The Sunday Setup: The Foundational Four

Trust me.

Something a little different, and immediately “doable” for readers this week - the foundational four books every person (especially every agent) should read (plus a few things at the end). They have nothing to do with real estate, and yet I don’t know how you could work in real estate without them.

Before the start of 2026, promise me these make it into your Kindle - or better yet, your hands.

#1 - The 5 Voices - Kubicek & Cockram

Self-aware people make better humans, and better humans make better realtors. Want to truly level up? Start here. Get a grip on what it’s like to be on the other side of yourself - then leverage it. Plus, your family and your clients will thank you. After you've finished reading? Pass it on to another agent or broker - I’m convinced that passing this book onward would help us retain great humans and improve our collective reputation.

#2 - Building A Storybrand - Donald Miller

Once you’ve got a handle on how you walk through the world, your marketing should reflect your newfound wisdom - this book shows you how. And if anyone knows someone at NAR, send them a copy. If we (as a collective) started talking from the guide position, our industry renovation would go further, faster.

#3 - Profit First - Mike Michalowicz

Now that you’re self-aware and your marketing is bringing clients towards you, let’s get the money right. Mike has made this funny, insightful, and oh-so-practical. His writing style is as entertaining as it is life-changing - especially for independent contractors. Don’t skip this read - it may save you from a fight with the IRS, or worse, your spouse.

#4 - Springboard - Transform Stress To Work For You - Dr. Rebecca Heiss

You heard me mention her earlier book, Instinct, on the pod. This is her most recent book (just released Sept 2nd), and it’s a must-read. So good that I’m adding it to my foundational list. If you run a firm, a book club, or know someone who’s never found box breathing to be especially useful - this is your book. I love everything about this book - the formatting, the QR codes, the research, and the baseline counter-narrative that starts with the premise that stress is inevitable - and can be used for good.

These are evergreen books for me. I’ve read them annually for so long that two of the four have released second editions (Springboard being new to the rotation). I hope you find them as practical and as helpful as I do.

Lastly, I have one more recommendation - a Kindle Scribe. My family ran an intervention recently about my books (they actually line the walls of my office..and are even on the floor). While I LOVE holding a book in my hands - it’s time. Given the integration with my last recommendation, it’s kinda revolutionary.

Ok, seriously, the last recommendation - Notion. Now I can’t even begin to tackle this beast in a few sentences. Suffice it to say, I’ve crossed the rainbow bridge into an ai/Notion nervana. Couldn’t run two businesses without it. If you’re still struggling in CRM hell, take a look and consider taking the leap.

No, seriously…this is the last last thing….lol.

If you’ve been reading the stack or listening to the pod - thank you.

I have a humble request.

Talk to me. Tell me what (if anything) from these musings has struck a chord with you? While I clearly have opinions and lots to say, I’d like to hear from you.

Just like a home renovation, our industry-wide renovation is, well, not perfect and a little messy - but I hope that we grow together and not apart. What’s on your mind? What questions are you grappling with? What are you curious about? I’d love to hear from more of you (but only if you’re nice. Spicy? Fine. Mean? Not so much!) Please leave a comment below, or feel free to email me privately at Sandy.McMaster@gmail.com.

Have a great week (happy reading), and I hope to hear from you.