Real Estate

If you plan to catch up on your reading during the holidays, check out these top-rated real estate investing books.

The Millionaire Real Estate Investor

Rating: 4.5 Stars (197 Reviews)

Amazon Description: “Anyone who seeks financial wealth must first learn the fundamental truths and models that drive it. The Millionaire Real Estate Investor represents the collected wisdom and experience of over 100 millionaire investors from all walks of life who pursued financial wealth and achieved the life-changing freedom it delivers. This book–in straightforward, no nonsense, easy-to-read style–reveals their proven strategies.”

Buy on Amazon

The Book on Flipping Houses

Rating: 5 Stars (100 Reviews)

Amazon Description: “Are you ready to leave the 9-5 and get started flipping houses? The Book on Flipping Houses is written by active real estate fix-and-flipper J Scott, author of the popular real estate website 123Flip.com, and is published by BiggerPockets Publishing, the publishing arm of the premier real estate investing website BiggerPockets.com.”

Buy on Amazon

What Every Real Estate Investor Needs to Know About Cash Flow… And 36 Other Key Financial Measures

Rating: 4.5 Stars (108 Reviews)

Amazon Description: “The only way to win the real estate investing game is by mastering the numbers. This revised and updated edition of the popular reference shows how to target the best investments in the present market. It answers all your real estate questions, and provides new discussions of capital accumulation and internal rate of return.”

Buy on Amazon

The E-Myth Real Estate Investor

Rating: 5 Stars (23 Reviews)

Leading a real estate investment business can seem like a daunting task, with too few hours in the day, too many petty management issues, and constant fires that have to be put out. The E-Myth Real Estate Investor offers you a road map to create a real estate investment business that’s self-sufficient, growing, and highly profitable. Take your business to levels you didn’t think possible with this unique guide!

Buy on Amazon

The ABCs of Real Estate Investing

Rating: 4 Stars (206 Reviews)

Amazon Description:

“This book will teach you how to:
• Achieve wealth and cash flow through real estate
• Find property with real potential
• Show you how to unlock the myths that are holding you back
• Negotiating the deal based on the numbers
• Evaluate property and purchase price
• Increase your income through proven property management tools”

Buy on Amazon

What are the best books for investing in real estate that you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Well, maybe not for real estate sales. During the holidays, realtors experience an industry-standard slump as their clients are not active in buying and selling homes this time of year. In fact, the question “What do successful agents do to avoid the industry standard holiday slump in business?” is one of the most popular posts on activerain.com right now.

Here are some tips on how to avoid the real estate holiday slump: 

1. Start Marketing for Next Year

While you are not busy showing houses and closing deals, now is the perfect time to work on your marketing plans for the year ahead.

According to ActiveRain agents Amanda and Jared Christiansens, this time of year is the perfect time to work on marketing plans:

“The first few years in our careers we hated the Dec-Jan slump.  Now a days we actually embrace it.  It gives us a chance to take a look at our marketing, what’s worked this year and what hasn’t.

We’re screaming busy and productive for 9-10 months out of the year.  BRING ON THE SLUMP so we can catch our collective breaths!”

Here are some marketing items you might need to address:

• How is your website performing? Is it time for an upgrade?
• How often are you reaching out to your database via phone, email and social media?
• Do you need to increase your community involvement efforts?
• Do you have a formal client appreciation program?

Now is the perfect time to evaluate your marketing and plan for the year ahead.

2. Reach Out to Your Database

While your competitors are taking a break, use this time to proactively reach out to your past clients and current prospects. The holidays are a great time to show appreciation to your clients and friends. We may be biased, but cookies make a great gift during this time of year!

You could also:

• Send out holiday cards.
• Host a holiday party at your office.
• Participate in a community project (e.g.- adopt a family for Christmas) and share your good cheer on social media.

And one of my favorite tips, from easymerge.com:

“Be the neighborhood expert: Write a blog listing the best and most elaborate Christmas light displays by neighborhood and share it on your social channels.”

3. Enjoy the Holidays!

While we know you’re working hard this time of year, don’t forget to take some time to enjoy the holidays with your loved ones. Even schedule some time to “do nothing!” You’ll start the new year feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to take on the year ahead!