What is a ‘wallet’? Why do I need one?
A ‘wallet’ is a core component of a blockchain/cryptocurrency system. RealT uses the Ethereum blockchain and the Gnosis Chain to manage the accounting of the fractional ownership of the properties on its platform. Because we run on Ethereum, our assets are stored in ‘Ethereum wallets’ compatible with the Gnosis Chain.
A ‘Public Key’ or ‘Public Address’ are also terms that are used to describe a ‘wallet’.
A wallet is composed of two parts: a ‘public address’ and a ‘private key’. A good metaphor for this is ‘a mailbox’ and ‘a mailbox key’. Anyone can drop anything in the mailbox, but only the owner of the private key can open it up and access it. The link between a ‘public’ and ‘private’ key is rooted in public-private key cryptography, and is what puts the ‘crypto’ in ‘cryptocurrency’.
In order to receive your purchased fractional shares of real estate, you will need an Ethereum wallet Gnosis Chain compatible so that the assets can be delivered to you. There are many different wallets available, and each one manages your private key in different ways.
Make sure you understand how each different solution manages private keys for you.
A private key is very important! Any owner of the private key can access any of the funds that are stored it is associated wallet.
You can find out more information about Ethereum wallets on the Ethereum.org website and on Gnosis Chain here.
We particularly recommend those wallets: RealT Wallet (mobile), Trust Wallet (mobile), AlphaWallet (mobile), or MetaMask (mobile and browser).
Creating a wallet is very easy. You just need to install the application of your choice and then create an account. When creating an account, the application will give you a “recovery phrase” to carefully note, to keep access to your wallet. You don’t have to enter any personal information like your email address or your name.
Once your account is created, you will be able to find your public Ethereum/Gnosis Chain address (this address always starts with “0x”). This is the address that we will use to send you your RealTokens and your rents.