How to Choose the Right Real Estate Fund for your Portfolio...

Eric Wilson

COO

March 2, 2020

5 min read

Eric Wilson

COO

March 2, 2020

5 min read

As an accredited investor, you have the opportunity to invest in a variety of alternative assets, including multifamily real estate development funds. These funds offer a unique investment opportunity, providing access to a stable asset class with the potential for strong returns.

But with so many options available, how do you choose the right multifamily real estate development fund for your investment portfolio? Here are some tips and advice for selecting a fund that aligns with your investment goals and risk tolerance:

Determine Your Investment Goals And Risk Tolerance

Before you start looking at specific funds, it's important to understand what you want to achieve with your investment and how much risk you're comfortable taking on. This will help you narrow down your options and focus on funds that align with your investment objectives.

For example, if your primary goal is income generation, you may want to focus on funds that have a strong track record of providing steady rental income. On the other hand, if you're looking for potential capital appreciation, you may want to consider funds that have a history of successful property development and value-add opportunities.

It's also important to carefully consider your risk tolerance. Real estate development is inherently risky, and even the best-managed funds can experience market downturns or unforeseen challenges. As such, it's essential to have a clear understanding of how much risk you're comfortable taking on and select a fund that aligns with that risk profile.

‍Research The Track Record Of The Fund Manager

The success of a real estate development fund depends heavily on the expertise and experience of the fund manager. As such, it's essential to thoroughly research the background and track record of the fund manager before making an investment decision.

Start by looking for a fund manager with a proven track record in the real estate industry. Ideally, the manager should have experience in multifamily development and a strong understanding of the local market where the fund will be investing. It's also a good idea to seek out recommendations from other investors or industry professionals who have worked with the fund manager in the past.

In addition to the fund manager's track record, it's also important to consider their investment philosophy and approach. Do they have a disciplined, data-driven approach to underwriting and asset management? Do they have a clear plan for generating returns and mitigating risk? A strong, experienced fund manager can make all the difference in the success of a real estate development fund.

Consider The Fund's Investment Strategy And Track Record

Each fund has its own investment strategy and approach to real estate development, so it's important to understand how the fund intends to generate returns and what its track record looks like. This can give you insight into the potential risks and rewards of investing in the fund.

For example, some funds may focus on acquiring and renovating existing properties, while others may focus on ground-up development or value-add opportunities. Each approach has its own set of risks and rewards, so it's essential to understand how the fund intends to generate returns and how that aligns with your investment goals.

It's also important to carefully review the fund's track record. Look for a fund with a history of successful investments and a strong track record of generating returns for its investors. Consider the types of properties the fund has invested in and the returns it has generated. This can give you a sense of the fund's investment strategy and its potential for success.

Look For A Fund With A Diverse Portfolio

Diversification is key in any investment portfolio, and that applies to real estate development funds as well. Consider funds that have a diverse portfolio of properties and investments, as this can help mitigate risk and provide a more stable source of income.

For example, a fund with investments in multiple property types, such as apartments, retail, and office space, can provide a more balanced and resilient portfolio. Similarly, a fund with investments in multiple geographic regions can also provide greater diversification and reduce the impact of any single market downturn.

In addition to diversity within the portfolio, it's also important to consider the fund's investment horizon. Some funds may have a shorter-term focus, with the goal of generating quick returns through acquisitions and renovations. Other funds may have a longer-term focus, with an emphasis on ground-up development and longer hold periods. Consider the time horizon that aligns with your investment goals and risk tolerance.

Evaluate The Fund Fees And Expenses

As with any investment, it's important to carefully consider the fees and expenses associated with the fund. These can eat into your returns, so be sure to understand what you'll be paying and how it compares to other options.

Most real estate development funds charge a management fee, which covers the fund manager's time and expertise in overseeing the investments. These fees can range from 1-2% of the fund's assets under management, depending on the fund and the manager's experience and track record. In addition to the management fee, there may also be other fees and expenses associated with the fund, such as acquisition fees, disposition fees, and property management fees.

It's important to carefully evaluate these fees and expenses and consider how they will impact your returns. Be sure to compare the fees of different funds and assess whether the potential returns justify the costs.

In conclusion, choosing the right multifamily real estate development fund for your investment portfolio requires careful consideration and research. By determining your investment goals and risk tolerance, researching the fund manager's track record, evaluating the fund's investment strategy and track record, looking for a diverse portfolio, and considering the fees and expenses, you can make an informed decision and select a fund that aligns with your investment objectives. As always, it's important to do your own research and consult with a financial professional before making any investment decisions.

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