Beach season is upon us and if you’re planning for a little summer downtime, you might be in the market for some good books to pack along with your sunscreen and beach blanket. If you’re a real estate agent, this is a great time to do a little self-improvement while soaking up the sun. We’ve put together a beach bucket full of positive reads to give you a leg up in your business and bulk up a variety of skills. From classics to new arrivals, there’s sure to be a book on this list that will help you improve your skills so you can hit the fall market as a stronger and more focused agent.
Secure More Closing Days
Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It (2016) by Chris Voss.
Known as the rulebook for rapport-building, boundary-making, and everyday people skills, many agents and independent professionals swear by this modern-day self-improvement classic. This New York Times bestseller delves into the negotiation strategies used by FBI hostage negotiators. While your clients might not be hostage-takers, Voss’s insights on reading people, and creating win-win situations are invaluable for any agent. Learn how to identify leverage points, manage emotions, and ultimately close more deals on your terms.
Influence, The Psychology of Persuasion (2006) by Robert Cialdini.
This classic dives deep into the psychological principles that influence human behavior and decision-making. Cialdini outlines six key principles of persuasion, like social proof and reciprocity, that can be applied to build trust, rapport, and ultimately close more deals.
Make Everyday More Productive
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones (2018) by James Clear.
Atomic Habits has become inescapable across social media, but if you’ve only read quotes and memes, it’s time to delve into the whole book. And it’s succinct enough that you can probably get through the entire book on your flight. Success in real estate requires consistent effort and this book explores habit forming from a scientific perspective. Providing a practical framework for building positive behaviors into your daily routine, learn how to regularly incorporate prospecting, lead nurturing, and maintaining client relationships into your daily routine.
The Miracle Morning for Real Estate Agents: It’s Your Time to Rise and Shine (2017) by Rick Masters and Michelle Masters.
By top-producing real estate agent couple Masters and Masters, this book delves into the power of establishing a morning routine specifically designed for real estate professionals. They explore habits and strategies to boost productivity, focus, and overall success in the demanding world of real estate. If you’re tired of saying “Where did the day go?” this book will get you feeling accomplished before lunchtime.
Eat That Frog! 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastination and Get More Done in Less Time (2012) by Brian Tracy.
This energetic and practical guide tackles the all-too-common enemy of productivity – procrastination. Tracy, the godfather of self-help, offers timeless strategies to help you prioritize tasks, overcome distractions, and focus on the most important things that move your real estate business forward. This is a book to bring home and pick up whenever you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed.
Boost Your Real Estate Mindset
The Book of YES: The Ultimate Real Estate Agent Conversation Guide (2017) by Kevin Ward.
Veteran real estate trainer Ward focuses on the art of conversation. By unpacking the psychology behind effective communication you can feel more confidence in any professional situation. Not only that, but this book equips you with powerful scripts and real-world conversation strategies to build rapport, handle objections, and ultimately convert leads into clients.
The Real Real Estate Agent: Generate More Leads, Clients, and Referrals by Being Yourself, Having More Fun, and Making a Difference (2023) by Aarin Chung.
Ready to level up with a more personal, authentic approach? This book isn’t about cookie-cutter scripts or impersonal tactics. It’s about embracing who you really are and creating a real estate career that’s around your unique identity. Designed for today’s social selling market, learn how to leverage your unique personality to connect with clients on a deeper level, build trust, and stand out from the crowd.
Shift: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times (2019) by Gary Keller with Jay Papasan.
Written by the founder of powerhouse franchise Keller Williams Realty, this book offers insights and battle-tested strategies developed by top-performing agents to navigate challenging market conditions and emerge stronger. Learn how to adapt your approach, stay motivated, and thrive even in a fluctuating market.
Rockstar Sales Advice
Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products (2014) by Nir Eyal.
Explore the psychology of habit formation with Eyal’s insights that can be applied to create a “habit-forming” client experience. Learn how to build trust and loyalty by creating a memorable and positive experience that keeps clients coming back for more.
Sell Like a Pirate: How to Break the Rules of Selling and Create Customers for Life (2012, Revised and Updated 2016) by Jill Konrath.
This unconventional guide challenges the traditional sales playbook. Konrath encourages you to ignore the cringy sales tactics and embrace a more authentic approach. Learn how to build trust and loyalty with your clients, differentiate yourself from the competition, and become a trusted advisor, not just a salesperson.
Big Money Energy: How to Rule at Work, Dominate at Life, and Make Millions (2022) by Ryan Serhant.
Don’t let Serhant’s reality show roots dissuade you from enjoying this high energy quick read that’s sure to amplify your motivation and get you pumped to promote yourself with greater confidence. From daily habits to making a lifelong mindset switch, you’ll be entertained as much as inspired.
Just for the Fun of It
Thinkertoys: A Handbook of Creative-Thinking Techniques (2010) by Michael Michalko.
Boost your creativity and problem-solving skills with this playful guide. Packed with exercises and thought-provoking questions, “Thinkertoys” helps you approach challenges from new angles and develop innovative solutions to benefit your clients and listings. It’s the perfect way to change things up a bit and get your brain working in new, novel ways.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking (2012) by Susan Cain. Introverts often face unique challenges in sales-oriented fields like real estate. This book celebrates introverted strengths and offers practical tips on how to leverage the unique talents of introvert qualities in the professional world. Learn how to thrive in social situations, utilize your strengths as a listener and observer, and build meaningful connections with clients.
Fooled by Randomness: The Hidden Role of Chance in Life and in the Markets (2000) by Nassim Nicholas Taleb.
Taleb’s exploration of randomness and uncertainty can be incredibly valuable in the world of negotiation. Learn how to identify opportunities within unexpected situations, adapt your strategy on the fly, and ultimately, become more comfortable with the inevitable “unknown” factors that arise in the world of real estate.
Bonus Read: Embrace Your Local Market
- Consider adding a local history book to your beach bag. Understanding the history and cultural nuances of your area allows you to better connect with clients and potential sellers. This knowledge can be woven into conversations, marketing materials, and even listing descriptions, showcasing your expertise and appreciation for the community.
