The October Slope: Tracking the Mortgage Rate Drift in 2025
By Ralph DiBugnara
By Ralph DiBugnara · October 2, 2025
Gold is glittering in the headlines again. With prices hitting record highs in August—$3,534.10 per ounce, to be exact—many investors are wondering: Is now the time to pivot away from real estate and jump on the gold train?
It's a fair question. After all, gold has long been viewed as a safe haven, especially in times of uncertainty, and with new tariffs shaking up global markets, its value is soaring. But is it really the best place to put your money right now?
Let's break down how gold stacks up against other popular investments—including real estate, cryptocurrency, and alternative assets—to help you decide where your dollars belong.
Real Estate: The Long Game Winner?
Despite high mortgage rates and steep home prices, real estate continues to shine as a top long-term investment. In fact, a Gallup poll shows 37% of Americans still consider real estate the best long-term investment—more than gold, stocks, or crypto. Real estate's appeal comes down to three things: Equity Growth: According to the National Association of Realtors®, homeowners gained $147,000 in housing wealth on average over the past five years. Tangible Control: You can actively influence your investment's value through renovations, rental income strategies, and market timing. Tax Benefits: From mortgage interest deductions to depreciation, real estate offers meaningful tax advantages. "Traditional investments like 401(k)s, IRAs, and ETFs are great for passive growth, but real estate brings in a whole different level of wealth-building," says Dan Reedy, real estate investor and broker. And in 2025, there's a new twist: President Trump recently signed an executive order allowing alternative assets like real estate and crypto into workplace retirement plans, opening the door for more Americans to diversify their retirement portfolios. Still, real estate isn't without its challenges. "You can't really do anything with [your home equity] unless you're willing to leverage it," explains Ralph DiBugnara, founder of HomeQualified. In other words, that equity is locked unless you're willing to tap it via a loan or HELOC.
Gold: A Glittering (But Limited) Hedge
Gold has surged thanks to tariffs on imported bars and rising demand as a hedge against inflation and global instability. Pros: Stability during market downturns. Hedge against inflation and currency fluctuations. Physical ownership for those seeking tangible assets. Cons: High taxes on physical gold (up to 28% capital gains). Low liquidity in physical form—selling takes effort. No cash flow—unlike real estate, it doesn't pay dividends or rent. And while buying gold at Costco may be trendy, it's not exactly practical when it comes time to sell or store it.
Cryptocurrency: High Risk, High Reward
Bitcoin is booming—again. At over $88,000, it's hitting new highs. But the crypto market remains volatile and speculative, better suited to thrill-seekers and tech-savvy investors. "Cryptocurrencies are notoriously volatile... Real estate doesn't have this problem," notes Harry Turner, founder of Sovereign Investor. Crypto Pros: Potential for massive returns. High liquidity. Growing institutional support. Crypto Cons: Extreme volatility. Security and fraud risks. Regulatory uncertainty.
REITs: A Middle Ground for Real Estate Investors
Want to dip into real estate without buying physical property? Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) let you invest in real estate portfolios without getting your hands dirty. Pros: Traded like stocks—easy to buy and sell. Regular income via dividends (up to 90%). Diversified across property types. Cons: Taxed as ordinary income. Less control compared to owning property directly. Yields (around 4%) can vary by sector. REITs are great for those who want exposure to real estate without needing a down payment or dealing with tenants.
Tangible Alternatives: Art, Cars, Wine—and Complexity
Yes, it's possible to invest in fine wine, classic cars, or digital art (remember NFTs?). But these markets demand deep knowledge, significant capital, and often... luck. "The occasional blue-chip wine or NFT might pay off big, but real estate lets you sleep at night while building long-term wealth," says Reedy. Pros: Passion-driven investments. Potential for high appreciation. Cons: Illiquid and niche. Highly dependent on market trends. Often not recession-proof.
So, Where Should You Put Your Money?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. But if you're looking for steady growth, tangible control, and long-term stability, real estate continues to make a strong case—especially in a world where markets are more unpredictable than ever.
Gold may sparkle, and crypto may excite, but real estate endures. As Sara Levy-Lambert of RedAwning puts it, real estate offers a rare mix of passive income, stability, and the potential to build equity—something even gold can't match.
Always speak with a trusted financial adviser to assess your personal goals, risk tolerance, and investment timeline. Because no matter how hot the market is, smart investing starts with a solid plan.