Real Estate Agent Education

[William V.]

Hey BP, I have scoured the internet and have not found much in the discussion of books recommended for the real estate agent profession. I see "Millionaire Real Estate Agent" by Gary Keller thrown out a lot -- which is good for strategizing one's business -- but I'm looking for books that layout Real Estate Agent 101-level information. In other words, the blueprints to what agents do, explaining the transaction process, how the industry works and varies within the brokerage, an agent's lifestyle, etc. I'm curious to what you all come up with!

[Zach Sikes]

@William V.
The best education for an RE agent is OJT - On the Job Training.  Do you currently have your license?

[William V.]

I'm working on getting my license while deployed overseas (currently active duty military but will be leaving the service soon). I'm looking forward to OTJ training, but in the interim, I'm trying to absorb as much info as I can about the job.

[Kelly Coston]

im in a similar boat, IV been watching Youtube videos, listing to the bigger pockets podcasts, and reading as much as I can about how the real estate game really works. I don't have the financial ability to just buy a house.. but I know that you can get a house with out using your own money.. and I think that might me my only option to start my real estate career.. just not sure how to do that..

[Jonathan Greene]

@William V. - the best overall manual for learning to be an agent, other than the on the job training, is the book you get when you take the class because it is state specific. Although it's mechanical it's the best overview. In terms of motivation on how to succeed as an agent, the books I would recommend to get started is 7 Levels of Communication by Michael Maher because it will help you figure out how to work your own sphere and vendors without spending money. In terms of investing, it's Rich Dad, Poor Dad all day long or for younger investors, Set for Life.

[William V.]

@Jonathan Greene, thank you for the response. I looked up your recommendation and got it on Amazon -- looks like an eye opener. I've heard about "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" over and over and decided to finally bite the bullet just to add new insights and maybe transform my thinking.

[Jonathan Greene]

@William V. - happy to help. Let me know what you think once you are into 7 Levels.

[Noel Challenger]

I agree completely with Jonathan, hands on work is the best route for a new agent. You can also read some of the same psychology/self-help books that people recommend on BP. Books like How to Win Friends And Influence People, Rich Dad Poor Dad, The Miracle Morning, etc. But nothing beats actually getting out there communicating and building relationships with people that will help you achieve the goals you set for yourself. Think a million and good luck!