Investing in local real estate can do both

Local real estate investing can help climate-proof your community and your investmentsJoining Local Investing Networks can be especially tricky if you lack credentials as an accredited investor, or if you don’t want to buy a whole property or manage it. Now, one company is helping towns threatened by the effects of global warming to pool small investors and make real estate improvements.

Small Change is an online platform which features real estate projects seeking everyday people to invest. These aren’t just any property ventures. Small Change has vetted the projects in advance, choosing only those that can transform a city or neighborhood for the better. In deciding which ventures to take on, they use their ‘Change Index’ to measure the property’s potential to protect occupants – and owners – from financial threats caused by warming. The Change Index rates the area’s walkability, nearby parks, fresh-food access, economic vitality, and many other measures (see their checklist here). Many of these are the same indicators we use to compile our Where-To-Live Scorecards.

In May of last year, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission allowed eligible companies to raise capital using Regulation Crowdfunding (a Kickstarter of sorts). Anyone can invest in many of Small Change’s Regulation Crowdfunding properties, which are located throughout the United States (the latest one being in New Orleans (WTL Score).

Keep an eye on Small Change for investment opportunities that also serve as ways to help climate-proof your community.