withdrawal and have your funds sent to your IRA account with our third-party custodian, Inspira Financial.

Alan Donnelly

Writer

Alan Donnelly is a seasoned writer with a unique voice and perspective. With a keen interest in finance and economics, Alan has established himself as a go-to expert in the field of derivatives, particularly in the realm of interest rate derivatives. Through his in-depth research and analysis, Alan has crafted engaging articles that break down complex financial concepts into accessible and informative content.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.