ARK7 vs Fundrise 2025: Which real estate platform is better?

Jeremy Biberdorf
By: Jeremy Biberdorf
 

Disclosure

This page may contain affiliate links. This means we earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase a product through our links.

Fundrise Disclosure: This is a testimonial in partnership with Fundrise. We earn a commission from partner links on Modest Money.

Real estate investment platforms have revolutionized the way investors manage and diversify their portfolios. Providing unparalleled access to the lucrative real estate market, these platforms have made real estate investing accessible to individuals who wouldn’t have had such opportunities in the past.

ARK7 and Fundrise are two platforms that have made a significant impact in 2023, offering unique opportunities for both beginners and seasoned investors. They provide a wealth of information, curated investment portfolios, and opportunities for passive income generation.

For more detailed analysis of each product check out our full reviews:

ARK7 is Better for:Fundrise is Better for:
Investing in residential propertiesBoth commercial and residential
No fees on dividend incomeLow minimum investment
Transparent property informationAutomated investment management

Why are platforms like ARK7 and Fundrise so influential in today’s investment world? They democratize the real estate investing process, providing individuals with access to a market traditionally dominated by wealthy individuals and institutional investors. They offer transparency, data-driven insights, and a level of convenience previously unseen in the sector.

ARK7, recognized for its focus on specific property investments and offering direct ownership, is a popular choice among investors looking for hands-on investment experiences. The platform provides detailed information about each property, allowing investors to make informed decisions.

ark7.com website

On the flip side, Fundrise is lauded for its diversified real estate portfolios and passive income opportunities. It’s a go-to platform for investors seeking exposure to both commercial and residential real estate. You can find out more about Fundrise in our in-depth Fundrise Review 2023.

fundrise.com website

Our conclusion on ARK7 vs. Fundrise ultimately depends on several factors, such as your investment goals, risk tolerance, and the level of involvement you desire in your real estate investments.

ARK7 Fundrise
Best For Investors looking for specific property investments and direct ownership. Investors seeking a diversified real estate portfolio and passive income opportunities.
Property Type Residential properties Both residential and commercial properties
Fee Structure No fees on dividend income. Sourcing fee of 3% of the Property Market Cap. Property management fee of 8-15% of the rental income. 0.15% annual advisory fee and up to 1.85% as a flat management fee.
Investment Approach Hands-on, direct investment in individual properties. Automated investment in diversified portfolios of residential and commercial properties.
Minimum Investment Requirement Varies depending on the property. $10
Ownership Direct ownership of specific properties. Shared ownership via eREITs and eFunds.
Modest Money Review Ark7 Review Fundrise Review
Current Promotion

More Info

More Info

Modest Money Overall Rating
4.5 rating based on 5 ratings
4.6 rating based on 5 ratings
ARK7
Best For Investors looking for specific property investments and direct ownership.
Property Type Residential properties
Fee Structure No fees on dividend income. Sourcing fee of 3% of the Property Market Cap. Property management fee of 8-15% of the rental income.
Investment Approach Hands-on, direct investment in individual properties.
Minimum Investment Requirement Varies depending on the property.
Ownership Direct ownership of specific properties.
Modest Money Review Ark7 Review
Current Promotion

More Info

Modest Money Overall Rating
4.5 rating based on 5 ratings
Fundrise
Best For Investors seeking a diversified real estate portfolio and passive income opportunities.
Property Type Both residential and commercial properties
Fee Structure 0.15% annual advisory fee and up to 1.85% as a flat management fee.
Investment Approach Automated investment in diversified portfolios of residential and commercial properties.
Minimum Investment Requirement $10
Ownership Shared ownership via eREITs and eFunds.
Modest Money Review Fundrise Review
Current Promotion

More Info

Modest Money Overall Rating
4.6 rating based on 5 ratings

ARK7 vs Fundrise Videos

Factor 1: Investment Options and Property Types

  • ARK7 offers specific residential property investments, allowing for direct ownership.
  • Fundrise Offers shared ownership through eREITs.

ARK7

ARK7 stands out for providing specific property investment opportunities, primarily focusing on residential real estate. This setup enables investors to have a hands-on approach, allowing them to select properties they personally believe will yield good returns. Each property on ARK7 is treated as a separate entity, and investors have the opportunity to purchase shares in individual properties.

This approach aligns with investors who want to have a more direct relationship with their investments and make targeted decisions based on the specific properties they find attractive.

Fundrise

Fundrise, on the other hand, takes a more diversified app roach by offering a mix of residential and commercial real estate investments. The platform operates through eREITs (electronic Real Estate Investment Trusts), which pool the investments of many investors into a shared portfolio.

This setup allows for broader exposure to the real estate market and is particularly beneficial for those seeking diversification. Fundrise’s model caters to investors who prefer a passive income strategy and want to mitigate risks by spreading their investments across multiple properties.

Factor 2: Fees

  • ARK7 does not charge dividend fees.
  • Fundrise charges annual advisory and management fees.

ARK7

The Ark7 platform and app are free to use, but they do charge certain fees associated with the investments. A one-time sourcing fee of 3% of the Property Market Cap is charged by Ark7 for sourcing, acquiring the property, and listing it on the Ark7 platform in sellable shares. This fee covers the upfront costs related to making the property available for investment.

In addition, ARK7 charges a monthly asset management fee ranging from 8-15% of the rental income from the property. This fee is paid to ARK7 as the Asset Manager for maintaining the property and managing tenants, ensuring a seamless experience for investors.

Fundrise

Fundrise charges its clients a small annual advisory fee of 0.15%. This means that over a 12-month period, you will pay a $1.50 advisory fee for every $1,000 you’ve invested with Fundrise. The advisory fee covers services such as customized real-time client performance reporting, automated dividend distribution system, automated tax management processing, customer support and investor relations, and portfolio construction.

Additionally, Fundrise covers the expenses inherent to their real estate funds via an annual flat management fee. This ranges from 0.85% for the Flagship Fund, Income Real Estate Fund, and family of eREITs and eFunds, to 1.85% for the Fundrise Innovation Fund. The fees go towards the investment allocation and advisory oversight of the hundreds of real estate projects in clients’ portfolios.

Factor 3: Investment Process and User Experience

  • ARK7 allows direct property investments with transparent information.
  • Fundrise offers a passive experience with diversified portfolios.

ARK7

ARK7’s investment process is more hands-on, catering to investors who prefer to be directly involved in their investments. Investors can select individual properties they wish to invest in and monitor their investments closely.

ARK7’s user-friendly platform provides all necessary information about each property, including details about the location, expected rental income, and other key data. ARK7 also allows investors to easily manage their investments and keep track of their returns. This more personalized experience can be highly satisfying for those who wish to be actively involved in their investments.

Fundrise

Fundrise, on the other hand, offers a more passive investment experience. The platform provides diversified portfolios consisting of different types of properties. This simplifies the investment process for investors, who do not need to research individual properties but can rely on Fundrise’s expert team to construct and manage portfolios.

Fundrise’s user-friendly interface, transparency of property information, and automated investment management make it an excellent choice for those seeking a more hands-on, passive investment strategy. It is a highly user-friendly platform that offers a streamlined, efficient investment process.

Factor 4: External Customer Reviews & Ratings

External Ark7 Reviews & Ratings

SiteRating
Real Estate5 from 43 reviews
Product Hunt5 from 30 votes
Facebook5 from 14 reviews
Apple App Store4.4 from 106 reviews
Benzinga4.5
REtipstar4.5

External Fundrise Reviews & Ratings

SiteRating
Apple App Store4.8 from ‎28,453 reviews
NerdWallet5
Google Play4.7 from ‎3,476 votes
Business Insider4.5
Benzinga4.5
Google My Business4.4 from 432 reviews

Ark7 vs Fundrise: The Bottom Line

Ark7 and Fundrise both offer unique platforms for investing in real estate, providing retail investors with diverse options, resources, and tools to make informed investment decisions. However, your choice between the two will ultimately depend on your unique needs, investment strategies, and budget.

Ark7 distinguishes itself with its direct property investment approach, allowing investors to pick and choose individual properties to invest in. Its straightforward fee structure and detailed property information make the platform suitable for those who wish to take a more hands-on role in their investments.

If you find the idea of directly investing in specific properties appealing, and value Ark7’s user-friendly interface and transparent fee structure, you can learn more about it by clicking here.
Learn More About Ark7

Conversely, Fundrise stands out with its diverse portfolios of various types of properties and a passive investment strategy. With its relatively low annual advisory and management fees and its array of real estate investment options, Fundrise may be a better fit for those seeking a more passive investment experience.

If you prefer the diversified portfolios and automated management offered by Fundrise, you can learn more about it by clicking here.

Learn More About Fundrise

In terms of fees, Ark7 charges a one-time sourcing fee and a monthly asset management fee based on rental income, whereas Fundrise charges an annual advisory fee and a flat management fee.

Both platforms offer unique opportunities for investing in real estate. It is advisable to take a close look at what each platform offers and consider how well they align with your investment strategy, needs, and budget. Your personal preference, investment goals, and specific needs will ultimately determine the right choice for you.