This week, as world leaders gather at the United Nations General Assembly and New Yorkers endure the inevitable gridlock, much of the conversation focuses on the state of democracy around the globe. Regardless of where you stand on that debate, one thing is certain: democracy is flourishing in unexpected corners—media and investing—reshaping how we connect, build businesses, and even buy real estate.
Media: A Platform for Every Voice
The rise of social media has created unlikely stars—for better or worse—but more importantly, it has opened doors for small business owners. For real estate professionals like me, platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn have become powerful tools to reach people I might never have met otherwise. By consistently sharing insights, demonstrating expertise, and pulling back the curtain on the NYC real estate market, I’ve built relationships with buyers and sellers who might not have otherwise chosen to work with me.
In many ways, the media has become democratized. You don’t need a publishing house or a broadcasting network—just your own voice, knowledge, and persistence.
Investing: From Wall Street to Main Street
The same democratization is transforming investing. Technology and regulatory changes now allow ordinary investors to participate in opportunities once reserved for the ultra-wealthy. I recently learned that an investor could purchase a stake in a luxury Manhattan townhouse for as little as $10,000. Imagine owning a slice of Gilded Age history—a townhouse built in 1887 by a pedigreed architect—without needing to come up with millions in cash. You simply buy your shares and cash out when the LLC sells the townhouse.
This shift stems from the 2015 Regulation A+ update, part of the JOBS Act of 2012. Previously, selling ownership stakes in real estate or other assets required a full SEC registration—expensive and time-consuming—or was limited to accredited investors meeting strict wealth thresholds. Regulation A+ created a kind of “mini-IPO,” allowing companies to publicly solicit investments in fractionalized assets.
The critical breakthrough? Inclusion of non-accredited investors. Today, individuals can participate in Tier 2 offerings, capped at 10% of their income or net worth per investment. Real estate, art, athletic teams, and startups—once exclusive—are now accessible.
Of course, Manhattan’s market poses unique challenges. With its dominance of co-ops and condos, where boards often restrict resale and ownership structures, fractional investments may remain limited to townhouses. Still, the concept is gaining traction nationwide, and we’re likely to see more creative ownership opportunities emerge.
Crypto: The Next Wave?
And then there’s cryptocurrency. Initially conceived as a democratic currency, it has since evolved under regulatory oversight. In real estate, while still on the fringe, crypto is steadily entering the conversation. It’s now possible to buy property using Bitcoin, Ethereum, or USDT. Typically, the digital assets are converted to traditional currency before closing, ensuring compliance with escrow and title rules.
If you’re purchasing a co-op, the board will almost certainly require proof that the crypto has already been sold and the dollar proceeds are sitting in your bank account before you submit your board package.
But the symbolism matters: the lines between digital wealth and physical property are blurring. Will we see more townhouse or condo deals closed in crypto? Time will tell. For a global city like New York—where innovation meets tradition—it feels inevitable that crypto will play some role in residential transactions going forward.
A Democratized Future
From sharing expertise online to opening investment doors to new participants, the democratization of media and finance is changing the way we live, work, and own. The real estate world is just beginning to feel these shifts. Whether through fractional ownership, tokenized assets, or crypto closings, democracy in investing is inching its way into Manhattan real estate.
The question isn’t whether it will arrive—but how fast or slow, and how ready buyers and sellers will be to embrace it.
