It is important because it establishes clear percentage of ownership in the project.  There is no 0 POW reward, 0% stake, no faucets, no bounties, no giveaways.  The only way to get onboard is to throw down your share and own it.

At some point down the road if you decide you don't want to take part you can sell.  Recommended selling price would be your % of the appraised value of the property.

If we can get something cheap and make it nice the value will automatically increase.  Thats how real estate works.