Tired of endlessly scrolling through listings that don’t fit your needs? Atlas makes it simple to find a home that matches your lifestyle and budget, with options across multiple growing US markets.
Tired of endlessly scrolling through listings that don’t fit your needs? Atlas makes it simple to find a home that matches your lifestyle and budget, with options across multiple growing US markets.
Finding profitable real estate opportunities and managing properties shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. Atlas handles the heavy lifting, helping you grow your portfolio with expert precision and care.
In a recent episode of the Big Hitters Podcast, host Andrew Hathaway sits down with Mike Hills, Vice President of Capital Markets at Atlas Real Estate, to explore how owning real estate is one of the most powerful ways to build generational wealth.
Hills is joined by Evan Rice, Investment Specialist at Atlas, as they break down the long-term mindset behind real estate investing—and how everyday people can start building a financial legacy by owning properties.
Why Owning Real Estate Matters
Owning real estate isn’t just about buying and holding—it’s a strategic play for equity growth, passive income, and legacy-building. Hills explains that when approached with intention, a single property can spark a portfolio that benefits multiple generations.
“You can’t get generational wealth overnight,” Hills explains. “But real estate is one of the most consistent ways to build it.”
Key Takeaways from the Interview
1. Start Early and Hold Long-Term
Real estate appreciates over time. Combine that with mortgage pay-down and rent collection, and you’re building wealth in the background every day you hold the property. Owning real estate allows you to capitalize on these benefits.
2. Treat It Like a Business
From day one, think like a professional. Mike and Evan emphasize running the numbers, avoiding emotional purchases, and sticking to a disciplined acquisition strategy crucial for being a successful owner.
3. Use Equity to Expand, Not Exit
Instead of selling, many successful investors refinance or leverage equity to purchase new properties. This allows compounding growth without giving up valuable assets, which is an essential strategy when owning real estate.
4. Create a Transferable Legacy
Smart planning—through trusts, LLCs, or gifting strategies—can ensure your real estate assets pass smoothly to your children or beneficiaries, safeguarding the legacy of owning real estate.
The Data Backs Up Owning Real Estate
According to the 2025 Schwab Modern Wealth Survey, owning real estate is still one of the top indicators of financial security in America. And while younger generations face barriers to entry, getting in early—like Mike Hills did—is key to long-term financial advantage.
Want to explore how owning real estate can work for you? Connect with our investment team to learn how we support everyday investors.
In this Big Hitters episode, Andrew Hathaway helps uncover the strategies behind Mike Hills’ success—and how anyone can follow the same roadmap. If your goal is to create lasting impact for your family, through owning real estate you can achieve that aim.
