Best Real Estate Agent Books -15 Must-Reads for Serious Agents

Key Points

• Discover 15 of the best real estate agent books to upgrade your skills and mindset.
• Learn negotiation, client management, investing, and personal growth strategies.
• Perfect for new agents searching for real estate beginner books or seasoned pros wanting fresh tactics.
• These top books for real estate agents are trusted by leaders at eXp Realty and other virtual real estate brokerages.
• Build a stronger, more profitable business by learning from the top realtor books available today.

---

Look, nobody signs up for real estate thinking, “You know what sounds fun? Being broke and stressed 24/7.” But here we are: 87% of agents quit within five years. Real estate isn’t for the faint of heart – it’s for the stubborn, the scrappy, and the ones smart enough to sharpen their skills before the industry eats them alive.

One of the best (and cheapest) ways to survive and thrive? Reading. Not the “scrolling Zillow at 2 a.m.” kind of reading – real reading. The kind that actually builds a career.

We’ve rounded up 15 of the best real estate agent books to help you outsmart the competition and build a business you’re proud of (instead of rage-quitting after year two). Whether you’re brand new and Googling “real estate books for dummies,” a seasoned agent needing a reboot, or you’re leveling up at an online real estate brokerage like eXp Realty – these reads will seriously move the needle.

Inside, you’ll find top realtor books covering negotiation, mindset, marketing, investing, and client wrangling – basically everything your pre-license course forgot to mention. From real estate beginner books to elite-level strategy guides, we’re about to stack your shelf with the tools that top eXp Realty agents and top producers at virtual real estate brokerages are using to stay ahead.

Ready to upgrade from “hope and hustle” to actual skill? Let’s dig into the 15 best books for real estate agents who want to dominate, not disappear. Here’s your handy-dandy index:

Essential Books for Real Estate Agents

1. Your First Year in Real Estate by Dirk Zeller

Dirk Zeller’s guide is a lifeline for new agents navigating the chaotic world of real estate. It covers everything from selecting the right brokerage to mastering time management and lead generation. Think of it as your GPS for avoiding rookie mistakes and building a solid foundation. Zeller’s practical advice helps you focus on activities that drive income, ensuring you don’t waste time on tasks that don’t. If you’re serious about making it past the first year, this book is your playbook.

2. Exactly What to Say: For Real Estate Agents by Phil M Jones

Phil M. Jones, along with Chris Smith and Jimmy Mackin, offers a script for success with 30 “magic words” tailored for real estate conversations. This book is like having a cheat sheet for handling objections and closing deals confidently. It’s not just about what you say, but how you say it, and this guide ensures you have the right words at the right time. For agents looking to enhance their communication skills and convert leads into clients, this is a must-read.

3. The Millionaire Real Estate Agent by Gary Keller

Gary Keller’s blueprint is for agents aiming to scale their business to new heights. It outlines models and strategies to help you earn and net a million in annual income. The book emphasizes the importance of thinking big and provides actionable steps to achieve your goals. Whether you’re starting out or looking to expand, Keller’s insights are invaluable for building a successful real estate business.

4. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

Napoleon Hill’s classic delves into the mindset required for success. Through principles like desire, faith, and persistence, it teaches you how to turn thoughts into reality. It’s not just about wealth—it’s about achieving any goal you set your mind to. For real estate agents, this book reinforces the power of a positive mindset and the importance of clear goals

5. Atomic Habits by James Clear

James Clear presents a practical guide to habit formation, focusing on small, incremental changes that lead to significant results. By implementing the Four Laws of Behavior Change, agents can build good habits and break bad ones. This book is essential for improving productivity and creating lasting behavioral change. It’s about making tiny adjustments that compound into remarkable outcomes

6. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck

​Carol Dweck explores the concept of fixed versus growth mindsets, explaining how embracing a growth mindset can lead to greater achievement and resilience. For real estate agents, adopting this perspective can transform challenges into opportunities for development. It’s about believing in your ability to learn and grow, which is crucial in the ever-evolving real estate industry

7. The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann

Forget the “always be closing” mantra. This book flips the script with the Five Laws of Stratospheric Success: Value, Compensation, Influence, Authenticity, and Receptivity. In short, give more, serve better, and success will follow. For real estate agents, it’s a reminder that generosity isn’t just good karma—it’s a savvy business strategy. Among the top books for real estate agents, this one teaches that being a go-giver can lead to greater gains than being a go-getter.

8. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

Covey’s classic isn’t just for corporate suits; it’s a blueprint for anyone aiming to level up. From being proactive to synergizing with others, these habits help agents build strong relationships and achieve lasting success. It’s one of the best books for real estate agents looking to cultivate discipline and effectiveness in their daily routines.

9. Success as a Real Estate Agent For Dummies by Dirk Zeller

This comprehensive guide covers the essentials of starting and growing a real estate career. It offers practical advice on prospecting, marketing, and closing deals. Ideal for beginners seeking a solid foundation in the industry. ​

10. The Book on Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner

Turner’s guide is a deep dive into building wealth through rental properties. He offers step-by-step strategies for finding deals, analyzing properties, and managing tenants effectively. For agents looking to expand into investment, this is among the top books for real estate agents seeking to diversify their income streams.​

11. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki

Kiyosaki’s tale of two dads offers a fresh perspective on financial literacy. He emphasizes the importance of building assets over chasing paychecks, a lesson crucial for real estate agents aiming for long-term success. It’s one of the best books for real estate agents who want to understand the mindset behind wealth accumulation.

12. Bargaining for Advantage by G. Richard Shell

Negotiation is an art, and Shell provides the palette. He combines research with real-world examples to teach you how to identify your negotiation style and leverage it effectively. For agents, mastering these skills can mean the difference between a deal and a dud. It’s a top realtor book for honing your deal-making prowess.

13. Sell It Like Serhant by Ryan Serhant

Serhant, a top real estate broker, shares his journey from struggling actor to sales powerhouse. He offers tips on branding, lead generation, and closing deals with confidence. It’s one of the best real estate agent books for those looking to boost their sales game and personal brand.

14. The Art of War by Sun Tzu

Though ancient, Sun Tzu’s strategies on planning, competition, and adaptability offer timeless lessons. For real estate agents, understanding when to act and when to hold back can be crucial in negotiations and market positioning. It’s a top realtor book for those looking to add strategic depth to their business approach.

15. The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod

Elrod introduces a morning routine involving silence, affirmations, visualization, exercise, reading, and writing to boost productivity and personal development. For agents juggling multiple tasks, this routine can provide structure and focus. It’s one of the best books for real estate agents aiming to start their day with purpose and clarity.

Here’s a Quick Recap:

• Your First Year in Real Estate – Dirk Zeller
• Exactly What to Say: For Real Estate Agents – Phil M. Jones
• The Millionaire Real Estate Agent – Gary Keller
• Think and Grow Rich – Napoleon Hill
• Atomic Habits – James Clear
• Mindset: The New Psychology of Success – Carol S. Dweck
• The Go-Giver – Bob Burg and John David Mann
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen R. Covey
• Success as a Real Estate Agent For Dummies – Dirk Zeller
• The Book on Rental Property Investing – Brandon Turner
• Rich Dad Poor Dad – Robert T. Kiyosaki
• Bargaining for Advantage – G. Richard Shell
• Sell It Like Serhant – Ryan Serhant
• The Art of War – Sun Tzu
• The Miracle Morning – Hal Elrod

These best real estate agent books offer a wealth of knowledge to help you navigate the complexities of the industry. Whether you’re seeking to improve your mindset, habits, or technical skills, these top books for real estate agents provide the tools you need to succeed.

How the Best Real Estate Agent Books and Smart Agent Alliance Can Help You Grow

Diving into the best real estate agent books isn’t just about stacking trophies on your bookshelf — it’s about building real skills that keep your business alive and thriving. Whether you’re chasing better habits, smarter negotiations, or bigger investments, these top books for real estate agents hand you the roadmap. And if you want more agent entertainment, check out our other entertainment blogs.

And when you combine that with the added value of joining eXp and naming sponsor Smart Agent Alliance, you’re getting a life changing opportunity.

Smart Agent Alliance runs meetings so you gain passive income.  It’s like free money.  Smart Agent Alliance also gives agents access to:

All free for agents who join through Smart Agent Alliance sponsor. Learn more about how eXp Realty and Smart Agent Alliance can help you scale your career. Not sure if eXp is the right fit for you? Take this quick quiz to find out if eXp is a good match—especially if support and systems matter to you.

Not sure how passive income grows?  You can play with the numbers using our exp realty revenue share calculator to see how much you could earn. Not sure how to become a real estate agent? We’ve got loads of helpful info on that too.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best real estate agent books for beginners?

Some of the best real estate agent books for beginners include Your First Year in Real Estate by Dirk Zeller, Success as a Real Estate Agent For Dummies by Dirk Zeller, and Exactly What to Say: For Real Estate Agents by Phil M. Jones. These books cover foundational skills like prospecting, communication, and building a sustainable career.

Which real estate books help with mindset and motivation?

Top books for mindset and motivation include Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, Mindset by Carol S. Dweck, and The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod. These best real estate agent books help agents stay resilient, set goals, and build strong daily habits.

Are there real estate books that focus on investing and building wealth?

Yes! The Book on Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner and Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki are excellent for agents interested in investment strategies. These real estate agent books for beginners and pros alike help you diversify income and think long-term.

Why do eXp Realty agents recommend reading these books?

eXp Realty agents emphasize personal development, financial literacy, and smart business building. Many of the best books for real estate agents, like The Millionaire Real Estate Agent by Gary Keller and Sell It Like Serhant by Ryan Serhant, are popular among eXp agents who want to scale faster within a growing online real estate brokerage environment.

How can reading help me succeed at a virtual real estate brokerage like eXp?

Reading the best real estate agent books teaches you how to self-manage, stay motivated, build client relationships, and master your time — all essential skills when you’re thriving in a virtual real estate brokerage like eXp Realty. In a cloud-based world, knowledge and action are your real superpowers.