Core Insights - The real estate market is facing challenges, including high property taxes and maintenance costs, which can make homeownership less appealing as an investment [2][4] - Existing home sales have increased in 2025, but remain low compared to historical standards, influenced by high interest rates and a tough labor market [3] - The median sale price of existing homes in November 2025 was $409,200, with prices ranging from $358,300 to $432,700 since 2022 [3] Real Estate Investment Challenges - Homeownership entails significant ongoing costs, such as maintenance, which averages around $18,118 annually in the US, and can reach $25,000 in states like Hawaii and California [1] - Joel's experience with his Long Island mansion illustrates the risks of high-value real estate investments, as he had to reduce the listing price by $22 million after struggling to sell [4][5] Investment Alternatives - Platforms like Mogul offer fractional ownership in rental properties, providing monthly rental income and tax benefits without the burdens of traditional property ownership [6][7] - Commercial real estate has seen a 47% drop in volumes from 2022 to 2023, yet maintains an average ROI of 9.5%, slightly lower than residential real estate's 10.6% [12] - Real estate investment trusts (REITs) and ETFs provide access to real estate markets without the direct costs associated with property ownership, making them attractive alternatives [15]