Real Estate Roundup: August 1, 2025
Leonard Steinberg, Compass Agent
As we move into the heart of summer, the real estate world continues to evolve with stories that educate, inspire, and sometimes surprise. July offered a vivid mix of market data, personal anecdotes, policy developments, and timeless lessons that highlight the value of going beyond the transaction.
Adding Value Beyond the Deal
One standout story this month came from Compass agent Lindsay Hymson, whose keen eye led to a life-changing discovery. While previewing a home, she noticed a forgotten portrait behind a china cabinet. Her curiosity revealed it was a work by a renowned Philly painter, which later sold for $3.6 million. This wasn't just a transaction — it was life-changing value delivered through insight and ethics. It’s a reminder that truly great agents do more than close deals; they help clients uncover hidden potential in every corner.
The Tax Debate Heats Up
A recurring theme this month is taxation — who pays, how much, and how it impacts decisions on where and how people live. Proposed legislation could end capital gains taxes on primary home sales, while other tax policies are causing the ultra-wealthy to reconsider where they call home. From London to New York to Miami, the rules are changing — and smart agents are keeping their clients one step ahead.
Even broader shifts, like the rise of pass-through income deductions and sustained loopholes for private equity, are reshaping what tax fairness means in 2025. As one agent joked, “Some people pay more in tips than billionaires pay in taxes.”
Rethinking "Affordable"
"Affordable" isn’t a fixed number — it's a moving target, shaped by income, geography, and priorities. From luxury EV trucks stripped down to essentials, to proposals for financing backyard ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units), July made it clear that solutions for affordability must be creative, scalable, and sustainable. Perhaps it’s time to embrace “simple, upgradable housing” — where owners can enhance over time instead of paying upfront for features they don’t need yet..
AI, Staging, and Strategy
Artificial flowers might sound less appealing than the real thing, but when done right, they’re staging gold. Durable, cost-effective, and surprisingly lifelike, they offer a practical solution for sellers looking to make a lasting impression. Meanwhile, the conversation around artificial intelligence and marketing is growing fast — agents who embrace these tools early are seeing big gains in engagement and exposure.
Citizenship Starts at Home
In a powerful moment of reflection, a South Bronx resident reminded us that quality of life often starts with individual responsibility: picking up trash, respecting shared spaces, and teaching children decency. It's not just about taxes or government policy — it's about how we show up every day in our communities.
Momentum at Compass
In the midst of rising interest rates, market uncertainty, and legal turbulence across the industry, Compass agents delivered a record-breaking Q2 — over 73,000 transactions and record metrics across the board. Whether or not you made a sale last quarter, your contributions matter. From staging homes to strengthening local networks, every piece builds the foundation for what’s next.
Final Thoughts
Real estate is more than listings and closings. It's about insight, service, community, and resilience. As we celebrate wins and face challenges, one thing is clear: we are stronger together.
Let’s keep asking — Where can I add value today that isn’t about the immediate deal? Because those are the moments that build trust, loyalty, and a business that lasts.
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Compass does not recommend one particular strategy or guarantee of results.*
Featuring
Leonard Steinberg
Compass Agent
