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Books every Real Estate Agent Should Read
Agents – here’s a list real estate books that every agent should read, and will help you level-up your business. This post is the second and last part of a series, so if you haven’t read the first part, click here. If you’ve read the first part, then you already know that these are not your typical real estate book recommendations. Some of these books have absolutely nothing at all to do with real estate. But bare with me, I added them to the list because sometimes it’s best to step outside of your industry to find another way to look at things. In fact, you’ll be well on your way to being at the top if you do what others don’t. That’s the Pareto Principal ya’ll. Do what only 20% of the people do and you’ll get 80% of the business. These books are books every real estate agent should read to learn and expand your knowledge. Hopefully they will give you a different perspective, and open your mind up to a different way of thinking.
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Best Real Estate books to level up
- The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey – okay, this book that needs to be the first non-business book you read. As I write this, I know that the reason I feel more secure, and have a brighter outlook on my future, is because of this man. #adulting If you do what this book teaches, you’ll set up your personal and business finances on a firm foundation. No one wants their house to crack (pun intended). So my best advice to ANYONE starting a business – especially real estate agents, since this business can be feast or famine with 100% commission – is to Read. This. Book. Get your debts paid off and get your emergency fund set up. You’ll find that you’ll be less stressed and feel more in control of your career and business. Everybody can smell a desperate real estate agent a mile away. But if you create a budget before pursing your real estate career, you’ll be better for it. If you’ve already started your business, your new budgeting knowledge will help you get your career back on track. Believe me, life becomes much easier when you’re not stressed about the cash.
- Profit First by Mike Michalowicz – I’m a firm believer that you need to think differently than most Americans about your money (duh, see above). Thinking about your business financials is no exception. It’s known that most businesses fail due to finances (isn’t that the same for most marriages? Hmmm…. #trendalert). So this book walks you through the reason why paying yourself first is the key to a healthy business. Mike digs in deep with how to set up your business bank accounts, the type of accounts you should have, and how much should go in each. Should you have an emergency savings for your business? What do you do if you’re having a hard time making a profit? How much should you save for taxes? It’s a no-brainer to include this in the list of books every real estate agent should read. If you’re struggling with these questions, you need this book.
- The One Thing by Gary Keller – several people I respect have recommended this book to me. With that said, I don’t know why it took me so long to read it. Both Anna Runyan with Classy Career Girl and Ruth Soukup with Elite Blog Academy said I should focus on one thing in order to move my business forward. So I felt like I already knew all there was to know about the book. But I was wrong. Maybe I knew the tip of the ice burg but Gary Kelly has a way of explaining things to get you ready and excited to make changes. I can clearly see where I’ve made errors this week in my business. I know without a shadow of a doubt what I need to do next week. If you get through this book and you’re not more focused, action oriented and productive, then I think you’re actively trying NOT to be.
- The Nest Home Design Handbook by Carley Roney – long before the Nest thermostat was this book that walks you through staging your home. It will also help your buyer better visualize the true potential for each space while viewing properties. You can use this book as an agent during your listing appointment. It can help you explain to the seller the reasoning behind your recommendation for a professional stager. This handbook comes with graph paper and furniture templates so you can create a room layout. You’ll find styling tips for bedrooms, bathrooms and home offices as well as checklists of items to consider for each room. This book does a really good job of giving not only decorating ideas, but space configurations. It’s definitely a “must have” coffee table book that you can show your buyers during the buyer consultation.
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- Psychological Staging by Kristie Barnett – So let me start off by saying that I’m a huge proponent of hiring a stager. However, as an agent, there are times where you might need to “sell” your client on the benefits. That is where this book comes in. Kristie actually wrote this for people that want to make staging their profession. However, you can use it to get a baseline knowledge of what staging’s all about. Kristie does a really good job explaining the different between staging and decorating. It’s so clearly put that you can explain it to your clients. You also learn the goals of staging, the psychology of color, how buyer’s emotions come into play, and how to approach marketing from a psychological point of view. If this sounds like I’m mentioning psychology a lot, I am! Kristie was a licensed Psychologist before becoming a full-time stager and she approaches all of her work through the lens of connecting with buyer’s emotions.
- Business Boutique: A Woman’s Guide for Making Money Doing What She Loves by Christy Wright – Christy does an amazing job walking you through the process of writing a business plan so it’s not overwhelming. You’ll learn the Four Tiers that take you from building your foundation, to making your business idea “yours”. Then you’ll move onto getting your business up and running. Christy doesn’t use business terms you typically hear. She’s found a way to speak to you in a very clear and easy to understand way. You’ll get tips on setting up your schedule and work space. Then get very practical with figuring out the operational side of your business and how to run it professionally. At the end of every chapter are action items, so you can put what you’ve learned into practice immediately. I also highly recommend Christy Wright’s Business Boutique seminar – I went to the 1 day in Atlanta in April 2017 and not only left motivated, but left with a clear vision and plan. As Christy would say “Do something today your future self will thank you for”
- The Inspired Room by Melissa Michaels – this is a great coffee table book for your office when you meet clients. Melissa Michaels has a blog where she chronicles her journey of purchasing older homes and taking her time making them hers. This book does a really good job taking you through the process of how to make your house a home [internal link] while covering everything from how you want your home to feel, to how to create function and style in small spaces.
Surprising Books Every Real Estate Agent Should Read
I hope you actually get the chance to read all of these books. If you do, I firmly believe you’ll have a ton of ah-ha moments! This will elevate your business and you as a person. You’ll gain so much knowledge around your finances as well as bridge gaps between you and your client as you share some of your tools.
Leave a comment below and let me know if you’ve already read any of the books and if so, what you thought about them. If you haven’t read any of the books, which do you think will be your first one?
Last, but not least, download the free guide to help you Create the Perfect Client Experience.
Creating the Perfect Client Experience Worksheet
Download my FREE worksheet to help you create the best brand experience for YOUR ideal client and turn them into raving fans.
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