Building Wealth with Intention in 2025
The Case for Real Estate: Building Wealth with Intention in 2025
When it comes to building wealth, most of us are playing the long game. We’re not chasing quick wins that come with outsized risks— we’re thinking about growth that carries us forward, year after year. In 2025, as the world continues to evolve economically, the conversation around where to invest feels more relevant than ever.
Real estate has always held a unique position in this conversation. It’s not flashy, and it doesn’t come with the adrenaline of fast-rising stocks or crypto, but it’s incredibly powerful in its quiet stability (don’t get me wrong— there are also even plenty of ways to see faster returns with the right strategy in this space, too).
Working in the real estate industry has shown me time and time again that investing in real estate actually works— not just for the ultra-wealthy but for everyday people who want to build something lasting for themselves and their families. “But Amanda, how does real estate really stack up against other ways to grow wealth?” Well, that’s a great question. Let’s talk about it.
Understanding Your Options
In today’s financial world, there are clearly countless ways to invest your money. Each has its own merits, but not every option is the right fit for every person.
So let’s assume we’re already being responsible—maxing out our 401(k)s, contributing to Roth IRAs, and checking off all the “right” boxes. What happens next? What are the next smart moves we can make once those foundations are in place?
There are plenty of paths to explore, but here are a few of the more common ones:
Stocks: A classic choice for longer-term growth. Stocks can offer significant returns if you have the stomach for market ups and downs. However, they require knowledge, research, and a tolerance for volatility. And/or a really great financial advisor.
Index Funds: These are a more ‘hands-off’ way to invest in the stock market, offering broad exposure with less risk than picking individual stocks. The growth is slower but steady, which makes it a favorite for many.
Crypto: Haha, the new kid on the block. Crypto is seen as exciting and also unpredictable— it’s drawn some of the largest gains people have seen in the past decade but is equally capable of delivering massive losses. I personally do not own any crypto.
Starting a Business: Building something of your own can be incredibly rewarding, but this route usually takes time, money, and a willingness to take on personal risk. If this is something you’re up to— I love that for you! The payoff can be big, but the odds of success do vary.
Real Estate: A tangible, grounded way to grow wealth. Real estate offers a mix of appreciation, leverage, and income potential that’s difficult to match in other investment classes.
Why Real Estate Deserves YOUR Attention
I think real estate is often misunderstood. Or perhaps it can feel inaccessible or even intimidating as an investment option. But the truth is that it’s one of the most approachable and strategic ways to grow our individual wealth, and let me explain how:
Leverage: Unlike other investments, real estate allows you to use borrowed money to grow your wealth. For instance, a 5% down payment can unlock a $400,000 home, giving you control over a significant asset without needing to invest the full amount upfront.
Appreciation: Real estate has historically appreciated over time. Don’t even get me started on DuPage County or the greater Chicagoland area. Even when markets experience short-term fluctuations, the long-term trend for property values is upward, giving you both security and opportunity as an investor.
Stability: While no investment is completely risk-free, real estate is proven to be less volatile than the stock market or crypto. One reason for this is because it’s tied to something that people will always need— a place to live— which gives it a kind of built-in resilience.
Cash Flow Potential: Investing in real estate doesn’t have to be just about owning a home— it can also be about creating passive income. Renting out property, whether it’s a single-family home or a multi-unit building, can offer consistent returns over time.
Tax Benefits: From mortgage interest deductions to depreciation, real estate comes with unique tax advantages, too, that make it even more appealing!
Overcoming Common Myths
You’d probably be surprised by how often I hear things like, “Investing in real estate just isn’t realistic for me.” But let me pause for a moment and challenge that perspective.
“I can’t afford it.” It’s a common misconception that you need hundreds of thousands of dollars sitting in your bank account to even think about real estate. The truth? There are plenty of options to make real estate investing far more attainable than you might realize. Programs like FHA loans, first-time homebuyer incentives, and creative low down payment strategies can open doors for many people who thought real estate was out of reach.
“It’s too complicated.” I get it—buying property can feel overwhelming at first. There’s paperwork, financing, inspections, and more. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be complicated when you have the right support. My job is to walk you through every step of the process, breaking things down so they actually make sense. By the time you close, you’ll feel confident—not confused—about the decisions you’ve made.
“I’m worried about market crashes.” This is a completely valid concern— one that almost everyone thinks about. But what’s important to remember is while markets naturally experience ups and downs, the greater Chicagoland area has consistently proven to be more resilient than the dramatic headlines suggest nationwide. Over time, property values here tend to appreciate steadily, even if there are temporary dips along the way. Those short-term fluctuations don’t erase the equity you’re building or the stability that comes from owning a tangible asset.
Why 2025 is an INCREDIBLE Time to Invest
Put simply: timing the market is nearly impossible, but time in the market consistently builds wealth. Let me put this in perspective though.
If you purchase a $400,000 home in 2025, latest projections by the Home Price Expectations Survey (HPES) suggest it could grow to $483,000 by 2030. Ladies and gentlemen, that is $83,000 in equity in just five years— and that doesn’t even account for rental income, updates or upgrades, or other benefits if the property is being used as an investment or starter home / flip.
Now, let’s compare that growth to the stock market. To generate $83,000 in returns over five years in stocks, assuming an average annual return of 7% (which aligns with historical market performance), you would need to invest roughly $200,000 upfront. That’s $200,000 cash— money you’d need liquid and ready to invest.
So while the stock market can absolutely be a great tool for building wealth, the barrier to entry is much higher if you’re aiming for similar returns in the same timeframe. Real estate, on the other hand, gives you the opportunity to grow wealth with less upfront capital, all while offering a level of stability and control that the stock market just can’t match.
This is why the case for investing in real estate in 2025 is so compelling: it’s not just about equity growth—it’s about building wealth strategically and sustainably.
Feeling Ready to Talk about Financial Goals?
I get it— real estate can feel intimidating. Just investing in general can. But I promise you when I say that investing in something like real estate can also be one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to invest in your future! Whether you’re dreaming of buying your very first home, exploring multi-unit properties, or simply curious about what’s possible, I’m here and I would LOVE to help you take a first step.
The trust my clients place in me is something I value deeply, and I approach every opportunity with individualized care and intention. Real estate is not just a transaction to me— it’s about empowering you, helping you and your family build something meaningful for your future.
Real estate is and always will be personal. I would love to work together with you to create a plan that aligns with your goals, your timeline, and your life!
Ready to start planning? Send me an email at amandalee@atproperties.com.
