Fundrise Returns: Pros, Cons, and Everything in Between

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Fundrise is a real estate investment platform that allows individuals to invest in a diversified portfolio of properties with as little as $500.

The minimum investment requirement is indeed $500, which is a relatively low barrier to entry compared to traditional real estate investments.

Fundrise offers a range of eREITs and eFunds that allow investors to diversify their portfolio across different property types and locations.

These eREITs and eFunds have historically provided stable returns, with an average annual return of 8-12% over the past few years.

What is Fundrise?

Fundrise is a real estate investing platform that offers a range of investment options to investors seeking diverse equity, debt, and venture capital investments.

Fundrise specializes in longer-term investments, recommending a 5-year commitment at minimum. This means you'll need to be patient and willing to hold onto your investments for a while.

Their investment options include equity and debt investments, which appeal to those seeking steady cash flow and individuals after capital appreciation. Equity means investing in percentage ownership of the real estate, while debt means acting as the lender and loaning money to the buyer.

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To invest with Fundrise, you don't need to be an accredited investor. Their requirements are simple: you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, 18 years or older, and currently living in the U.S.

Fundrise's management fees include a 0.15% annual fee for advising and an asset management fee of 0.85%. The Fundrise Innovation Fund charges 1.85%.

Here are the minimum investment amounts for different investment options:

  • Innovation Fund – $10
  • fundrise IPO – $500
  • IRA – $1,000
  • Other minimums apply for various investment plans

Fundrise offers a variety of investment options, including debt and equity, commercial real estate, private real estate, single-family homes, apartment buildings, private equity, and IPO.

Pros and Cons

One of the most attractive features of Fundrise is its low investment minimum of just $10.

You can also appreciate the broad diversification among investment plans, which can help spread out risk and increase potential returns.

The platform is known for being transparent, making it easier to understand how your money is being used.

Another advantage is the quarterly redemption possibilities, which can give you more control over your investments.

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However, it's worth noting that early redemption is subject to penalties, so be sure to carefully consider your options before pulling your money out.

Fundrise's average historical income returns may not be the highest, but they can still provide a steady stream of income.

You might find it a bit cumbersome to discover specific project details, which can make it harder to make informed investment decisions.

Unfortunately, Fundrise does not offer direct phone customer service access, which can make it harder to get answers to your questions.

Key Features and Fees

Fundrise's fees are transparent, with an annual advisory fee of 0.15%. This fee covers platform management, including client dashboards, tax management processing, customer support, and portfolio construction.

Fundrise also charges fees for its real estate and venture funds, ranging from 0.85% to 1.85%. For example, the Income Real Estate Fund and all eREITs have a fee of 0.85%, while the Innovation Fund has a fee of 1.85%.

Here are the fees broken down:

  • Annual advisory fee: 0.15%
  • Income Real Estate Fund and all eREITs: 0.85%
  • Innovation Fund: 1.85%

Self-directed investors can opt for Fundrise Pro, which costs $99 per year or $10 per month.

Fees

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Fundrise's fees are transparent and straightforward. The annual advisory fee is a mere 0.15%, which is comparable to a wrap fee charged by a financial advisor.

This fee covers essential platform management services like client dashboards, tax management processing, customer support, and portfolio construction. The fund management fees, on the other hand, vary depending on the fund type:

Self-directed investors may opt for Fundrise Pro, which costs $99 per year or $10 per month, providing greater control over their portfolio.

Crowdfunding: Debt vs Equity

Debt crowdfunding typically offers a fixed return, usually in the form of interest payments, and is often secured by a property's value.

Investors in debt crowdfunding platforms can expect to receive regular interest payments, providing a predictable income stream.

Debt investors usually have a higher claim on the property's value, but their returns are generally lower compared to equity investors.

Equity crowdfunding, on the other hand, offers a share of ownership in a property, with potential for higher returns, but also higher risk.

Equity investors have a stake in the property's appreciation in value, but their returns are not guaranteed and are often tied to the property's performance.

Investment Options

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Fundrise offers a wide range of investment options to suit different needs and goals. You can invest in debt and equity, commercial real estate, private real estate, single-family homes, apartment buildings, and private equity.

One of the unique features of Fundrise is its ability to offer a diversified portfolio with a minimum investment of $10. This is made possible by its Innovation Fund, which allows you to invest in a pool of diversified real estate loans. Fundrise also offers advisory fee waivers based on the number of friends you refer to the platform.

Fundrise has several investment options available, including:

  • Supplemental Income: Real estate debt providing cash flow.
  • Long-term Growth: Focus on real estate capital appreciation through improving the properties.
  • Balanced Investing: Combination of debt and equity investments providing income and appreciation.
  • Venture Capital: Private, pre-IPO, technology companies

Sectors and Domains

Investing in real estate can be a lucrative venture, and understanding the various sectors and domains is crucial for making informed decisions.

Storage facilities are a great option for investors, as they can provide a stable source of income through rental fees.

Public REITs, or Real Estate Investment Trusts, allow individuals to invest in a diversified portfolio of properties without directly managing them.

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Industrial properties, such as warehouses and factories, can be a smart investment for those looking to capitalize on growing e-commerce and manufacturing industries.

Single-family rentals offer a more personal touch, allowing investors to manage individual properties and build a loyal tenant base.

Apartment buildings and planned communities provide a more hands-on approach to real estate investing, offering a range of amenities and services to tenants.

Commercial real estate, including office buildings and retail spaces, can be a high-reward investment option for those willing to take on more risk.

Here are some key sectors and domains to consider:

  • Storage facilities
  • Public REITs
  • Industrial properties
  • Single-family rentals
  • Apartment buildings
  • Planned communities
  • Commercial real estate

Real Estate Crowdfunding Options

Real estate crowdfunding platforms offer a solution for investors who don't have the time or funds to play the waiting game.

You can lend money to real estate purchasers and earn money as the borrower repays the loan with interest through platforms like Groundfloor, which funds loans for real estate purchase and renovations.

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Groundfloor's Auto Invest feature allows you to pool your money into a diversified portfolio of real estate loans.

Real estate crowdfunding platforms like Fundrise offer equity and debt investments, which appeal to those seeking steady cash flow and individuals after capital appreciation.

Fundrise recommends a 5-year commitment at minimum for their longer-term investments.

REITs, or real estate investment trusts, are companies that own or finance real estate across many property sectors, and they're governed by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Here are some examples of REIT sectors:

  • Diversified
  • Mortgage
  • Apartment buildings
  • Commercial property
  • Shopping malls
  • University Housing
  • Data centers
  • Storage centers
  • Mortgages
  • Industrial real estate
  • And more

Fundrise has a variety of investment options, including debt and equity, commercial real estate, private real estate, single-family homes, apartment buildings, private equity, and IPO.

Choosing Options

When choosing a real estate crowdfunding platform, it's essential to consider your initial investment amounts and liquidity. Understand what you're investing in and how long you'll need to leave your money tied up.

Your potential for ROI (Return on Investment) versus potential losses is also crucial. Some platforms, like Groundfloor, make it easy to determine with their borrower ranking system. This helps you weigh the potential for loss against expected returns.

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Weigh private real estate investment against the liquidity and ease of investing in publicly traded real estate investment trusts (REITs). This will help you determine which option is best for your financial situation and investment strategy.

Ultimately, the crowdfunding platform you choose should complement your unique financial situation and investment strategy. Be comfortable with your chosen platform, understand the lock-up period, and perform your own due diligence.

Here are some key sectors and domains to consider when investing in real estate crowdfunding:

  • Storage facilities
  • Public REITs
  • Industrial properties
  • Single-family rentals
  • Apartment buildings
  • Planned communities
  • Commercial real estate

Accredited vs. Non-Accredited Investors

Accredited investors have more investment options than everyday investors due to their special status.

There's a big difference between accredited and non-accredited investors. Non-accredited investors are simply everyday investors with no special requirements or perks.

Accredited investors, on the other hand, have access to a wider range of investment options. For example, they can invest in private placements, which are not regulated by the SEC.

Private placements can be high-risk, but accredited investors are expected to have the knowledge to make informed choices.

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To qualify as an accredited investor, you must meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • Individuals who earn over $200,000 annually for at least two years in a row, or married couples who earn over $300,000 yearly.
  • Those with a net worth of $1 million or more, whether single or married.
  • Businesses or organizations with over $5 million in investments.
  • Organizations with equity owners who are accredited investors in their own right.

The SEC has also expanded the definition of accredited investors to include knowledgeable employees, licensed securities representatives, or investment advisors.

Equity Investments

Equity investments offer a unique way to participate in real estate investing. You can own a share of a property, receiving a proportion of rental income and a portion of the sale price if the property is sold.

Investing in equity can be less liquid than other investment options, with holding periods ranging from months to years. This means you may not be able to access your money quickly.

Groundfloor and Fundrise offer equity investments with low minimum investment requirements. Groundfloor requires just $10, while Fundrise has a minimum investment of $10 for their Innovation Fund.

Equity investments can be a good fit for long-term investors seeking to add diversity to their portfolio. However, they come with greater risk than investing in a real estate fund with many properties.

Here are some key facts about equity investments on Fundrise and Groundfloor:

Investors should be aware that equity investments can be illiquid and may not be suitable for those seeking short-term returns.

Liquidity

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Liquidity is an important consideration for investors, and Fundrise offers a unique approach to this aspect of investing. Fundrise investments are considered long-term, with a focus on delivering higher returns for investors who are willing to hold onto their shares for a longer period.

Redemptions for Fundrise investments are not guaranteed and are fulfilled on a first-come-first-serve basis. This means that investors who submit a liquidation request may not be able to redeem their shares immediately. Fundrise investments are considered long-term, with a focus on delivering higher returns for investors who are willing to hold onto their shares for a longer period.

Liquidations for Flagship, Income, and Innovation funds and eREITs are reviewed quarterly, providing investors with a regular opportunity to redeem their shares. However, shares of eREITs and eFunds owned for less than five years may be subject to a penalty.

Here are some key facts to keep in mind when it comes to liquidity with Fundrise:

  • No penalties for liquidating shares of the Flagship Fund.
  • Penalties of up to 1% may apply for liquidating shares of eREITs or eFunds owned for less than five years.
  • Redemption options are available on a quarterly basis, but are not guaranteed.
  • There is a five-year lock-up period for eREIT or eFund shares in order to be eligible to receive the full value of your shares.

Investment Returns and Risks

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Fundrise's historical investment returns show steady upward returns since inception, with a chart depicting the Growth eREIT's performance from July 2016 through January 15, 2020.

The company's eREITs have performed relatively well, with a 1.5% return to investors in 2022, and a -3.21% return in the first three quarters of 2023. This is a notable contrast to publicly traded REITs, which returned -25.10% and -5.17% in the same periods.

Past results don't necessarily predict future returns, but Fundrise's historical performance suggests a more stable investment option compared to stocks and real estate ETFs.

Fundrise's investment performance stability is a key benefit, with less volatility compared to traditional real estate investments. However, it's essential to remember that Fundrise's offerings are illiquid and investing with the company may have more risk due to its relatively new status and lack of experience during a housing market recession.

Here's a summary of Fundrise's investment returns and risks:

Risks of REITs

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REITs, like any investment, come with their fair share of risks. Market risk is one of the significant risks of REITs, which means that the value of your investment can fluctuate based on market conditions.

Interest rate sensitivity is another risk, as changes in interest rates can impact the value of REITs.

Property-specific factors such as location and tenant turnover also pose a risk to REIT investments.

Here are some specific risks to consider:

  1. Market risk: This is the risk that the value of your investment will fluctuate based on market conditions.
  2. Interest rate sensitivity: This is the risk that changes in interest rates will impact the value of your REIT investment.
  3. Property-specific factors: These include risks related to the location and tenant turnover of the properties in the REIT.

Investors should also be aware that Fundrise, a relatively new player in the REIT business, may be riskier than other REITs due to its less extensive track record.

Historical Investment Returns

Fundrise has a history of steady upward returns since inception, with a notable assumption of a hypothetical step up function in performance in early 2020.

The company's Growth eREIT has consistently delivered steady growth, outperforming the stock market during periods of volatility. Fundrise's eREITs and eFUNDS have shown impressive returns over various time periods, including 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year periods.

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One investor has reported a 59% total return over five years, with an annualized return of 10.8% IRR. This is comparable to the long-term returns of the stock market when averaged over many decades.

However, it's essential to note that past results don't necessarily predict future returns, and Fundrise's returns may not be similar in the next 5 or 15 years.

Here's a comparison of Fundrise's returns with other real estate crowdfunding platforms, such as RealtyMogul and EquityMultiple, which have reported mid-to-high teens returns.

Fundrise's fees, including a 0.15% annual advisory fee and 0.85% management fee, are transparent and after accounting for these fees, the investor's 10.8% average return is still impressive.

You can view historical returns for each Fundrise fund, and the company's platform is transparent about its performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you actually make money on Fundrise?

Yes, Fundrise can generate returns, but the potential earnings vary widely, with a maximum annual return of 8% in a strong real estate market.

Is Fundrise better than Reit?

Fundrise may be a more cost-effective option for accredited investors, but it charges higher management fees than traditional REITs. Consider Fundrise if you're looking to invest in private real estate while minimizing costs.

How often does Fundrise pay dividends?

Fundrise pays dividends quarterly, delivering cash payments or reinvestments to investor accounts. Investors can choose how their dividends are distributed, adding flexibility to their investment strategy.

Danielle Hamill

Senior Writer

Danielle Hamill is a seasoned writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in finance, she brings a unique perspective to her writing, tackling complex topics with clarity and precision. Her work has been featured in various publications, covering a range of topics including cryptocurrency regulatory alerts.

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