Assess their risks, liquidity, investments, returns, timeframes and other terms
Invest in exclusive collectibles
Invest in farmland
The minimum investment on AcreTrader varies by listing, generally starting at $15,000, with some past deals ranging from $3,000 to $100,000. This range is determined by factors such as the size of the offering and the price per acre.
Investing on Timeless involves risks such as market volatility, liquidity constraints, regulatory changes, and asset-specific issues like authenticity. Additionally, platform-related risks such as data security and operational stability could affect investments. These factors highlight the importance of thorough risk assessment and consideration of personal risk tolerance before investing in collectibles through Timeless.
Investing in AcreTrader involves risks like casualty, condemnation, and eminent domain, common to real estate investments.
While traditional collectible investments are illiquid, Timeless offers a level of liquidity by enabling trading among investors during the average holding period of 2 to 8 years. However, liquidity is influenced by demand within the platform and the collective decision to sell the asset.
AcreTrader investments are considered illiquid, meaning investors should be prepared to hold their investments for the specified duration. While it may be possible to sell shares in a private transaction after this period, there is no established market for them, making resale uncertain.
Timeless cannot guarantee returns as the collectibles market is unpredictable. However, historical data shows an average annual return of 40% on their platform, with returns ranging from 9.1% to 93.1% per year. Investors should note that past performance is not indicative of future results.
The returns from investing in AcreTrader vary, with historical examples showing realized internal rates of return (IRR) ranging from 9.4% to 30.3% over holding periods between 1.7 and 4.2 years. These variations highlight the potential for both moderate and significant returns, depending on the specific investment and market conditions.
The typical investment time horizon on Timeless ranges from 2 to 8 years, varying by asset class. During this period, investors can trade shares for liquidity before a collective decision is made to sell the asset, subject to majority approval.
AcreTrader investments target hold periods of 3 to 10 years, though this can vary based on market conditions and sale opportunities. Properties may sell earlier or extend beyond the target period, depending on whether favorable buying offers arise or if market conditions dictate a longer hold.
To invest with Timeless, individuals must be at least 18 years old, possess a valid ID card or passport, have a SEPA bank account, and not be taxable outside the EU. Additionally, they must have a permanent residence. Importantly, US citizens and US taxpayers are excluded from using Timeless's services due to SEC restrictions and the implications of the FACTA, which targets tax evasion by US citizens abroad.
Investing on the AcreTrader platform is limited to accredited investors, as defined by SEC regulations. Non-U.S. citizens can invest if they are legal residents of the United States.
The assets on Timeless, being exclusive collectibles, are subject to inherent volatility due to factors like fluctuating market demand, the rarity and exclusivity of items, condition and authenticity concerns, and broader economic and cultural trends. These factors can lead to significant price swings, making the value of collectibles unpredictable over short periods. While Timeless carefully selects collectibles with high potential for appreciation, investors should be mindful of this volatility and how it aligns with their investment goals and risk tolerance.
Farmland assets on AcreTrader typically exhibit lower volatility compared to stocks and bonds, offering a more stable investment option due to the steady demand for agricultural products and the land's intrinsic value.
Timeless is registered with the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) as a contractually bound intermediary of CONCEDUS GmbH, under register number 80174023. This indicates regulatory compliance and oversight by BaFin in its operations.
AcreTrader is regulated by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, SEC rules, FINRA rules, and state laws, reflecting its commitment to transparency and investor protection. As a registered Broker-Dealer, it must adhere to strict financial standards, undergo regular audits, and comply with ethical practices to maintain its standing and ensure the security of its investors' assets.
Timeless stores collectibles in a secured German facility with insurance coverage, though it's crucial to note that not all damages, such as those from force majeure, may be covered. Additionally, there's no guarantee of compensation for losses, as there are no guarantee funds or deposit insurance for investors. This points to a risk of partial or complete value loss in certain scenarios.
AcreTrader does not explicitly mention specific insurance coverage for investments on its platform. Generally, real estate investments, including farmland, are insured against risks like natural disasters and fire to protect investment value.
Timeless does not provide traditional dividends. Instead, investors gain returns from the appreciation of collectibles, realized when these assets are sold for a higher value than their purchase price. Profits from such sales are distributed among investors based on their shareholdings, acting as a one-time capital gain rather than regular dividends.
AcreTrader may distribute net cash from annual income to investors after operating expenses, typically once a year in December. These distributions, based on pro rata ownership, are not guaranteed. If distributed, funds go to the investor's AcreTrader wallet or, for SDIRA or IRA accounts, to the custodian.
Investors on Timeless receive their money back after the sale of a collectible by entering their SEPA bank account details on the platform. After the sale and distribution of profits, the funds are automatically transferred to the investor's bank account within 10 banking days, allowing for a straightforward return on their investment.
Investors can typically get their money back when the property they've invested in is sold at the end of its expected hold period, which may range from 3 to 10 years.
Timeless charges a one-time 2% service fee and a management fee at the initial purchase of fractions, covering costs like division of collectibles, documentation, transport, maintenance, and insurance, with management fees varying from 1% to 6% depending on the asset. Trading involves a 2% service fee for buyers, with no fees for sellers. There are no ongoing fees for the storage or operation of the platform, and no fees are charged to investors upon the sale of a collectible.
AcreTrader charges investors initial closing costs around 2% of the offering value and an annual 0.75% servicing fee of the land's value for management. The primary revenue comes from a 5% commission on the farm's sale, charged to the seller. There are no “carried interest fees.” Fee structures vary by deal, so reviewing offering documents is recommended for specifics.
Timeless assists investors with tax reporting by enabling the download of an Excel spreadsheet that records their purchases and sales, simplifying the process of tracking transactions and preparing tax documents.
AcreTrader aims to provide K-1 tax forms electronically by early March, although delays can occur due to external reporting needs. Tax treatment varies: gains on land sold within a year are taxed at ordinary income rates, while longer holdings are taxed at capital gains rates. Depreciation on buildings or equipment may affect taxes.