The 10 Commercial Real Estate Books You Need To Read

Commercial real estate is one of the most important industries in the world. It is responsible for creating and managing essential assets such as office buildings, shopping malls, and industrial parks. If you’re looking to break into this industry or just want to learn more about it, then you should read commercial real estate books!

The best commercial real estate books recommended for anyone interested in the industry, from beginners to professionals, cover many topics. These books offer insights into different aspects of commercial real estate, including investing, management, negotiation, and understanding market trends.

Here are the highlighted top 10 commercial real estate books:

1. How To Succeed In Commercial Real Estate by John L. Bowman
2. Best Ever Apartment Syndication Book by Joe Fairless & Theo Hicks
3. Commercial Real Estate Investing For Dummies by Peter Harries
4. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
5. Negotiating Commercial Real Estate Leases by Martin I. Zankel
6. The Millionaire Real Estate Investor by Gary Keller
7. Negotiating Commercial Leases & Renewals For Dummies by Dale Willerton and Jeff Grandfield
8. Confessions of a Real Estate Entrepreneur: What It Takes to Win in High-Stakes Commercial Real Estate by James A. Randel
9. Billion Dollar Loser: The Epic Rise and Spectacular Fall of Adam Neumann and WeWork by Reeves Wiedeman
10. Market Urbanism: A Vision For Free-Market Cities by Scott Beyer

These books are valuable resources for gaining knowledge, understanding market dynamics, and developing skills in commercial real estate investment, management, and negotiation.

We will discuss the importance of reading commercial real estate books and provide you with a list of the top 10 you must read.

The Importance of Reading Commercial Real Estate Books

There are plenty of reasons why you should read commercial real estate books. Here are some of the most important ones:

Learn About the Industry

The commercial real estate industry is complicated and can be difficult to understand if you don’t have any experience in it. However, commercial real estate books can help you learn about the industry and all of its components. The books we’ve complied on this list are some of the best books on real estate business that you can find out there.

Gain Experience

One of the best ways to learn about something is to actually do it. By reading commercial real estate books, you can gain some experience in the industry without having to risk any money or time.

Stay Up-to-Date on the Latest Trends

The commercial real estate industry changes on a daily basis, and if you want to stay ahead of the curve, then you need to be up-to-date on the latest trends. Commercial real estate books can help you do that.

With that being said, reading commercial real estate books is a great way to learn about the industry. You can learn about different types of properties, financing options, and market trends. Additionally, reading these books can help you better understand the commercial real estate market and its future.

The Best Commercial Real Estate Books You Should Read

Now that we have talked about why you should read commercial real estate books let’s explore some of the best commercial real estate books out there. The books in this list are the best resources for learning about investing in commercial real estate.

Reading property management books as a commercial real estate specialist is crucial in keeping up with the latest industry trends and best practices. Property management is a dynamic and complex field, and books offer an opportunity to delve into the intricacies of managing properties effectively. From understanding financial management and budgeting to handling tenant relations and legal issues, these books provide valuable insights and strategies that can help improve the overall performance of a commercial real estate portfolio. Additionally, staying informed through reading allows specialists to stay ahead of the competition and stay informed of new technologies and techniques that can streamline their processes and improve their bottom line. Ultimately, reading property management books is a key aspect of continuous learning and professional growth for commercial real estate specialists.

These seasoned professionals have taught us what mistakes not to make and given tips on how we can improve our skills as investors, brokers, or developers! With so many great reads available, there is no shortage of knowledge when it comes time to decide which ones will help you grow your portfolio quickly while also teaching some essential lessons. 

Here are our top 10 picks:

How To Succeed In Commercial Real Estate By John L. Bowman

If you’re looking to break into the commercial real estate market or just want to up your game, this is the perfect book for you. Written by an industry veteran, it covers everything from finding listings to sealing the deal. So whether you’re a newbie or a pro, How To Succeed In Commercial Real Estate will give you the right tools you need to succeed.

This book is your guide to succeeding in commercial real estate. Authored by a well-respected industry professional, it provides an overview of the business, including covering the four main specialty areas: office, retail, industrial, and investment. It’s packed with information that will help you stay competitive while keeping your integrity and ethics intact. So if you’re looking to make a name for yourself in commercial real estate, this is the perfect resource for you.

Best Ever Apartment Syndication Book By Joe Fairless & Theo Hicks

This book is a must-read when looking to get into the apartment syndication business. It provides an overview of the process, from finding deals to closing them. Plus, it includes interviews with some of the top professionals in the industry, so you can learn from their experiences and avoid making common mistakes.

Moreover, it can be your key to success in commercial real estate. It’ll teach you everything you must know about apartment syndication, from setting achievable goals and creating a vision for the future to building a powerful brand and finding passive investors. With this information, you’ll be able to create a successful business empire in the apartment market! If you’re committed to getting into this business, then make sure you read the Best Ever Apartment Syndication Book.

Commercial Real Estate Investing For Dummies by Peter Harries

Commercial real estate is a great way to invest your money and see a good return on your investment. But it can be tricky – especially if you’re new to the game. That’s where Commercial Real Estate Investing For Dummies comes in.

This comprehensive guide offers practical advice on every aspect of commercial real estate investment, from picking the right properties and getting appraisals to closing deals and maximizing profit. You’ll learn how to identify opportunities, negotiate deals, understand financing options, and more. So whether you’re thinking about becoming a commercial real estate investor or are already in the game but want to take your success to the next level, this book has you covered!

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

If you want to get ahead in life, you need to know how to make friends and influence people. Dale Carnegie’s classic guide has helped millions of people succeed in their business and personal lives. Now, in this updated edition, Carnegie offers fresh advice for the twenty-first century, teaching you six ways to make people like you, twelve ways to win people over to your way of thinking, and nine ways to change people without arousing resentment.

This book is a must-read for anyone looking to get ahead in life. With essential tips on handling difficult people, gaining trust, and becoming a leader, others will follow willingly. How to Win Friends & Influence People will help you achieve your maximum potential both professionally and personally.

Negotiating Commercial Real Estate Leases by Martin I. Zankel

How can you negotiate a fair lease for your business? This book by Martin Zankel offers essential advice and tips from both the tenant and landlord perspective, arming you with all the information you need to get the best deal possible. With real-world case studies and practical examples, you’ll be prepared for every eventuality in commercial real estate negotiations.

Whether you’re a business owner about to sign your first lease or a real estate professional looking to draft the ideal transaction for your client, Negotiating Commercial Real Estate Leases can help. This comprehensive guide will teach you the differences between standard landlord and tenant leases, specific negotiating strategies for retail/shopping centers, office, industrial leases, and more. So whether you’re looking to protect your profits or property simultaneously – this book has you covered.

The Millionaire Real Estate Investor by Gary Keller

This book contains the collected wisdom and experience of over 100 millionaire investors from all walks of life who have successfully pursued financial wealth and achieved the life-changing freedom it delivers. It provides an in-depth look at everything you need to become a successful real estate investor.

You’ll learn the basics of how to get started, strategies for finding great deals, and ways to increase your income. With this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to create a solid financial future through real estate investing. So if you’re ready to take your finances to the next level, The Millionaire Real Estate Investor is your essential guide.

Negotiating Commercial Leases & Renewals For Dummies by Dale Willerton and Jeff Grandfield

If you’re a small business owner who’s in the market for some new office space, or if your current lease is coming up for renewal, then you need Negotiating Commercial Leases & Renewals For Dummies! This expert guide takes the guesswork out of negotiating a commercial lease, with tips and advice on how to get the best deal possible. From figuring out what you need in terms of office space to understanding landlord motivations, this book will have you successfully negotiating your commercial lease like a pro.

Written by one of the industry’s most trusted, respected, and experienced consultants, this guide provides tenants with all the information they need to find the best location and amenities for their business, understand their space needs, and keep rent fees for a commercial building at a manageable level. Plus, you’ll learn negotiation strategies and tactics to help you get the best deal possible. Don’t go into lease negotiations without this essential guide – get Negotiating Commercial Leases & Renewals For Dummies today!

Confessions of a Real Estate Entrepreneur: What It Takes to Win in High-Stakes Commercial Real Estate by James A. Randel

Are you prepared to get serious about real estate investment? James Randel’s Confessions of a Real Estate Entrepreneur provides the how and why arming you with the knowledge you need to make your dreams a reality. With Randel’s guidance, you’ll be able to create a plan that fits your unique goals and desires and start making smart investments that will set you up for success. 

Randel has been in the business for 25 years, and he shares his successes and failures with candor and humor. You’ll discover and explore everything you need to get started – from finding properties, negotiating deals, and managing your portfolio. So what are you waiting for? Begin your journey to real estate success today!

Billion Dollar Loser: The Epic Rise and Spectacular Fall of Adam Neumann and WeWork by Reeves Wiedeman

Billion Dollar Loser is the fascinating behind-the-scenes story of WeWork, one of the most daring and ambitious business ventures in recent memory. This Wall Street Journal Business Bestseller tells the remarkable saga of one of the most audacious, unlikely, and impressive rises and falls in American business history. Author Ken Auletta provides a vivid portrait of CEO Adam Neumann and offers insight into how he managed to achieve such rapid success – before crashing spectacularly. This book is a must-read if you’re interested in entrepreneurship, innovation, or just want to know what went wrong with WeWork.

Market Urbanism: A Vision For Free-Market Cities by Scott Beyer

Market Urbanism is a theory that calls for free-market solutions to urban problems. It’s rooted in classical liberalism, and it posits that cities work best through the bottom-up, private sector activity of many individuals, not top-down government plans. In this nifty guide, Scott Beyer describes how these free-market ideas can apply to housing, zoning laws, transport, and public administration. The book aims to portray a vision where cities are better-run, more affordable, and easier to get around under a Market Urbanist model.  For instance, allowing property owners to buy easements or enter agreements with neighbors to deal with externalities like shadows or noise, rather than complicated legal processes, would encourage economic development and improve vibrancy while meeting local concerns.

You’ll learn about how market solutions can benefit your city in ways you never thought possible! This guidebook offers a wealth of knowledge on the subject. It will change the way you think about city planning and urban development forever.

The Commercial Real Estate Investor’s Handbook: A Step-by-Step Roadmap To Financial Wealth

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Real Estate Books

How can reading commercial real estate books help someone new to the industry?

Diving into the commercial real estate sector can be overwhelming for newcomers due to its intricate nature and vast scope. Reading commercial real estate books offers a foundational understanding of the industry’s core concepts, practices, and terminologies. These books often encapsulate the wisdom of seasoned professionals, providing insights into real-world scenarios, challenges, and solutions. For someone new, this knowledge not only demystifies the industry’s complexities but also equips them with practical strategies to navigate and succeed in their early endeavors.

How can commercial real estate books help in staying updated with market trends?

The commercial real estate landscape is dynamic, with evolving market trends, regulations, and investment strategies. Commercial real estate books, especially those penned by industry experts or updated editions, capture these shifts, offering readers a snapshot of the current market scenario. By delving into these resources, professionals can gain insights into emerging trends, innovative financing methods, and changing consumer preferences. This knowledge is invaluable for making informed decisions, anticipating market movements, and positioning oneself advantageously in the competitive market.

Are there books specifically for beginners in commercial real estate?

Yes, there are books tailored specifically for those starting their journey in commercial real estate. These beginner-focused books break down the industry’s complexities into digestible chunks, elucidating fundamental concepts, terminologies, and processes. They often adopt a step-by-step approach, guiding readers from property selection and valuation basics to more advanced topics like negotiation and financing. Such books serve as comprehensive guides, ensuring newcomers build a solid foundation and avoid common pitfalls as they venture into commercial real estate.

Do these books only cover the investment side of commercial real estate?

While many commercial real estate books focus on investment, they encompass a broader range of topics. Beyond investment strategies, these books delve into property management, development, leasing, and the intricacies of different property types like retail, office, and industrial spaces. They provide a holistic view of the industry, addressing various facets and roles one might encounter, ensuring readers have a well-rounded understanding of the entire commercial real estate ecosystem.

How do these books help in practical applications, like negotiating leases?

Commercial real estate books often dedicate sections or chapters to negotiation, given its pivotal role in the industry. They offer insights into the nuances of lease negotiations from both the landlord’s and tenant’s perspectives. Readers can learn about key terms, clauses, and common points of contention in lease agreements.

Practical examples, case studies, and expert tips equip them with negotiation tactics, helping them secure favorable terms, understand market standards, and navigate potential challenges. This knowledge is invaluable for ensuring mutually beneficial lease agreements and avoiding costly oversights.

Are there any books that discuss the failures or pitfalls in the commercial real estate industry?

Billion Dollar Loser: The Epic Rise and Spectacular Fall of Adam Neumann and WeWork” by Reeves Wiedeman delves into the challenges and failures faced by WeWork.

Are there any online courses or webinars that complement the knowledge gained from these books?

Absolutely! The commercial real estate industry recognizes the importance of continuous learning, and as a result, numerous online courses, webinars, and workshops are available. These digital resources often complement the knowledge from books by offering interactive learning experiences, real-time Q&A sessions, and updated content per current market trends.

1. Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) offers a range of courses for those looking to deepen their understanding of commercial real estate. Their courses cover financial analysis, market analysis, and decision analysis.
2. Urban Land Institute (ULI) provides webinars and online courses that delve into various aspects of real estate, including urban development, land use, and emerging trends.
3. REALTOR® University offers a Master of Real Estate program with various concentrations, including commercial real estate investment and analysis.
4. Coursera and Udemy have real estate fundamentals, investment, and management courses. These platforms allow industry experts to share their knowledge, and students can often interact with instructors and peers.
5. Regular webinars are hosted by industry publications and organizations like the Real Estate Investment Association (REIA) or the National Association of Realtors (NAR). These webinars often feature guest speakers who are industry leaders, discussing current trends, challenges, and opportunities.

Local real estate associations and chambers of commerce might also offer online seminars or workshops tailored to specific regional markets or topics.