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Bottom line: CrowdStreet – Product Name Only is one of the best real estate investing apps for active and passive accredited investors who want access to a wide range of commercial real estate investments. It isn’t a good option for those in search of extremely liquid investments, nor does it suit investors who favor mobile apps.
Crowdstreet is one of the best real estate investing apps for accredited investors to invest in commercial properties that typically wouldn’t be available to regular people. Jennifer Streaks, Senior Personal Finance Reporter & Spokesperson
About CrowdStreet
CrowdStreet – Product Name Only is an online marketplace offering institutional-level investments (those that are usually available to public entities and larger-scale investors) in commercial real estate. Its services are limited to accredited investors, but it charges investors no fees to register or access real estate listings.
You can invest in diversified funds and vehicles, individual deals, and tailored portfolios. Like many other real estate investing platforms, you may be able to invest with a self-directed IRA (SDIRA).
CrowdStreet serves real estate sponsors by offering them options to raise capital and list real estate deals on the CrowdStreet marketplace. Investors, however, should be prepared to park their funds between three and five years (though investment terms for some offerings may range up to 10 years).
Most of its choices are illiquid, meaning you won’t be able to convert them to cash as easily as you would a stock or ETF.
It doesn’t currently have mobile apps, but you can sign up for web access with a Google or LinkedIn account.
Is CrowdStreet Right For You?
Only accredited investors can use CrowdStreet – Product Name Only. Accredited investors are individuals who have a minimum net worth of $1 million or have a $200,000 salary ($300,000 for couples). Only folks willing to invest at least $25,000 should open an account with CrowdStreet.
CrowdStreet is suitable for both active and passive investors. Since the platform has multiple portfolio options, you can choose a self-managed or fully managed account (aka tailored portfolios). But you’ll need to meet a high minimum to access managed portfolios.
Crowdstreet: Overall Rating
FeatureInsider rating (out of 5)Fees4.50Investment selection5.00Liquidity3.50Ethics4.00Access4.00Customer support3.25Overall score4.11
Crowdstreet Pros and Cons
ProsConsWide range of commercial real estate optionsLow feesSelf-managed and managed portfolio optionsOnly available for accredited investorsHigh CrowdStreet – Account Minimum minimumIlliquid investment optionsVery high $250,000 minimum to access tailored portfoliosNo mobile app
Is CrowdStreet Trustworthy?
When reviewing investment platforms, we look at scores from the Better Business Bureau. BBB scores range from A+ to F. When analyzing companies, the bureau considers multiple factors. These include licensing and government actions, advertising issues, bankruptcy, and more.
CrowdStreet has a new BBB page with an A+ rating. But because the page is new, there are no customer reviews or complaints yet.
Keep in mind that the bureau’s ratings don’t absolutely ensure a company will be reliable or perform well. You may want to read customer reviews or talk to friends or family who have used CrowdStreet to determine whether it’s a good fit.
CrowdStreet has no been part of any major lawsuits or scandals.
Ways to Invest with CrowdStreet
CrowdStreet – Product Name Only only offers one account option: An individual investing account. But you can also invest in a self-directed IRA.
CrowdStreet offers three ways to invest in commercial real estate. Here’s the breakdown.
Diversified Funds and Vehicles
CrowdStreet’s diversified funds and vehicles investment option is best for those who want to spread money across multiple properties. The company gives you access to two types of funds:
Single-sponsor funds: These funds are led by one real estate firm and are focused on either specific asset classes or particular regions. CrowdStreet funds: These funds rely on a broader set of CrowdStreet-managed properties.
CrowdStreet property types include multifamily, retail, office, industrial, land opportunities, and other vehicles provided by real estate companies.
Individual Deals
Crowdstreet individual deals option is best for those who prefer to directly pick and choose which properties their money goes to. This option not only gives you the power to directly invest in your favorite properties, but it also utilizes an investment team that keeps your deals up to par.
With the platform’s Portfolio Center, you can monitor your investment performance and interact with real estate sponsors. (See a complete list of its individual deals here.)
Tailored Portfolios
CrowdStreet also has an option for those who prefer managed accounts; CrowdStreet’s tailored portfolios do all the work for you. Just be prepared for the higher minimum account balance — you’ll need at least $250,000 to begin.
Tailored portfolios utilize customized investment strategies that align with your particular goals. You can learn more about CrowdStreet’s customized portfolios here.
Crowdstreet Fees
Technically you can open a CrowdStreet – Product Name Only for free, but most investment options on this platform require at least a CrowdStreet – Account Minimum minimum. If you want to take advantage of CrowdStreet’s managed portfolios, you’ll need a minimum account balance of $250,000.
Tailored portfolios also have annual management fees from 0.25% to 2.50%.
Real estate sponsors may be charged multiple fees ranging from 1% to 5%.
Investors aren’t charged fees from CrowdStreet. But sponsors may also charge investors fees (read more about its sponsor fees here).
CrowdStreet — Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is CrowdStreet only for accredited investors?
Yes. Crowdstreet only serves accredited investors. Accredited investors are individuals who either have a net worth that exceeds $1 million, or earn $200,000 annually ($300,000 for couples).
Does CrowdStreet pay monthly?
Crowdstreet says its real estate sponsors typically pay distributions on a quarterly basis, though this can vary per offering.
How much should you invest in CrowdStreet?
CrowdStreet has a minimum requirement of $25,000, so this should be the lowest amount you initially invest with through the platform. It’s wise to make sure any additional amounts you invest align with your budget and personal finances. Certain features, like tailored features, require much higher minimums.
Compare CrowdStreet
CrowdStreet vs. RealtyMogul
CrowdStreet – Product Name Only and RealtyMogul both offer multiple commercial real estate investments, but RealtyMogul is a better choice for non-accredited investors looking for lower account minimums and asset classes like REITs.
And while RealtyMogul – Product Name Only offers an auto-invest feature, CrowdStreet’s tailored portfolios account could be a better fit for those with at least $250,000 to invest.
Read our RealtyMogul review.
CrowdStreet vs. EquityMultiple
However, EquityMultiple and CrowdStreet both share the accredited-only investor option. The difference between these two platforms is mainly one of fees, account minimums, and investment choices.
You’ll pay less to get started at EquityMultiple – Product Name Only (since its account minimums range up to $20,000), but you’ll need at least CrowdStreet – Account Minimum to start investing with CrowdStreet.
Read our EquityMultiple review.
CrowdStreet: Related Terms
Accredited investor: Someone with the “accredited investor” status has either earned at least $200,000 for the current year and the prior two years ($300,000 for couples), or has a net worth of at least $1 million.Institutional investor: Hedge funds, banks, pensions, insurance companies, and other financial entities that place large-volume trades classify as institutional investors. SDIRA: Like regular IRAs, you can establish a traditional or Roth SDIRA. The difference is that these accounts allow you to build wealth through alternative assets like real estate, precious metals, and cryptocurrencies.REIT: These are companies that own income-producing real estate assets. Like mutual funds, they pool investor money together to maintain their projects. Some REITs trade on exchanges, but others don’t.
Why You Should Trust Us: Our Methodology for Reviewing CrowdStreet
CrowdStreet – Product Name Only real-estate investing app was reviewed using Personal Finance Insider’s rating methodology for investing platforms to compare and examine account types, pricing, investment options, and overall customer experience. Platforms are given a rating between 0 to 5.
Real-estate investing platforms generally offer low fees, multiple asset classes, financial tools, and other resources. Some real estate investing platforms are better for more advanced investors or active investors, while others may better suit beginner investors and passive investors. CrowdStreet was evaluated with a focus on how it performed in each category.