Assess their risks, liquidity, investments, returns, timeframes and other terms
Invest in wine and whiskey
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 with Vinovest involves market fluctuation risks, potential loss from early sale fees, limited insurance coverage, and no guarantee of liquidity or fair value realization on the secondary market.
Investing in AcreTrader involves risks like casualty, condemnation, and eminent domain, common to real estate investments.
Vinovest permits selling of assets with no extra commissions but charges a 1.5% listing fee for sales made before the ideal time window. Liquidity is not guaranteed and depends on market demand.
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.
Between 2015 and 2022, whiskey and fine wine have historically generated annual returns of 13.8% and 8.9%, respectively.
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.
Vinovest offers three time horizons for wine investment: short-term (5-7 years), medium-term (7-10 years), and long-term (10+ years), with customization options for higher-tier clients.
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.
Vinovest is open to investors who can meet the platform's minimum investment thresholds, catering to a wide audience from beginners to seasoned collectors and various entities.
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.
Vinovest's assets, like wine and whiskey, can face market volatility with swift price changes, posing risks of financial loss for short-term investors.
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.
Vinovest is audited annually by insurers and an independent auditor but is not SEC-regulated as it does not deal in securities.
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.
Vinovest insures client assets against damage, with reimbursement at full market value, although not all loss scenarios may be covered.
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.
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 get money back from Vinovest after selling matured or scarce wines, generally within a 10 to 15-year timeframe.
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.
Vinovest charges tiered management fees: 2.5% (Standard), 2.35% (Plus), 2.15% (Premier), and 1.90% (Grand Cru), applied only on invested capital. A 1.5% selling fee is incurred upon sale, with free listing.
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.
Wine gains taxation through Vinovest depends on location: taxed as collectibles in the U.S., often exempt in the U.K., with similar exemptions in other countries. Vinovest provides monthly and annual statements for tax reporting, not 1099 forms.
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.