Books to Elevate Your Real Estate Business: Essential Reads for REALTORS®

In the dynamic world of real estate, continuous learning is vital for staying ahead.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer, the right resources can make a significant difference in your real estate journey. Here are six books that offer invaluable insights into building a successful real estate business. The best part? Many of these titles are available for free through the NAR Library and Archives for members.

Find Your Why by Simon Sinek

Simon Sinek’s Find Your Why is an excellent starting point for Realtors® to define their purpose and drive. Sinek delves into the importance of identifying your “why” – the core belief that inspires and motivates you. Understanding this can lead to greater fulfillment and success in your career. This book is not just about self-discovery; it provides practical steps and exercises to help you and your team articulate your why, aligning your business goals with your personal values.

Atomic Habits by James Clear

A past read of the SPAAR Book Club, Atomic Habits explores how small changes can lead to remarkable results. For Realtors®, developing good habits is crucial for long-term success. Clear’s approach is methodical and backed by scientific research, making it easy to implement his strategies in daily routines. By focusing on tiny, incremental improvements, you can transform your productivity and effectiveness. This book is a treasure trove of practical advice for anyone looking to build sustainable habits that drive success.

Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller

Donald Miller’s Building a StoryBrand is a must-read for Realtors® aiming to refine their marketing messaging and strategies. Miller introduces a seven-part framework for telling a compelling story that resonates with current and potential clients. Donald speaks about positioning your client as the hero and yourself as the guide which will allow you create a powerful narrative that differentiates your brand in a crowded market. This book provides clear, actionable steps to craft your brand message, making it an essential read for creating effective marketing messaging.

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki is a classic read in financial education. For Realtors®, understanding the principles of wealth building and investment will help not just themselves, but provide information to pass along to their clients. Kiyosaki contrasts the financial philosophies of his two “dads” – his real father and his best friend’s father – to illustrate key lessons about money management, investing, and entrepreneurship. This book encourages readers to think differently about money and offers valuable insights into building wealth through smart investments.

Ninja Selling by Larry Kendall

Ninja Selling by Larry Kendall provides a holistic approach to sales that focuses on building relationships and adding value. Kendall’s method emphasizes a consultative approach, where the goal is to serve clients’ needs rather than just closing deals. This book covers a range of topics, from effective communication and time management to creating a balanced life. For Realtors®, adopting the Ninja Selling principles can lead to more meaningful client interactions and sustained success.

Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss

In the world of real estate negotiations, Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss, also a past SPAAR Book Club read, offers invaluable tactics. Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator, shares his negotiation techniques, which are based on psychological insights and real-world experiences. His strategies are designed to help you achieve better outcomes by understanding  your counterpart’s emotions and decisions. This book is a game-changer for anyone looking to sharpen their negotiation skills and close deals more effectively for their clients. You can find a summary of the book at the NAR Library.

SPAAR Virtual Book Club

To further support members professional development and community engagement, SPAAR hosts two virtual book clubs: one focused on Professionalism and the other on Housing Affordability. These book clubs meet via Zoom, typically in the mornings, either weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the book and club schedule.

Professionalism Book Club
Led by the Professionalism Committee, this club usually reads one book per year centered on topics of professionalism. Some of the notable books discussed include "Atomic Habits" by James Clear, "Never Split the Difference" by Chris Voss, and "The Color of Law" by Richard Rothstein. For more information, you can reach out to Sheri Richards.

Housing Affordability Book Club
The Housing Affordability Taskforce leads this club, focusing on housing-related topics by reading two books per year. The sessions often conclude with discussions featuring the authors. Past reads include "Fixer Upper: How to Repair America’s Broken Housing System" by Jenny Schuetz, "The Affordable City" by Shane Phillips, "Golden Gates: Fighting for Housing in America" by Conor Dougherty, "Homesick: Why Housing is Unaffordable and How We Can Change It" by Brendan O’Brien, and "Place and Prosperity: How Cities Help Us to Connect and Innovate" by William Fulton. For more details, contact Simon Opatz.

Final Thoughts

These six books will provide a comprehensive toolkit for Realtors® like you looking to enhance their business's marketing strategies, financial and client relationships. By integrating the insights and techniques from these titles, you can build a robust foundation for long-term success in real estate. Remember, most of these books are available for free through the NAR Library and Archives (a REALTOR® member benefit), making it easier than ever to access these valuable resources.

Investing time in reading and applying the lessons from these books can significantly impact your career, helping you to navigate the complexities of the real estate market with confidence and skill.  Happy reading!