10 Movies Realtors Need to See in 2024

10 Must-Watch Movies for Realtors: Lessons in Business, Ethics, and Success

If you are a real estate professional and you are looking for a quick lesson on the big screen that can further your career, look no further. We've compiled the ultimate list of movies for realtors and other real estate professionals seeking both entertainment and educational value. Cinema offers a treasure trove of insights into business strategies, ethical dilemmas, and the art of negotiation. The following movies, ranging from dramatic narratives to insightful documentaries, provide valuable lessons for real estate professionals looking to navigate the complexities of their industry. Here are the tops picks our editors came up with:

1. "Glengarry Glen Ross" (1992)

• Lesson: The pressure of sales and the ethical boundaries in real estate.

• This classic film, based on David Mamet's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, dives deep into the cutthroat world of real estate sales, emphasizing the importance of ethics and the consequences of high-pressure sales tactics.

2. "The Big Short" (2015)

• Lesson: Understanding the housing market crash and the importance of financial literacy.

• By exploring the build-up to the 2008 financial crisis, this movie offers realtors insight into market dynamics and the critical need for transparency and due diligence.

3. "99 Homes" (2014)

• Lesson: The human impact of foreclosure and the moral complexities of the real estate business.

• This gripping drama explores the foreclosure crisis, offering perspectives on empathy, ethics, and the sometimes-painful consequences of business decisions.

4. "American Beauty" (1999)

• Lesson: The symbolic value of homes and the underlying desires of homebuyers.

• Through its portrayal of suburban life and the quest for happiness, this film underscores the emotional and psychological dimensions of purchasing a home.

5. "It’s a Wonderful Life" (1946)

• Lesson: The importance of community in real estate.

• A timeless classic that, while not exclusively about real estate, highlights the impact of housing on community well-being and the value of integrity in business practices.

6. "Pacific Heights" (1990)

• Lesson: The challenges of property management and tenant relations.

• This thriller, centered on a couple renting out their property to a nightmare tenant, serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of thorough background checks and legal knowledge.

7. "Wall Street" (1987)

• Lesson: Greed and its consequences in the business world.

• Although focused on the stock market, the famous adage "Greed is good" and its repercussions provide a universal lesson applicable to the real estate industry as well.

8. "Margin Call" (2011)

• Lesson: Crisis management and ethical decision-making under pressure.

• Set in the high-stakes financial world, this film offers lessons on navigating crises and the importance of ethical considerations in business decisions.

9. "The Money Pit" (1986)

• Lesson: The pitfalls of home renovation and the importance of due diligence.

• A comedic take on a couple’s home renovation disaster, emphasizing the value of thorough inspections and realistic budgeting in property investments.

10. "Duplex" (2003)

• Lesson: The complexities of property investment and landlord-tenant dynamics.

• This comedy, revolving around a couple’s attempt to evict a troublesome tenant, highlights the unpredictable nature of real estate investment and the importance of patience and strategy.

Final Thoughts from our Editors

For realtors, these movies offer more than just entertainment; they provide a rich source of lessons on ethics, business strategy, financial literacy, and the emotional dynamics of buying and selling property. By drawing on the narratives and themes presented in these films, real estate professionals can gain deeper insights into their industry and the critical factors that drive success.

Here's some other insights on famous actors that play realtors or real estate agents