Behind most successful people is an overflowing bookshelf with titles meant to inform, teach, and inspire. Real estate is a competitive industry. Stay at the top of your game by reading the best books for real estate agents.
But what books should aspiring and current real estate agents read? Keep reading for a list! We’ll also explore why reading is important for real estate agents and how to find time to read in your busy schedule.
Your clients trust you with one of their largest financial investments. You must have in-depth industry knowledge to serve your clients best. While you’ll learn a lot from your real estate courses, here’s why you must keep reading as a real estate agent.
Granted, books may not be the best source to stay updated on industry news. However, be selective when choosing an online source. Stay as close to primary sources as possible, such as your state’s real estate commission and local real estate school. While plenty of great TikTokers are creating entertaining content, please don’t rely on them as your only source of truth.
Use tried and tested resources to become better at your job. Focus on titles that will help you grow these skills:
Also, read about financial management, real estate laws, housing trends, home repairs & maintenance, architecture, and design.
While many books can improve your business knowledge and insight, you may also use your reading time for personal and professional growth. Become better at time management, organization, social interactions, and forming healthy habits. Becoming a better human will help you become a more effective real estate agent.
Our list of best books for real estate agents came from various sources. Of course, we paid attention to the author’s credibility and expertise in the real estate industry. But we also looked for books with practical value and actionable insights.
We also asked Arizona real estate agents and others what they were reading.
Our list of real estate books is divided into five categories:
We hope you find some titles to put on your to-read list.
Here are some timeless books about the real estate industry. No matter your market or niche, you’ll be able to learn helpful nuggets from these classics.
The Millionaire Real Estate Agent by Gary Keller is a comprehensive guide that outlines a proven system for achieving success and building wealth in the real estate industry.
The Millionaire Real Estate Agent by Gary Keller is a book that transformed the way I approach sales and marketing in my business. The strategies outlined in this book have helped me stand out in a competitive market, driving growth and success in my real estate endeavors. - Jolean Olson, Olson Home Buyers
For anyone new to real estate or even seasoned professionals needing a refresher, The Millionaire Real Estate Agent by Gary Keller is a classic. It doesn't just cover the basics; it lays out a blueprint for how to think about scaling your real estate business. Keller’s book emphasizes the importance of systems and models, which are essential whether you're dealing with a single property or managing a portfolio of investments. It was instrumental early in my career when I transitioned into managing large property portfolios, offering practical advice that I still reference today. - Sara Levy-Lambert, Awning
Your First Year in Real Estate by Dirk Zeller is a practical handbook offering essential strategies and advice for new real estate agents to navigate their first year and build a solid foundation for a successful career.
One book that truly helped me lay the groundwork for my real estate career is Your First Year in Real Estate by Dirk Zeller. It offers practical advice on everything from setting up your business to navigating the complexities of real estate transactions, which has been incredibly beneficial as I built my practice. - Jolean Olson, Olson Home Buyers
Real estate agents must be excellent marketers – to help seller clients market their properties and grow their own businesses. Here are real estate agents' favorite marketing books.
Sell It Like Serhant by Ryan Serhant is an energetic and motivational guide that provides actionable sales strategies and personal insights to help professionals excel in the competitive world of real estate and beyond.
Sell with a Story by Paul Smith teaches the art of storytelling as a powerful tool for capturing attention, building trust, and effectively closing sales by connecting with clients on a deeper level.
If you’ve ever felt like your pitch needed a little extra oomph, this book is a game-changer. Paul Smith teaches you how to use storytelling to connect with clients on a deeper level, making your sales approach not just more effective but also more engaging.- Martin Boonzaayer, The Trusted Homebuyer
Sell with a Story by Paul Smith dives into the power of storytelling in sales, making it easier to connect with clients and close deals. - Mike Wall, EZ Sell Homebuyers
The Book of YES by Kevin Ward provides real estate agents with proven scripts and techniques for handling objections confidently, closing deals, and achieving success in their sales efforts.
Ninja Selling by Larry Kendall offers a relationship-focused approach to sales, emphasizing personal growth, effective communication, and value-driven service to achieve consistent success in real estate and beyond.
Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller presents a framework for businesses to clarify their messaging and connect with customers by crafting compelling narratives that resonate and drive engagement.
Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller is my go-to recommendation for sales and marketing. While not a traditional real estate book, it’s incredibly valuable for learning how to position yourself and your business in a crowded market. Miller’s approach to simplifying your message and making your client the hero of their own story has reshaped the way I think about client interactions. It has guided my strategy in tailoring marketing initiatives that truly resonate with potential buyers and investors, ultimately driving growth in every role I've held. - Sara Levy-Lambert, Awning
When we asked our panel to name the best book on investing and financial management, there was one clear winner.
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki challenges conventional financial wisdom by contrasting two different mindsets about money and investing, encouraging readers to develop financial intelligence and build wealth.
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, though not solely focused on real estate, has had a profound impact on how I view investing and financial management. The principles discussed in this book have guided me in making sound financial decisions, both in my personal life and in my real estate business. - Jolean Olson, Olson Home Buyers
This book has been a staple for anyone wanting to understand the basics of investing and financial management. Kiyosaki’s lessons on building wealth and investing in real estate are delivered in a relatable way, making complex concepts more accessible. - Martin Boonzaayer, The Trusted Homebuyer
For investing, Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki is a staple that transcends real estate and dives into broader financial wisdom. This book opened my eyes to the mindset shift needed to view real estate not just as a career but as a vehicle for financial independence. It’s a resource I frequently recommend to colleagues looking to deepen their understanding of wealth-building through real estate. Kiyosaki’s principles have influenced my approach to investment decisions and long-term financial planning, particularly in my role at Unison, where managing substantial assets requires a clear investment strategy. - Sara Levy-Lambert, Awning
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki has been instrumental in understanding the fundamentals of wealth-building through real estate investing. - Mike Wall, EZ Sell Homebuyers
The Book on Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner provides comprehensive guidance on building wealth through rental properties, covering everything from finding deals to managing tenants and scaling your portfolio.
This is like a trusty handbook for anyone starting out in real estate investing. Brandon Turner breaks down the essentials in a way that’s both straightforward and practical, helping you get a handle on managing rental properties without getting overwhelmed. - Martin Boonzaayer, The Trusted Homebuyer
Understanding the complexities of real estate law is crucial for real estate agents. These books also explore agents' ethical responsibilities.
Real Estate Law by Marianne M. Jennings offers a thorough exploration of the legal principles and regulations governing real estate, providing essential knowledge for professionals navigating the complexities of property transactions.
The Honest Real Estate Agent by Mario Jannatpour offers practical advice and ethical principles for real estate professionals to build trust, enhance client relationships, and achieve long-term career success.
On the legal and ethical side, The Honest Real Estate Agent by Mario Jannatpour is an invaluable resource. It’s particularly helpful for navigating the complexities of maintaining integrity in an industry that often faces ethical challenges. Jannatpour’s advice is practical and grounded in real-world scenarios, which can help any agent build a reputation for honesty and reliability—qualities that are crucial for long-term success in real estate. - Sara Levy-Lambert, Awning
The Real Estate Wholesaling Bible by Than Merrill offers a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of wholesaling in real estate, including strategies for finding deals, negotiating contracts, and building a successful wholesaling business.
The Real Estate Wholesaling Bible by Than Merrill covers legal strategies and ethical considerations crucial for maintaining integrity in real estate transactions. - Mike Wall, EZ Sell Homebuyers
We only have 24 hours each day. Here are some books that offer insights on how to spend our time well.
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill presents timeless principles for achieving personal and financial success by harnessing the power of mindset, goal-setting, and persistence.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey provides a framework for personal and professional effectiveness through developing proactive habits, setting priorities, and fostering strong relationships.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey is a classic that helps in cultivating habits that drive both personal and professional growth. - Mike Wall, EZ Sell Homebuyers
Atomic Habits by James Clear offers a practical guide to transforming habits by focusing on small, incremental changes that lead to significant improvements in personal and professional life.
Think of this book as your personal coach for making positive changes. James Clear’s insights on habit formation are incredibly practical and can help you build the routines that will drive your success in real estate and beyond. - Martin Boonzaayer, The Trusted Homebuyer
When it comes to personal development, Atomic Habits by James Clear is a must-read. This book delves into the science of habit formation and how small changes can compound into significant results. In the fast-paced world of real estate, where long hours and constant demands can easily lead to burnout, Clear’s insights have helped me maintain a balanced approach to work and life. The concept of focusing on tiny improvements has been a game-changer, particularly in high-pressure situations where staying disciplined can make all the difference. - Sara Levy-Lambert, Awning
The Miracle Morning for Real Estate Agents by Hal Elrod, Michael J. Maher, Michael Reese, and Jay Kinder outlines a transformative morning routine designed to boost productivity, enhance mindset, and drive success specifically for real estate professionals.
For personal growth, The Miracle Morning for Real Estate Agents by Hal Elrod, Michael J. Maher, Michael Reese, and Jay Kinder has been a game-changer. It’s a book that emphasizes the importance of daily routines and a positive mindset, both of which have been key to maintaining my motivation and focus throughout my career. - Jolean Olson, Olson Home Buyers
We get it. You’re busy running your real estate business. You have very little time to read about running a real estate business. However, personal and professional development is important. In fact, Warren Buffet said once that he spends as much as 80% of his day reading.
“The best investment you can make is an investment in yourself,” Buffet said.
Here are some tips on how to find time to read.
Create a schedule and dedicate X number of hours per week to read. No matter how busy you get, keep that time sacred.
Audiobooks allow you to multitask. It’s amazing how much content one can get through by listening while in the shower, driving, exercising, and completing household chores. Utilizing ebooks and audiobooks enables you to read during unexpected downtime, as your books are always with you as long as you have your phone.
Having a standing date when you meet with others to discuss books will motivate you to spend time reading and learning. Consider creating a book club with other real estate agents or people outside the industry interested in personal development.
Consider other resources to grow your mind and your real estate business. Here are some Arizona real estate books and resources to help you get licensed or learn more about the industry.
The Arizona School of Real Estate & Business (ASREB) is a trusted education provider for real estate agents in Arizona. In addition to offering pre-licensing, continuing education, and broker education, we offer online courses and seminars to help you earn real estate certifications.
Check out ASREB’s blog – and the Arizona Journal of Real Estate & Business.
Finally, you can learn a lot about the local Arizona real estate market by connecting with other agents in your area. ASREB has four locations: Scottsdale, Glendale, Tucson, and Chandler. Contact a member of our team to sign up for our next Open House event.
