America’s Top 1% Could Buy Nearly Every Home in the U.S.—Without a Mortgage

The gap between the wealthiest Americans and everyday homebuyers continues to grow. A new Redfin analysis reveals that the top 1% of Americans now hold a staggering $49.2 trillion in wealth, nearly enough to buy all 100 million homes in the U.S.—outright.

At the end of 2024, the total value of U.S. real estate hit $49.7 trillion, mirroring the skyrocketing net worth of America’s wealthiest households. With real estate values surging and mortgage rates fluctuating, the disparity between cash buyers at the top and first-time buyers struggling to enter the market has never been more apparent.

🏁 The Housing Market: A Race Only Some Can Win?

The numbers are staggering:

🐷 The top 1%—approximately 1.3 million households—hold real estate assets worth $6.5 trillion but carry just $411.5 billion in mortgage debt.

🐷 Meanwhile, the bottom 50% of U.S. households collectively own $4.9 trillion in real estate—but they’re burdened with $3.1 trillion in mortgage debt.

🐷 The ultra-elite top 0.1% (134,000 households) control $22.1 trillion in net worth—enough to buy every home in the 25 largest metro areas in America.

🐷 Wealth isn’t just growing at the top—it’s accelerating. The top 0.1% saw their wealth increase by $4.4 trillion (25%) in just two years, while the bottom 50% gained only $306 billion (8.5%) in the same period.

📣 What does this mean for homebuyers?

While the ultra-wealthy are watching their home values appreciate without facing mortgage payments, everyday buyers are navigating high loan rates, bidding wars, and financial hurdles just to secure their first home.

"It is a striking example of wealth concentration in America that the top 1% could hypothetically afford to buy every home in the country—without going into debt—while millions of households struggle to buy or hold onto just one." – Chen Zhao, Redfin Economics Research Lead

🏁 Ready to Compete in the Housing Market?

The real estate race isn’t just about wealth—it’s about strategy, knowledge, and finding the right financing options to get ahead. If you’re looking to buy a home, refinance, or explore loan options, ReadySetLoan is here to help.

🔹 First-time buyer? We’ll guide you through the best mortgage programs available.

🔹 Struggling with affordability? Let’s explore down payment assistance and competitive loan rates.

🔹 Want to build long-term wealth through real estate? Learn how smart financing can put you in the driver’s seat.

🏁 Don’t let the top 1% lap you in the homeownership race. Get expert advice from ReadySetLoan today!

www.ReadySetLoan.com