The world seems to be obsessed with billionaires, either worshipping the ground they walk on or demonizing them for all the world's ails. There are some who have a more balanced perspective and who believe that while they often wield too much power, get way too many breaks that others will never experience, etc, they also employ millions and donate billions. The top 12 billionaires alone have companies that employ 2.3 million people and the TOP 10 donors donated over $17 billion to charities in 2025.

The ultra-luxury real estate markets in the US would not exist if it were simply billionaires that made up this market. Some don't even like, buy, or own ultra-luxe homes. There is another cohort, a much, much larger one. The 430,000 of Americans with a net worth of around $30 million or more. They are the quieter but equally important to markets.

• Their wealth is sourced in multiple ways, anywhere from investing, savings over time, inheritance, business creation, high skill jobs, sports, entertainment, tech, the medical field, lottery-winners, you name it! And yes, real estate too. 
• Some are extremely generous, others not-so-much. 
• They exist at all ages, from the late teens to well into their 90's.
• Many are seeking ways to preserve their wealth and avoid additional taxation on estates, a primary driver of moves for those 60 years and older.
• Many feel ostracized and resented, lumped together with people worth significantly more, as if they were the same. They are very, very different to billionaires in what they can buy, and how they can live.
• Most are worried about wealth preservation, not unlike the lottery winner who, when winning that $100 million lottery, discovers half of it is going to the taxman. 
• $30 million buys lots more in some parts than others. Tax policies rarely consider the cost of living by region, especially in larger cities, assuming higher incomes cover this. A big house in Tulsa, Oklahoma, costs significantly less than one in Highland Park, Texas.
• Most are unfamiliar or forget the plight of those with significantly less. Yet many come from very poor backgrounds and are self-made (67-72%).
• They often isolate themselves in bubbles, removed from the "masses" whose day-to-day struggles are extremely different.
• Many pay very high taxes. Some less, and others little to none. Many seem to forget that taxation includes federal, local income taxes, real estate taxes, sales taxes, excise taxes, luxury taxes, etc.
• Many have fears and anxieties around security, estate planning, the ulterior motives of friends and colleagues, trust-fund-baby-monster creation, loss of purpose, health, longevity, etc.
• The vast majority did not create their wealth via their home, probably less than 10%.  For most, their home is a reward for their hard work.