Mark Miles

Buying a home isn’t just a financial decision — it’s an emotional one. And in today’s market, buyers need more than listings and luck — they need clarity, strategy, and someone who actually listens. Here’s my advice: ? Start with a strategy, not just a search. Before you fall in love with a kitchen or a backyard, let’s get crystal clear on your goals, budget, timeline, and non-negotiables. A great agent doesn’t just show you homes — they help you think through the entire journey. ? Know the numbers, not just the price. It’s easy to focus on the list price, but the real story is in the payment, the loan terms, the taxes, and the long-term value. At Spot Real Estate, we help buyers make decisions that feel good today — and still make sense years down the road. ? Move with confidence, not confusion. The buying process can feel overwhelming — especially with bidding wars, shifting interest rates, and conflicting advice from every direction. My role is to cut through the noise, protect your interests, and help you win without overpaying. If you're just getting started — or even just thinking about buying — let's talk. No sales pitch, no pressure. Just straight answers from someone who’s helped hundreds of buyers navigate this process successfully. A short conversation now could save you time, stress, and money later. Let’s connect for a no-obligation consultation — and build your plan the smart way.

If you’re thinking about selling your home, here’s the most important advice I can give: don’t just list it — launch it. The best sales happen when a home hits the market with precision: the right price, the right positioning, and the right plan. That doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you work with someone who sees the full picture — not just the listing. Here’s what I tell my clients: ? Don’t guess on pricing — anchor it. Price too high, and you scare off buyers. Price too low, and you leave money on the table. The goal is to position your home at the intersection of value and urgency. That takes data, strategy, and experience — not an automated estimate. ? First impressions matter more than ever. Buyers are scrolling. Judging. Comparing. Professional photography, clean staging, and compelling marketing don’t just make your home look better — they make it feel more valuable. That feeling is what drives offers. ? Understand the new rules. After the recent NAR settlement, sellers are now in a position to control more of the commission conversation. At Spot Real Estate, we provide full-service support — expert pricing, negotiation, MLS exposure, and marketing — for just 1% commission. You’re not cutting corners. You’re cutting unnecessary costs. If you’re thinking about selling — whether next month or next year — let’s talk. I’m happy to walk you through your options, share insights on your local market, and help you understand how to keep more of your equity without sacrificing results. No pressure, no push. Just smart guidance.

Over the past 20 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with just about every type of client you can imagine — and I’ve learned that no two journeys are the same. I’ve helped: First-time buyers who needed guidance, clarity, and someone to simplify the process. Growing families looking for more space, better schools, and the right neighborhood to put down roots. Empty nesters and downsizers ready for less maintenance and more freedom. Investors and flippers who value timing, margins, and market strategy. And sellers in every situation — relocating, upsizing, downsizing, divorcing, inheriting, or simply ready for something new. What they all had in common was this: they wanted someone they could trust to guide them through a major decision without pressure, jargon, or surprises. At Spot Real Estate, we’re built to serve clients who want full-service support — pricing strategy, marketing, negotiation, and expert guidance — without overpaying for it. Whether you’re buying your first home, selling your third, or just starting to explore your options, I meet you where you are, and help you get where you want to go. If that sounds like the kind of support you’re looking for, let’s talk. No obligation, no pressure — just a real conversation.

One of my recent clients, Jason and Erin, came to me at a pivotal moment. They had a young daughter, a baby on the way, and a lovable 125-pound dog who was rapidly outgrowing their townhome. They didn’t just want more space — they needed it. But the market wasn’t making it easy. Inventory was tight, demand was high, and nearly every home was going under contract with multiple offers — often $25,000 to $50,000 over asking. We missed out on the first home they loved. And as hard as that was, it gave us the insight we needed for round two. The next home wasn’t just a contender — it was the one. A beautiful single-family house with four bedrooms all on one level and a yard perfect for their growing family (and their big dog). Losing again wasn’t an option. So, we got strategic. There was an appraisal waiver in play, which added complexity and risk. I carefully structured their offer to make the sellers feel secure — crafting language that showed we had the ability (and intent) to cover any appraisal gap using Jason and Erin’s healthy down payment. It wasn’t just a strong offer — it was a confident, well-communicated one. We won the deal. Now they’re settling into a home that fits their life, not squeezing into one that doesn’t. That’s the kind of outcome I work for — every single time. If you're buying or selling in a fast-moving market, strategy matters more than ever. Let’s talk about how we can build the right plan for your next move.

I didn’t grow up dreaming of real estate — but looking back, I was surrounded by it all along. My grandfather got into brokerage after retiring from his corporate career. My mom spent over 30 years in new construction sales with some of the top developers in the area. My brother became a certified residential appraiser. Real estate was in the air — I just didn’t realize yet that it was in my future too. At the time, I owned a cell phone store. One day, a local real estate brokerage became one of my clients. As their agents came in to upgrade their phones, I noticed something interesting — the cars they were driving. The confidence they carried. The conversations they were having. That was the moment. I realized there was a bigger world out there — and I wanted in. I joined that same brokerage not long after. In my first few years, I rose to become one of the firm’s top-producing agents. I loved the work, the people, the challenge — and the impact I could make in helping clients navigate life’s biggest transitions. Over the next 19 years, I continued helping buyers and sellers across the Chicagoland area, while also taking on a leadership role within the company. I was tapped to train new brokers, lead technology adoption, and ultimately served as the Director of Operations and Technology — a role I was proud to earn after nearly two decades of hands-on experience. That journey — from small business owner to top agent to executive leader — shaped everything I believe about real estate today. And it’s what inspired me to launch Spot Real Estate: a smarter model designed to serve modern buyers and sellers the way they actually want to be served.

When it comes to real estate, I believe experience is education — and I’ve been learning in the field for over two decades. Throughout my career, I’ve done more than just represent buyers and sellers. I’ve coached top-performing agents to grow their businesses. I’ve trained brokerages on how to leverage technology to serve clients more effectively. I led the REO division through the housing crash in 2008, helping clients navigate some of the most challenging conditions the market has ever seen. I’ve held roles as a top-producing agent, VP of Sales, Managing Broker, and most recently served as Director of Operations and Technology for a $1.5B brokerage — a position that gave me a 360-degree view of how every part of the business works. Along the way, I’ve earned multiple certifications and designations, including completing the Ninja Selling course — one of the most respected client-focused training systems in the industry. I’ve also taken countless courses to sharpen my skills in negotiation, marketing, pricing strategy, and technology integration. All of that experience shows up in how I work with clients today: with clarity, confidence, and a plan that’s custom-built for your goals — whether you're buying your first home, selling your fifth, or just want to understand your options. If you're looking for a steady, experienced guide who knows the market and the mindset behind successful deals, let’s connect. I’d be honored to help.