What to Read for Real Estate Agents: Top 8 Books

Every profession demands constant skill improvement, and real estate is no exception. A successful realtor in 2025 must navigate crises, master the market, and anticipate clients’ desires — often when clients themselves aren’t sure what they want. 

Today, information is just a click away, but its sheer volume and questionable quality can leave you sifting through noise to find something worthwhile. Shelves are packed with hollow motivational pamphlets promising millions overnight and outdated tips that sound like fairy tales in the modern world. We’ve curated a top-8 list of books — global bestsellers and proven guides — that inspire and equip realtors with real knowledge to elevate their craft.

“The Way of One Agency” — Oleg Torbosov

Oleg Torbosov, founder of Whitewill, penned a book that’s less a textbook and more a gripping business novel. It traces how a chaotic flurry of initial deals gave birth to an agency thriving in luxury real estate, even during downturns. Each chapter unfolds a real story—from chasing first clients to bold moves that nearly cost everything. 

“The Millionaire Real Estate Agent” — Gary Keller

Gary Keller, the mind behind Keller Williams, crafted a guide for those who refuse to just scrape by—they want to dominate. This book is a system: how to manage time, attract clients, and build a career where earnings soar. Keller lays out the roadmap to stardom in the real estate game.

“Sell It Like Serhant” — Ryan Serhant

Ryan Serhant, a real estate celebrity, brings his high-octane approach to this motivational powerhouse. It’s packed with strategies for sealing deals and building a standout personal brand that turns heads.

“Ninja Selling: Subtle Skills. Big Results.” — Larry Kendall

Larry Kendall reimagines selling with a subtle, client-first philosophy that delivers outsized results. This book teaches how to forge trust and close deals without the hard sell, blending psychology with practical know-how. Kendall’s methods might just redefine your game.

“SHIFT: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times” — Gary Keller

Another gem from Gary Keller, this book is a survival kit for turbulent markets. It offers battle-tested tactics to adapt and thrive when the industry shakes—perfect for 2025’s uncertainties. SHIFT can help to find the prosand turn chaos into opportunity.

“The Real Book of Real Estate: Real Experts. Real Stories. Real Life.” — Robert Kiyosaki

Robert Kiyosaki, the “Rich Dad Poor Dad” legend, isn’t here to teach basic sales—he’s about making real estate a goldmine. This book reveals how to spot undervalued properties, turn them into assets, and decode the investor mindset.

“Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” — Robert Cialdini

Robert Cialdini, a psychology guru, unpacks the mechanics of persuasion—from scarcity to trust—and how they win people over. For realtors, it’s a treasure trove: turn hesitation into agreement and read clients like an open book. This isn’t about property—it’s about people, and that’s its power.

“The Book on Negotiating Real Estate” — J Scott, Mark Ferguson, Carol Scott

This trio of authors delivers a masterclass in real estate negotiation, breaking down every step from pricing to closing. It’s a practical playbook to outmaneuver the toughest deals and come out on top.