Of the many responsibilities of a new home sales professional, refining your skills through consistent real estate education is among the most important. From attending industry seminars or conferences to listening to your favorite real estate podcast, there are many ways to level up your new home sales skills and market knowledge.
There has been a growing interest in real estate education through books in recent years. Choosing the right expert-recommended, high-impact real estate book can catalyze a flourishing career in the housing industry, whether you’re a seasoned agent, a curious beginner, or an aspiring investor.
If you’re wondering what the best real estate books to read this year are, our list of industry classics, new releases, and niche picks is a well-rounded selection that will help you find success in the real estate ventures you undertake. Happy reading!
Real Estate Books For Your TBR
1. Best Real Estate Book for New Agents
- “Your First 365 Days in Real Estate” by Shelley Zavitz
- Rating: 4.6/5 Stars
- What it’s about: Seasoned real estate agent Shelley Zavitz provides an in-depth look at what new agents can expect in their first year working in real estate. Topics include marketing plans, referral pipelines, tips for a healthy mindset, and building a strong professional network (just to name a few). Worksheets, hot lists, and real-world examples are also included.
2. Best Real Estate Book for Sales & Negotiation
- “Exactly What to Say: For Real Estate Agents” by Phil M. Jones, Chris Smith, and Jimmy Mackin
- Rating: 4.7/5 Stars
- What it’s about: If you’re an agent looking for proven scripts to help you overcome homebuyer objections and language patterns that convert, pick up this book. Authors Jones, Smith, and Mackin provide “30 Magic Words” to help with today's most common, critical, and difficult conversations real estate agents have.
3. Best Real Estate Book for Beginners
- “The Millionaire Real Estate Agent” by Gary Keller, Dave Jenks, and Jay Papasan
- Rating: 4.7/5 Stars
- What it’s about: For agents looking to build their real estate careers, this book takes a deep dive into the mindset of millionaire real estate agents and examines the foundations of a successful real estate business: the economic, organizational, and lead generation models.
4. Best Real Estate Book for Market Shifts
- “Shift: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times” by Gary Keller, Dave Jenks, and Jay Papasan
- Rating: 4.8/5 Stars
- What it’s about: When the real estate market shifts, so do the mindsets of today’s top real estate agents. This is one of the best books for realtors looking to change their way of thinking, their sales approach, and ultimately their results, amid fluctuations in the housing market.
5. Best Book on Real Estate Scripts
- “The Book of YES” by Kevin Ward
- Rating: 4.6/5 Stars
- What it’s about: Want to revamp your team’s role-playing? In need of a refreshed sales script? Ward provides “the ultimate real estate conversation guide” based on his experience as a real estate agent. These scripts are designed to handle any situation, conversation, and objection the homebuyer may throw your way.
6. Best Real Estate Book for Investors
- “The Millionaire Real Estate Investor” by Gary Keller, Dave Jenks, and Jay Papasan
- Rating: 4.7/5 Stars
- What it’s about: Considered the handbook to real estate investing, this book discusses the myths surrounding money and investing that often hold people back, how to identify real estate investment opportunities, and proven models and strategies used by the most successful real estate investors in the world.
3 Bonus Picks
- For systems and business growth, read “The E-Myth Real Estate Agent” by Michael E. Gerber.
- For hands-on investors, read “Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat (BRRRR)” by David Greene.
- For authenticity-driven agents, read “The Honest Real Estate Agent” by Mario Jannatpour.
There’s a Real Estate Book For You
No matter your real estate career goals — selling, investing, or starting a new venture — there’s a book to guide you, starting with one of these titles today.
