Groundfloor vs DiversyFund 2024: Which real estate app is better?

Jeremy Biberdorf
By: Jeremy Biberdorf
 

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The world of real estate crowdfunding has experienced a significant boom in recent years, and investors have been increasingly drawn to these platforms as a means of diversifying their portfolios and gaining exposure to the lucrative property market.

Among the many options available, Groundfloor and DiversyFund have emerged as two key players in this space, offering unique investment opportunities for both novice and seasoned investors.

Groundfloor is Better for:DiversyFund is Better for:
Short-term real estate investingLong-term real estate investing
High-risk, high-reward investmentsLower-risk, more stable investments
Direct investing in individual propertiesIndirect investing in real

We will delve deep into the world of Groundfloor and DiversyFund, comparing their products across three critical factors: investment offerings, fees and returns, and platform accessibility. Join us as we unravel the nuances of these leading platforms and guide you in making an informed decision on which one best suits your investment goals and risk appetite.

Groundfloor Logo DiversyFund logo
Minimum Investment $10 $500
Fees No management fees; 1-2% origination fee 2% Asset Management fee and potential 2-4% Developer fees
Asset Class Real Estate Debt (Short-term, Single-family) Real Estate Equity (Multifamily, Commercial)
Best Use Small investors, New investors Passive investors, Long-term growth
Current Promotion Learn More Learn More
Modest Money Overall Rating
4.5 rating based on 5 ratings
4.5 rating based on 5 ratings
Groundfloor Logo
Minimum Investment $10
Fees No management fees; 1-2% origination fee
Asset Class Real Estate Debt (Short-term, Single-family)
Best Use Small investors, New investors
Current Promotion Learn More
Modest Money Overall Rating
4.5 rating based on 5 ratings
DiversyFund logo
Minimum Investment $500
Fees 2% Asset Management fee and potential 2-4% Developer fees
Asset Class Real Estate Equity (Multifamily, Commercial)
Best Use Passive investors, Long-term growth
Current Promotion Learn More
Modest Money Overall Rating
4.5 rating based on 5 ratings

Factor 1: Investment Offerings

Groundfloor: Accessible Short-term Real Estate Investments

  • Groundfloor focuses on short-term, high-yield loans
  • DiversyFund: Long-term Growth Through Diversified Real Estate Funds
  • DiversyFund offers a diversified portfolio of real estate assets

Groundfloor

Groundfloor is a real estate crowdfunding platform that focuses on providing accessible short-term, high-yield loans to property developers and house flippers. The platform offers a wide range of projects, from single-family homes to multi-unit properties, with loan terms typically ranging from 6 to 18 months.

Groundfloor’s investment offerings are particularly attractive to non-accredited investors, as the platform allows investments with as little as $10, enabling individuals with smaller budgets to participate in the real estate market. The short-term nature of these investments allows investors to potentially realize returns more quickly than with traditional long-term real estate investments.

DiversyFund

DiversyFund is a crowdfunding platform that offers investors the opportunity to invest in a diversified portfolio of real estate assets through its Growth REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust). The platform focuses on long-term growth and passive income, targeting properties with value-add potential in the multifamily, commercial, and residential sectors.

DiversyFund’s investment strategy includes acquiring, renovating, and managing properties, with the aim of increasing their value and generating rental income for investors. Unlike Groundfloor, DiversyFund requires a minimum investment of $500, making it more suitable for investors with a larger initial capital commitment. The long-term nature of these investments means that investors can expect to see returns over a more extended period, typically several years.

Factor 2: Fees and Returns

Groundfloor: Transparent Fee Structure and Competitive Returns

  • No management or platform fees for investors
  • Returns largely dependent on individual loan performance
  • DiversyFund: Long-term Appreciation Potential
  • DiversyFund: 2% annual asset management fee
  • Returns based on property appreciation and rental income

Groundfloor

Groundfloor stands out for its transparent fee structure, as the platform does not charge investors any management or platform fees. Instead, Groundfloor generates revenue by charging borrowers origination and servicing fees on the loans they provide. This means that investors can potentially enjoy higher returns, as their investment capital is not reduced by additional fees. Groundfloor’s returns are largely dependent on the performance of individual loans, with annualized returns typically ranging from 7% to 14%, based on the risk profile of the project.

DiversyFund

DiversyFund charges investors a 2% annual asset management fee, which covers the costs of acquiring, managing, and disposing of properties within the fund. There are no additional platform fees, and DiversyFund does not charge any performance fees.

Returns on DiversyFund investments are derived from both property appreciation and rental income. While historical returns are not a guarantee of future performance, DiversyFund has historically targeted returns of around 10% to 12% per year for its investors, with the understanding that investments are held for a longer period.

Also be aware that some projects may have a 2-4% development fee as well.

Factor 3: Platform Usability

Groundfloor: User-friendly Interface and Educational Resources

  • Groundfloor offers a simple, intuitive platform for easy navigation
  • The platform provides educational resources for novice investors
  • DiversyFund: Streamlined Interface and Investment Simplicity
  • DiversyFund focuses on a single investment product, simplifying investment decisions

Groundfloor

Groundfloor is designed with a user-friendly interface, making it easy for investors to navigate and find investment opportunities that align with their goals. The platform also offers educational resources, such as articles, webinars, and FAQs, to help novice investors understand the nuances of real estate crowdfunding and make informed decisions. Groundfloor’s commitment to simplicity and education makes it an appealing choice for investors who are new to the world of real estate crowdfunding.

DiversyFund

DiversyFund offers a streamlined interface that focuses on its single investment product: the DiversyFund Growth REIT. This simplifies the investment process, as investors don’t need to spend time evaluating numerous individual projects. Instead, they can invest in a diversified portfolio of real estate assets through the Growth REIT. While the platform may not provide the same level of educational resources as Groundfloor, its emphasis on simplicity and a straightforward approach to real estate crowdfunding makes it an attractive option for investors who prefer a more hands-off experience.

Groundfloor vs DiversyFund: Our Summary

After a comprehensive comparison of Groundfloor and DiversyFund, we have determined that Groundfloor emerges as the winner for investors looking to enter the world of real estate crowdfunding. While both platforms offer unique benefits, Groundfloor’s accessibility, transparent fee structure, and user-friendly platform make it a more attractive option for a broader range of investors.

Groundfloor’s focus on short-term, high-yield loans provides an opportunity for non-accredited investors to participate in the real estate market with a relatively small capital commitment. The platform’s minimum investment of just $10 makes it accessible to individuals with varying budgets, while the short-term nature of the investments allows for potentially faster returns.

In terms of fees, Groundfloor stands out with its transparent and investor-friendly approach. The platform charges no management or platform fees, allowing investors to maximize their potential returns. This is in contrast to DiversyFund, which charges a 2% annual asset management fee.

Additionally, Groundfloor’s user-friendly interface and commitment to providing educational resources make it an excellent choice for novice investors. The platform’s simple design enables easy navigation and a more enjoyable investment experience, while the wealth of educational materials empowers investors to make informed decisions.

Click here to get started with Groundfloor.

Learn More About Groundfloor

DiversyFund, on the other hand, is more suitable for investors seeking long-term growth and a hands-off investment experience. With a focus on a single investment product, the DiversyFund Growth REIT, the platform offers a more streamlined and simplified investment process. However, the higher minimum investment of $500 and the long-term nature of the investments may deter some investors, particularly those with limited capital or a preference for shorter investment horizons.