Florida real estate mogul says your home is ‘a terrible investment’ — and he’d put $100K somewhere else. Is he right?

South Florida real estate broker Todd Nepola believes that owning a home is not a smart investment. In a TikTok video, he declared that homes are a "terrible investment." Nepola, who owns Current Capital Group, sees a home as a luxury item, such as his Rolls-Royce, not as an investment. He admits to having his own home but insists that it's "the stupidest investment you could make."

Nepola argues that many people believe homes are good investments because they haven't experienced a downturn. He warns viewers that homes don't always increase in value. If Nepola were to invest $100,000, he'd choose commercial property, noting that it requires learning the game, fixing it up, and eventually refinancing to pull out cash.

While long-term home price trends may seem positive, the reality of mortgage rates, taxes, insurance, and maintenance fees, as well as the illiquid nature of homes, makes them less attractive investments. Comparatively, the S&P 500 provided a 395% gain from 2000 to 2026. Home prices also vary by location, with some states experiencing declines.

The median age for first-time homebuyers has increased, and it takes longer to save for a down payment. Despite these challenges, many Americans still believe home prices will rise and consider real estate the best long-term investment.