Mark Merkle
Mark Merkle stands out as one of KW Coachella Valley's rare blooms in the vast oasis of ordinary. With a glance at his varied career and client acclaim, one might anticipate a prolonged wait for his exceptional service. On the contrary, Mark has no preferences and his proverbial business sign is always "open". He treats each and every client with the utmost respect, honest and a clear, straightforward approach to the real estate process.
Serving virtually the entire Coachella Valley, including Yucca Valley's high desert, Mark caters to a diverse clientele, spanning retirees, first-time home seekers, and discerning second-home buyers and investors.
Mark's journey into real estate began with a finance degree from Hope College, majoring in accounting and interning at the Wharton School of Business. Armed with financial knowledge and Midwestern sensibilities, he entered real estate at 23, purchasing a home with the $5,000 earnings from the sale of his car. At 24, he delved into remodeling properties. Six historic homes and one 13-unit apartment building later, Mark garnered the kind of experience and instinctive market knowledge crucial for guiding buyers and sellers successfully.
His creativity extended beyond residential properties, scaling a Christmas store business across four locations and transforming the original building into luxury vacation rentals.
Business acumen notwithstanding, Mark excels in relationship building. Viewing himself as a facilitator rather than a salesperson, he empowers his clients, navigating them through the entire real estate cycle, from inspections, appraisals and loans to contingencies and closing. With a background of high-end concierge services, including luxury hotel brands like the Ritz Carlton, The Nines - a Starwood Luxury Collection, Mark continually strives to hone his craft and refine his listening skills, which he believes are essential ingredients for surpassing client expectations.
Clients attest to Mark's patient listening, with one stating, "He never foisted his own views onto us and listened so carefully to what we had to say. He wasn't there to sell me a house that he would choose for himself but to sell me a house that best met my needs and criteria."
Mark's ultimate reward is delighted, satisfied clients. To sum up his approach to the real estate journey and the trust he's built, again echoing his clients, "He does not go for the quick sale, he goes for the right sale," and "I would not hire anyone else in the Coachella Valley." "He is a gem."