Introduction

If you’re new to investing, the term “accredited investor” may be one you are not familiar with. If you are exploring the world of investing you may be wondering if you need to receive a designation from a governing body, match certain criteria or take a specialized test. It is simpler than you might think to be an accredited investor. There are no tests or official documents that need to be filed with the government. By simply looking at tax returns, bank statements or other financial documents your CPA, lawyer, or financial advisor can confirm your status as an accredited investor.

The History of Accredited Investors

To delve into the significance of accredited investors, it's crucial to start at the foundation—defining what an accredited investor is and the criteria set forth by regulatory bodies. According to the Securities and Exchange Commision (SEC), an accredited investor in the United States is an individual or a business entity that is eligible to trade securities that may not be registered with financial authorities.

These securities, often part of private placements, are available only to investors who meet specific income, net worth, asset size, governance status, or professional experience criteria.

Historically, the accredited investor concept was introduced as part of the Securities Act of 1933, a piece of legislation enacted post-Great Depression to protect investors by regulating how securities are offered and sold. The rationale behind establishing accredited investor standards was to ensure that only individuals and entities with sufficient financial acumen and the capacity to absorb risk without undue hardship could participate in potentially higher-risk, higher-reward unregistered securities offerings.

How Do You Know If You’re An Accredited Investor?

Understanding who qualifies as an accredited investor is crucial for both potential investors and companies seeking to raise capital. The SEC sets forth specific criteria to determine who meets this status, based largely on financial thresholds and, more recently, professional expertise. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Financial Thresholds

The financial criteria for an accredited investor are designed to ensure that individuals or entities have the necessary financial stability and knowledge to engage in higher-risk investments. The thresholds are:

• Income: An individual must have had an annual income exceeding $200,000 (or $300,000 together with a spouse) for the last two years, with a reasonable expectation of reaching the same income level in the current year or
• Net Worth: An individual or a couple’s net worth must exceed $1 million, excluding the value of the primary residence. This calculation must take into account all liabilities, ensuring that investors have sufficient financial cushion beyond their immediate living expenses.

Professional Expertise

Recognizing that financial acumen isn't solely determined by income or net worth, the SEC has expanded the definition to include professional expertise as a criterion:

• Certifications and Designations: Individuals holding certain professional certifications, designations, or credentials recognized by the SEC can qualify as accredited investors.
• Knowledgeable Employees: Individuals who are "knowledgeable employees" of a private fund, such as executive officers, directors, trustees, general partners, or serving in a similar capacity, are considered accredited investors for investments in the fund.

Measures Beyond Financial and Professional Criteria

The SEC's amendments to the accredited investor definition aim to broaden the pool of individuals and entities capable of participating in private capital markets, recognizing the diversity of expertise and risk tolerance among investors. These measures include:

• “Spousal Equivalent” Provision: This allows spouses and spousal equivalents to pool their finances for the purpose of qualifying as accredited investors, even if only one member of the partnership meets the income or net worth requirements.
• Entities: Beyond individuals, various entities can qualify as accredited investors, including banks, insurance companies, registered investment companies, and any entity in which all of the equity owners are accredited investors.

How To Verify Accredited Investor Status

The process of verifying an accredited investor’s status is typically required by entities raising capital through private offerings. This verification process can include:

• Self-Certification: For some investments, investors may self-certify their status by providing written confirmation of their income, net worth, or professional credentials.
• Third-Party Verification: Companies may require verification from a third party, such as a CPA, attorney, or registered investment advisor. These professionals can provide written confirmation that they have taken reasonable steps to verify an investor's accredited status within the last three months.
• Documentation: Investors may need to provide financial statements, tax returns, W-2 forms, certification of credentials, or other documentation to prove their status as accredited investors.

This comprehensive framework ensures that individuals and entities with the requisite financial robustness or expertise are able to invest in opportunities not available to the general public. It protects both investors and companies by ensuring that all parties involved have the necessary knowledge and resources to navigate the complexities of private market investments.

How to Leverage Accredited Investor Status in Real Estate

Being an accredited investor opens up a plethora of opportunities in the real estate market, particularly in regions with high-growth potential like the Twin Cities metro area. Leveraging this status effectively requires a strategic approach to finding and evaluating investment opportunities, performing due diligence, and building a strong network of partners.

For developers, partnering with accredited investors means access to a pool of sophisticated investors who bring more than just money to the table. These investors often have a wealth of experience, networks, and a deep understanding of the market dynamics that can prove invaluable in navigating the complexities of real estate development. Their investment can help kick-start projects, fund innovations in sustainable building, and drive the construction of homes that meet the evolving needs of the Twin Cities' residents.

Moreover, for the accredited investors themselves, real estate offers a tangible asset class with the potential for both capital appreciation and income generation. The Twin Cities, with its robust economy, growing population, and vibrant communities, presents a compelling case for investment. The area's demand for quality, sustainable housing solutions, driven by demographic trends and economic growth, underscores the opportunities for those looking to invest in real estate development projects.

If you’re an accredited investor looking to invest in real estate in the Twin Cities region, Centra Capital Partners would be happy to learn more about your goals and share what projects we are currently working on.