I'm a huge believer in staying up-to-date on one's own industry (mine would be real estate) through daily reading. Not only does reading help keep me at the forefront of industry trends, but it also opens my mind to new and differing opinions, and, ultimately, I like to think it makes me a better agent.
Recently I met with a young lady who is considering a career switch to real estate. I promised to send her my list of recommended reading so that she could begin researching and forming her own ideas about the industry. Then I thought, this list would be great to share with others, as well.
So here you have it. This is a list of real estate related books and resources that keep me on my toes, that inspire me, that educate me, and that confirm my love for the industry. I think they're fantastic reads for real estate beginners, too.
1. Sell With Soul (and other resources on SellWithSoul.com) by Jennifer Allan - This book simply had to be number one on my list because it's what in large part inspired me to commit to this career. I'm an introvert. I'm quiet, sometimes reserved and despise the thought of being considered a pushy salesman. "Sell With Soul" offers sort of a "how to" guide to starting a real estate business for introverts like me. Jennifer Allan says introverts, with their attention to detail and above-average listening skills, can make excellent advocates for their clients, and she's absolutely right.
2. www.ActiveRain.com - If these blogs written by thousands of real estate professionals from across the continent don't inspire you to want to be a better agent, then nothing will. What an amazing resource. When I have a question about real estate, very often I start by searching for the answer right here on this blogging platform. I can't imagine my career without a daily dose of Active Rain.
3. The End of 6%, by Mollie Wasserman - Many of you out there have heard of the ACRE program, but if you haven't, I encourage you to check it out. No, I'm not saying you have to restructure your business and become an ACRE; that's an individual choice. But I think that challenging yourself to even consider new ideas, big or small, is always a good thing. The book, The End of 6%, is sort of a background to the ACRE program for consumers and well worth the read for real estate professionals.
4. Inman News online - If you're just starting out in this career, I don't recommend paying for a subscription. Hang onto your pennies and buy it later on when you can afford it. However, you can sign up for free to be sent a weekly email with top stories, many of which you can read without a paid subscription. Some articles you'll agree with, others you won't. But again, it's all about staying current on trends and learning more about the industry.
Have something to add to this list? Feel free to do so in the comments below!
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