Account Setup Guide

Before creating an account, research platforms to find the best fit for your goals. Here's what to evaluate: Regulatory Status: Ensure the platform is properly regulated. In the US, look for SEC-registered offerings or platforms operating under Regulation A+, Regulation D, or Regulation Crowdfunding. Proper regulation provides investor protections and accountability. Track Record: How long has the platform been operating? What's their history with previous properties? Look for platforms with at least 2-3 years of operational history and positive investor reviews. Be cautious with brand-new platforms, even if their offerings look attractive. Property Types: Different platforms specialize in different property types—single-family rentals, vacation homes, commercial properties, or mixed portfolios. Choose a platform that offers the property types that match your investment goals. Minimum Investment: Confirm the platform's minimum investment aligns with your budget. Also check if there are account minimums separate from per-investment minimums. Fees: Understand the fee structure. Common fees include: • Platform fees (often 1-2% of investment annually) • Asset management fees • Transaction fees for secondary market trading • Early redemption fees Liquidity Options: How can you exit your investment? Some platforms offer secondary markets for trading shares. Others have redemption programs. Understand your options before committing. User Experience: The platform's website and app should be easy to navigate. You'll be checking your investments regularly, so a frustrating interface matters. Many platforms offer demo accounts or tours—take advantage of these.

All legitimate fractional real estate platforms require identity verification. This process, known as KYC (Know Your Customer), is legally required and protects both you and the platform. Why Verification Is Required: Financial regulations require platforms to verify investor identities to prevent money laundering, fraud, and other financial crimes. Verification also ensures you're legally eligible to invest (age requirements, residency, etc.). Typical Information Required: • Full legal name • Date of birth • Social Security Number (in the US) or equivalent • Current address • Phone number and email • Employment information • Investment experience (sometimes) Documents You May Need: • Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport) • Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement) • Social Security card (sometimes) The Verification Timeline: Basic verification often completes within minutes using automated systems. However, some cases require manual review, which can take 1-3 business days. Plan accordingly if you want to invest in a time-sensitive opportunity. Accredited Investor Status: Some investments are only available to accredited investors (individuals meeting certain income or net worth thresholds). If you're applying for accredited status, you'll need additional documentation: • Tax returns or W-2s showing income • Bank/brokerage statements showing assets • Letter from CPA, attorney, or financial advisor International Investors: If you're not a US resident, platform availability and verification requirements vary. Some platforms accept international investors with additional documentation; others are US-only. Check platform eligibility before starting the process.

Once verified, you'll need to add funds before investing. Understanding your options helps you choose the most convenient and cost-effective method. Common Funding Methods: Bank Transfer (ACH): The most common method in the US. Link your bank account and transfer funds electronically. Typically free but takes 3-5 business days to clear. Wire Transfer: Faster than ACH (usually same-day) but often carries fees ($15-$30 from your bank). Best for larger transfers where speed matters. Debit Card: Some platforms accept debit card funding for immediate availability. May have lower limits and sometimes small fees. Cryptocurrency: Blockchain-based platforms often accept crypto payments (typically stablecoins like USDC). Fast and convenient if you already hold crypto. Funding Considerations: Transfer Limits: Platforms may have daily or weekly funding limits, especially for new accounts. If you're planning a large investment, check limits and plan accordingly. Hold Periods: Some platforms hold new deposits for a few days before they're available for investing. This is a security measure against fraud. Know the hold period so you don't miss investment opportunities. Multiple Accounts: Consider funding from a dedicated investment account rather than your everyday checking account. This helps with tracking and budgeting your investments. Keep Records: Document your deposits for tax purposes. While platforms provide statements, maintaining your own records is good practice. Security: Only use secure, private networks when funding accounts. Avoid public WiFi. Enable two-factor authentication on both your platform account and bank account.

Your account is set up and funded. Here's a final checklist before making your first investment: Complete Your Profile: Many platforms have optional profile sections for investment preferences, risk tolerance, and communication preferences. Completing these can improve your experience and help the platform suggest relevant opportunities. Set Up Notifications: Configure email and/or push notifications for: • New investment opportunities • Dividend distributions • Property updates • Account security alerts Understand Tax Implications: Fractional real estate has tax implications. You'll receive tax documents (typically K-1s or 1099s) annually. Consider consulting a tax professional, especially for larger investments. Many platforms provide educational resources about tax treatment. Document Storage: Create a system for storing investment-related documents: • Investment confirmations • Offering documents • Quarterly/annual reports • Tax documents Most platforms provide digital document storage, but keeping your own copies is wise. Connect to Threeworld: If you're investing across multiple platforms, connect your accounts to Threeworld to track all your investments in one place. This simplifies portfolio monitoring and provides unified analytics. Start Small, Learn Fast: With everything set up, make your first investment. Remember, this is as much about learning as returns. Choose a straightforward property, invest a comfortable amount, and observe how the process works. Ongoing Education: Your setup is complete, but your education continues. Read platform updates, learn from your investment experiences, and gradually expand your knowledge. The best investors never stop learning. Congratulations—you're ready to begin your fractional real estate investing journey!