Courtesy of the writings of Leonard Steinberg, we reflect what has transpired over the last 5 years. Have you ever paused your busy, chaotic life just long enough to ask, “Where was I five years ago?” Not just geographically (hopefully not still trying to figure out how to use Zoom), but in your career, relationships, health, and overall trajectory. Taking a moment to assess this long-term timeline can uncover fascinating insights—not to mention a few cringeworthy flashbacks to questionable fashion choices or that fleeting Keto obsession.

Five years ago, the world was on the verge of flipping upside down. We’d just begun hearing ominous murmurs of COVID, Tesla was still a future disruptor with its Cybertruck prototype, and “AI” was something techies talked about at conferences—not a tool rewriting your emails while you sip coffee. Fast-forward, and everything has changed…again.

In case you’ve forgotten the highlights, here’s a quick refresher:

• COVID was barely on the radar, but by early 2020, it turned the world upside down.

• The Dow Jones Industrial Average was at $28,000. Today, it’s nearing $43,400—up 55%, or about 8.8% annually (about 4x the inflation rate).

• The S&P 500 was at $3,145. Now? Over $6,000, up 90%, or 13% annually—6.5x inflation.

• U.S. GDP was $21.3 trillion. Today, it’s over $29 trillion, up 35%, or 6% annually.

• U.S. national debt has surged from $22.7 trillion to over $36 trillion, a 45% increase.

• GDP per capita has climbed from $65,500 to $86,000, up over 31%, or 4% annually.

• Tesla’s Cybertruck was just a reveal. Today, you can’t throw a rock without hitting an EV (please don’t test this theory).

• Oil prices rose modestly, from $63 per barrel to just over $70, a 2.2% annual increase.

• Notre Dame Cathedral, once a charred wreckage, is now fully restored and magnificent.

• AI was a niche topic. Today, it’s everywhere, helping write this blog and possibly planning your next vacation.

• Compass Real Estate has doubled its transaction volume and value in the last five years, approaching $1 trillion in sales.

• Pickleball has transformed from a niche pastime to a mainstream sensation. In 2018, there were approximately 3.3 million players in the United States. By 2023, that number skyrocketed to 13.6 million—a staggering 311% increase. (PB Pro Pickleball) The market value has mirrored this growth, with the global pickleball market expected to reach $3.859 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.30%. (The Picklr Nation)

So, Where Were YOU Five Years Ago?

Five years ago, maybe you were building your dream home, closing your first real estate deal, or just trying to master the art of baking sourdough bread (hey, we all needed a hobby). Wherever you were, it’s worth asking yourself:

• What was important to you then, and has that changed?

• What challenges have you conquered?

• What’s better now than you dared imagine it could be?

Now, look ahead: Where do you want to be five years from today? Whether it’s growing your portfolio, expanding your family, or traveling the globe, the key is to set actionable goals that guide you toward those ambitions.

What This Means for Your Real Estate Journey

For us at The Assaad Group, the five-year perspective isn’t just about personal growth—it’s about helping our clients navigate life’s transitions. Whether it’s buying a dream home, selling a cherished property, or investing for the future, we understand that real estate decisions are about more than transactions. They’re milestones on the path to your ideal life.

Five years ago, we were building relationships, crafting strategies, and investing in cutting-edge resources to serve you better. Today, we’re still at it—only with more tools, insights, and wisdom to ensure your journey is seamless and rewarding.

So, let’s dream big together. Five years from now, what will your story be? And how can we help you get there?