If you want to be really great at real estate, you have to be learning all the time. And what better way to learn than to read books? There are plenty of great books on real estate out there and a lot more books that touch on topics that are relevant to real estate. Whether you’re brand new or a tenured agent, I’ll share with you my picks of the top ten books for real estate agents.
1. The Millionaire Real Estate Agent by Gary Keller
Ok, I know this one is a cliché, but hear me out. The Millionaire Real Estate Agent is a classic for a reason. I’ve read it several times throughout my career and will continue to read it periodically because it is such a fantastic foundation for understanding how to build a real estate business from the ground up.
The biggest mistake I see agents make is not understanding that the formula for a million-dollar business doesn’t just happen overnight. And so many agents are confused when they start investing time and money into things that are not generating income right away. I know I was!
The Millionaire Real Estate Agent book teaches you to see the big picture so you can avoid wasting time and money on things that won’t get you there. Keller teaches you to focus your time and money on the things that do matter, so you can get to where you want to be faster.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Real-Estate-Agent-About/dp/0071444041
2. Your First Year in Real Estate by Dirk Zeller
Some real estate agents spend so much time reading and preparing to become real estate agents that they forget to take action! I really enjoyed Your First Year in Real Estate because it’s the perfect book for people who have already passed the preparation stage and are ready to get started.
The concepts Zeller teaches are actionable and realistic, especially for new agents. It covers topics like finding a broker, how to build a client base, cold calling, marketing, and prospecting, and offers advice that is relevant no matter the market conditions. I highly recommend this book to all new agents.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Your-First-Year-Real-Estate/dp/0307453723
3. Six Steps to Seven Figures by Pat Hyben
In his book Six Steps to Seven Figures, Pat Hyben lays out a clear formula for success. He focuses on what he calls the “path of least resistance,” teaching agents how to choose the right path, why it’s the right path, and how to succeed. I really love that Hyben focuses on lead generation, networking, and marketing strategies that will build your business. The bonus chapter, “How to Spend Your Time for Maximum Output,” is great for learning how to use your time wisely.
Hyben’s tips in this book and his podcasts can help you focus on what you’re good at while surrounding yourself with the right people. For example, the “House List” strategy he describes has you building a database of previous clients that you can rely on for repeat business.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Steps-Figures-Professionals-Building-Creating/dp/0998288209
4. The Conversion Code by Chris Smith
With all of the easy-to-use tools that are available to agents nowadays, mastering online marketing is more important than ever. Chris Smith’s The Conversion Code is another classic that breaks down how to utilize social media to get more leads.
One thing I love about this book is that it’s not just about how to market on social media. Smith teaches you how to master online marketing in general. The strategies Smith teaches you can be applied to your website, your email marketing, and your social media. Smith’s straightforward, no-BS style will cut through the noise so you can create an online presence that gets you results.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Conversion-Code-Chasing-Attracting-Clients/dp/1119875803
5. The One Thing by Gary Keller
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with too many things on your to-do list, you need to read The One Thing. Gary Keller and Jay Papasan teach you how to prioritize tasks, so you’re getting the most done in a day.
This book is fantastic for those of us who are more of the “think it, do it” type of people. I can be a little impulsive and hate wasting time, so I often jump from one task to another without finishing the first task. Keller’s time management techniques and goal-setting strategies have helped me break this habit so I can make actual progress on my projects.
6. YouTube for Real Estate Agents by Karen Carr
If you’re serious about creating an online presence, then you need to read this book. Karen Carr’s YouTube for Real Estate Agents is a comprehensive guide for real estate agents on how to leverage YouTube to generate leads. Carr covers everything from planning and recording your videos to building your brand, sharing tips and tools that you can start implementing right away.
Video marketing is the most effective marketing strategy that we have right now. You don’t have to create a lot of content to be successful on YouTube, but you do have to be consistent and intentional with the content you do create. Carr’s book is a fantastic guide for any agent looking to up their content game.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC91OljSfJf5lumYpKezR9-A
7. The Miracle Morning for Real Estate Agents by Hal Elrod and Michael J. Maher
There’s no question that success in real estate is hard. Your work life is filled with clients, marketing, paperwork, and networking. And if you’re not careful, you can find yourself putting your health on the back burner. This is why I loved The Miracle Morning for Real Estate Agents. This book teaches you how to start your day in a way that sets you up for success.
The Miracle Morning is a tried-and-true formula for being more productive, feeling less stressed, and more. I absolutely love the idea of starting your day with some “me time.” The strategies inside this book can be tailored to your specific needs, so they will work for anyone.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Morning-Real-Estate-Agents/dp/194258900X
8. The Book of Yes by Kevin Ward
If you struggle to overcome objections or doubt yourself, this is the book for you. Kevin Ward’s The Book of Yes is like having a mentor in your pocket who is ready to help you with any objection you may encounter. Ward believes that most objections are simply fears and provides techniques for handling them with confidence.
One thing I loved about this book is that it is constantly updated. Kevin is continually adding new content, scripts, and examples so that when you purchase the book, you’re getting the latest and greatest. If you have a new objection that isn’t covered in the book, you can send it to Kevin and he’ll respond with strategies for overcoming that objection. How cool is that?
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Book-YES-Ultimate-Estate-Conversation/dp/1523610840
9. Your First 365 Days by Shelley Zavitz
If you are less than a year into your real estate career, you should read Your First 365 Days. It’s a short book with short chapters, so it’s a quick read. But even better, it’s a workbook that provides you with tangible, actionable strategies for your first year in the business.
The first half of this book is spent helping you set up your business, from your why to your brand to your business plan and marketing strategies. Then the second half of the book provides you with 52 weekly strategies to implement for maximum success.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Your-First-Days-Real-Estate/dp/0857197606
10. Sold by David Green
It’s a short book, but David Green’s Sold is an excellent book on building your brand and selling effectively. Green’s storytelling style makes the book feel like you’re learning from a mentor. Each chapter shares a different lesson with practical examples and clear takeaways for readers.
Even if you’ve been in the business for a while, there are strategies inside this book that you can incorporate into your business. For example, Green teaches you how to focus on building trust with your prospects so you can close more sales with less stress. Green’s advice is not just actionable but also relatable.
Link : https://www.amazon.com/SOLD-Estate-Building-Profitable-Business/dp/1947200372
Which is the best real estate book for beginners?
Of course, all of the real estate books on this list are great for beginners, but the two that I think every beginner should read immediately are:
- The Millionaire Real Estate Agent by Gary Keller:
- Your First Year in Real Estate by Dirk Zeller:
What are real estate novels?
There are a lot of fun real estate novels that are not necessarily business books but that are also a good read if you’re in real estate. Here are my favorites:
- The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave: A real estate agent who is trying to figure out what really happened to her husband.
- The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune: This beautiful and uplifting fantasy novel includes a variety of occupations, including real estate agents.
- The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George: A bookseller in Paris is drawn into a love story that involves a property deal.
- Real Estate Reality by Peter Ricci: The escapades of two real-life real estate agents who have a real estate reality TV show.
Are real estate books worth it?
Absolutely! I’ve learned so much from the real estate books I’ve read. They’re an incredible value. Just take the time to read the book and implement some of the strategies and you’ll see a huge return on your investment. You don’t have to read every book in the list; just pick one and go for it!
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