A Theology of Real Estate
Wait… a Theology of Real Estate?
We brought on Brett Johnson (author, founder of Repurposing Business) to ask a big question most agents never stop to consider:
What’s your theology of real estate?
If you’re thinking, “That sounds academic,” hang with me. This is about how God uses place—homes, land, cities—to shape lives, communities, and even your business model. When you understand “place” biblically, you stop chasing only profit and start stewarding purpose—and your profit gets healthier, too.
Why “Place” Matters to God (and to Your Clients)
Brett’s core point: place is a megaphone for God’s message. From Eden to the Promised Land to the New Jerusalem, location is never neutral. God pairs message + setting (think John the Baptist in the desert) so the place amplifies the truth.
For real estate pros, that means you’re not “just selling a house.” You’re helping people step into a prepared place—one that can create space for safety, family, hospitality, community, and encounters with God.
PDA lens:
Predictable: Treat “place” as a core driver in your client process (ask deeper questions every time).
Dollar-Productive: The best “place” counseling wins trust and referrals.
Aligned: Your advice should reflect a biblical view of place, not just market comps.
Find Your Job in the Bible (Yes—Yours)
Work isn’t a punishment. It’s pre-fall. God revealed Himself through His work—and still does through our work. Scripture assumes land, boundaries, restitution, ownership, and stewardship. A few anchors Brett called out:
God owns the land (Leviticus 25), yet expects ethical human ownership and clear boundaries.
Promised Land economics: families hold income-producing assets and trust God for provision (rains, harvest).
Restitution & justice: God cares about rightful return of property and yields.
Truthfulness in transactions: (Ananias & Sapphira) the issue wasn’t selling—it was lying.
In short, real estate isn’t a side topic in Scripture—it’s woven into the whole story.
Place as Strategy: From Cotton Fields to Community
Brett told a story of advising a developer: instead of “five model homes + sales office” on repeat, ask God’s purpose for the land first. Then invite Jesus onto the design team. If the land’s purpose is community, design for community. If it’s health, learning, beauty, design for those outcomes.
That shift turned a “standard subdivision” into a redemptive project. Same market, new mission.
Outcome: Better impact, better culture, better business.
Agent takeaway: Your value isn’t just price + marketing. It’s helping people discern why this place—and how to dwell there well.
The Affordability Tension: Who Are We Really Serving?
Brett didn’t dodge the reality: many first-time buyers feel locked out. As believers, we should ask, “Who does God want us to serve, and how?”
Practical ways that align with a theology of place:
Favor first-time buyers when you can choose (even if selling 20 doors to one fund is easier).
Structure creative deals: seller finance, rate buydowns, “below market” kindness when possible.
Champion church-enabled mortgages: what would it look like for a church to leverage its balance sheet to help young families become owners?
Think models, not one-offs: co-op/share structures that reduce transfer costs (e.g., own shares in the building entity; flex unit size as family grows).
Repurpose assets for community and ownership (tiny home villages, conversions, multi-use).
PDA lens:
Predictable: Build a repeatable first-time-buyer path (education + financing + community partners).
Dollar-Productive: Purpose-driven service creates raving fans and lifetime referrals.
Aligned: Profit is a result; people and place are the mission.
Scripts & Questions to Add to Your Appointments
The “Third Question” Ladder (go deeper):
What do you want to do? — “Buy a house.”
Why do you want to buy? — “Stop paying rent.”
What do you want to do in the house? — “Host our small group, raise our kids near cousins, garden…”
Seller prayer invite (if appropriate):
“Before we list, could we take a minute to ask the Lord what He wants to do with this sale? I’ll guide us—just a simple prayer for wisdom.”
Land-purpose prompt (for developers/investors):
“Before we draw plans—what do you sense this land is for? Community? Health? Learning? Beauty? Let’s align design with that purpose.”
How to Start Your Own “Theology of Real Estate”
Search your Bible for: land, boundaries, property, city, fields, restitution—note patterns.
Summarize the story of the Kingdom using real estate language (you’ll be surprised how naturally it maps).
Audit your book of business: Who did you choose to serve? Why? What would change if place had a purpose in your process?
Build a redemptive partner map: lenders, appraisers, builders, church leaders—who’s open to creative, ethical solutions for first-time buyers and seniors?
7 Moves You Can Make This Month
Host a first-time buyer workshop with a values-aligned lender (keep it practical + relational).
Add the “third question” to every buyer consult—document answers.
Offer one creative financing idea per seller where appropriate (seller carry, buydown, rent-to-own).
Create a “Purpose of Place” intake page (2–3 questions you send pre-appointment).
Start a Church Partnership conversation about balance-sheet-backed ownership.
Identify one listing where you’ll favor a family over the last dollar (with the seller’s blessing).
Debrief weekly: Where did we honor people & place this week? What did God highlight?
Final Word
You’re not just moving product—you’re stewarding place. Ask the next question. Pray with clients who are open. Design with purpose. When “place” is treated as holy ground, your business becomes Predictable, Dollar-Productive, and Aligned—and your impact multiplies.
The Faithful Agent E-Book: The Faithful Agent E-Book equips Christian real estate agents to build businesses that honor God, serve others, and protect what matters most—your family and your faith. Packed with practical strategies and biblical insight, it’s your guide to succeeding in real estate without losing yourself in the process.