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The Great Divide: What the Data Shows
Jason Farris
April 14, 2025
When it comes to building wealth in America, not everyone plays the same game. As of Q3 2024, the top 0.1% and the bottom 50% of Americans own very different types of assets. While the wealthiest lean into stocks and businesses, most everyday people have their money tied up in one place—real estate. For real estate agents, this isn’t just interesting—it’s a reminder that helping someone buy or sell a home often means helping them build their future.
As of Q3 2024, here's how the top 0.1% and the bottom 50% of Americans differ in asset ownership:
Asset Category | Top 0.1% Holdings | Bottom 50% Holdings | Share of Total Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
Real Estate | $2.0T (9%) | $4.9T (49%) | 21% |
Consumer Durables | $0.6T (3%) | $1.9T (19%) | 8% |
Equities (Stocks) | $11.0T (49%) | $0.5T (5%) | 35% |
Pensions | $0.5T (2%) | $1.2T (12%) | 5% |
Private Businesses | $4.4T (20%) | $0.2T (2%) | 14% |
Other Assets | $3.9T (17%) | $1.4T (14%) | 16% |
🧠 So What? Key Takeaways for Real Estate Agents
Real Estate is the Primary Wealth Vehicle for the Bottom 50%
Nearly half of the bottom 50%’s total assets are tied up in real estate. That means for most Americans, their home is their wealth.
Translation: You’re not just helping people buy or sell a house—you’re helping them build or transfer their net worth.
High Net Worth Clients Think Differently
The top 0.1% only allocate 9% of their wealth to real estate. They prefer stocks, private businesses, and alternative assets.
If you're working with high-net-worth buyers or sellers, don’t assume they value real estate emotionally. They see it as a calculated asset class—often tied to tax strategy or diversification.
Know Your Client's Portfolio Mix
Understanding where your client sits in the wealth spectrum can help you better serve them. First-time buyers may need education and long-term vision. High-net-worth clients may care more about ROI, location potential, and leverage.
Equity Gaps = Opportunity for Education
With the bottom 50% owning just 5% of equities and only 2% of private business assets, it’s clear there’s a financial literacy gap.
Real estate agents who become educators and wealth strategists—helping clients think long-term about homeownership, equity, and generational wealth—win more trust, referrals, and repeat business.
Real Estate is the Gateway
For many, real estate is their first and only serious investment. It’s the door to wealth-building—and you hold the key.
Final Thought
This chart isn’t just about economics—it’s about responsibility 💡. As a real estate agent, you're not just in the housing business 🏠. You're in the wealth transfer business 💸, the generational legacy business 🧬, the dream facilitator business ✨.
Understand the weight of that—and use it to show up as more than a salesperson 🤝.