Well they're not all homes. Some are condos, one is interest in his childhood home, etc.. the point is, the real estate market is not much better than it was 4 years ago, and he wants to unload some of that property but he can't because it's still a buyers market.
The question was whether we are better off than 4 years ago. Not gawk at what people have. 
I think at least in Supersonic's case he was wondering why everyday expenses like gas prices are a worry if your grandpa owns 7 homes. I could be wrong though.
