Why Real Estate Is Still the Best Investment You Can Make—Even Right Now

When the housing market shifts and headlines scream about interest rates and rising home prices, it’s easy to wonder: Is buying a home still worth it? For first-time buyers and move-up buyers alike, that question is valid—and timely.

Here’s the short answer: Yes. According to a recent Gallup poll, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment for the 12th year in a row. That’s not just hype; it’s a reflection of what actually builds wealth and stability over time.

Let’s break it down, especially for those considering their very first home—or making the jump into their forever home.

1. Real Estate Builds Long-Term Wealth

One of the biggest takeaways from Tom Ferry, one of the top real estate coaches in the country, is this: wealthy people own property. Not just stocks. Not just businesses. They own land and homes.

Your home is more than just a place to live—it’s an asset that generally appreciates over time. PLACE, one of the most innovative platforms in real estate today, reinforces that homeownership is the #1 way Americans build wealth. That’s why real estate consistently ranks higher than stocks, bonds, gold, or crypto as a long-term investment.

Even with prices higher than they were a few years ago, home values are still rising steadily, not crashing. Buying now means locking in future equity—something renters don’t get to do.

2. Yes, Interest Rates Are Higher—But So Is Rent

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: interest rates. Yes, they're higher than the ultra-low rates of 2020 and 2021. But historical context matters: today's rates are still within normal long-term averages. Plus, as Tom Ferry often points out, you can always refinance when rates drop—but you can’t go back in time and buy the same house for less once prices continue to climb.

Meanwhile, rents are going up too—and unlike a fixed-rate mortgage, rent increases are unpredictable. When you own your home, you lock in your largest monthly expense. That’s powerful financial stability.

3. Buying Gives You Control Over Your Future

Broke Agent Media, known for its real talk on real estate, reminds buyers that homeownership gives you control. You can renovate, expand, decorate, and plant roots without worrying about a landlord’s approval or unexpected lease terminations.

For move-up buyers, this is about lifestyle. You’re no longer just buying shelter—you’re buying space for your family to grow, a better school district, a neighborhood community, or the dream kitchen you’ve always wanted. These aren’t just wants—they’re investments in your quality of life.

4. There Are Programs Designed to Help

At REAL and PLACE, agents are empowered with tools and programs to help you navigate this market. From first-time buyer grants to down payment assistance to low-interest options for qualified borrowers, you may have more buying power than you think.

A great agent doesn’t just open doors—they help you unlock possibilities you didn’t know you had.

5. The Sooner You Buy, the More You Gain

Every month you wait to buy is a month of rent paid to someone else’s mortgage. As home prices continue to trend upward, getting into the market sooner sets you up to benefit from appreciation, tax advantages, and equity growth.

As PLACE Co-Founder Chris Suarez puts it, “Real estate doesn’t just build wealth—it builds freedom.” And that freedom starts the moment you own.

Let’s Connect

If you’ve been thinking about buying—whether it’s your first home or the home you plan to grow old in—now is the time to talk strategy. Let’s go over your options, your numbers, and the programs that can help you make the move you’ve been dreaming about.

Because real estate isn’t just the best investment. It’s your investment in your future.