Real Estate Roundup: October 23, 2025
Leonard Steinberg, Compass Agent
The real estate market continues to shift and surprise, shaped by global trends, new technologies, and the people behind every transaction. Beyond the headlines, these insights from Compass highlight the resilience, innovation, and quiet influence of the real estate community today.
The Forces Redefining Wealth and Housing
The global Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) market has exploded from $34 billion in 2019 to an estimated $386 billion this year. It’s just one of many signals of how consumers are rethinking ownership, spending, and financial flexibility.
Meanwhile, the crypto economy has created an entirely new class of investors. There are now an estimated 241,700 “cryptonaires” with digital holdings exceeding $1 million, and 36 crypto billionaires worldwide. As these fortunes grow, their wealth often finds its way into property—fueling luxury housing demand in areas with strong digital economies.
On the more traditional side, high-net-worth entrepreneurs are also on the move. A recent HSBC survey found that 57% of business owners with over $2 million in investable assets are considering adding a new residence in the next year—many for business expansion, better education opportunities, or quality of life, rather than taxes alone.
These shifts underscore a simple truth: real estate remains the ultimate store of value, bridging personal growth, lifestyle, and long-term investment.
What Industry Leaders Are Talking About
At a recent Hudson River Park fundraiser, industry veterans shared candid perspectives on how real estate intersects with urban life and social responsibility. The takeaways offered a rare glimpse into the mindset of those shaping the skylines:
Developers build only when projects make economic sense—profitability drives growth.
Building a park is easy; maintaining one takes vision, philanthropy, and community.
Donations from wealthy locals quietly sustain city life—one guest has given billions.
The real estate profession wields untapped influence in local politics and policy.
Nearly 44% of New York’s tax revenue originates from real estate activity.
These insights remind us that the built environment is a living ecosystem, where developers, agents, and residents all play a part in sustaining the heartbeat of a city.
The Art of Telling Your Story: Rethinking “Just Listed”
A “Just Listed” post might seem routine—but when done thoughtfully, it becomes a masterclass in storytelling. The key is not just to show what is listed, but why it matters:
Lead with the image. The right visual captures emotion and desire before a word is read.
Craft 2–5 value-driven points. Share details that connect to lifestyle or benefit.
Be succinct and human. Replace jargon with insight—something memorable, not mechanical.
Always link back. Make it easy for readers to take the next step.
Creativity and authenticity are what separate a scroll-stopper from a scroll-past. AI can replicate information—but not human insight.
Final Thoughts
As the market evolves—through rate shifts, policy changes, and global capital flows—real estate’s deeper story endures. It’s a profession built on relationships, trust, and imagination. The best agents know they are not just selling property; they’re curating a lifestyle, a legacy, and sometimes, a dream.
So as we watch the economy move in cycles and headlines come and go, one thing remains constant:
real estate professionals shape more than markets—they shape the way we live.
Have questions about the market? Let's connect and explore the best strategies for your real estate goals.
Compass does not recommend one particular strategy or guarantee of results.*
Featuring
Leonard Steinberg
Compass Agent
