Real estate is not about paperwork or transactions. It is about you, your equity, your future, and your peace of mind. My job is to protect those things and guide you through the process with clarity and confidence. Too often people trust their biggest financial decision to someone who dabbles in real estate, but you deserve more than that. When you are selling I make sure your home shines with professional marketing and gets in front of the right buyers. When you are buying I fight to secure the right home at the right price while giving you the knowledge to feel confident every step of the way. What sets me apart is how I work for my clients. You will always know where things stand because communication and trust are non negotiable. I bring expertise in pricing, timing, and strategy paired with relentless advocacy that puts your goals first. In the midst of the market's chaos I stay calm, focused, and competitive where it matters most in negotiations. Along the way I have been honored as a 2X ICON Award winner with eXp Realty, named one of the Top 200 Realtors in West Michigan, featured as a Grand Rapids Magazine Real Estate All Star, and consistently ranked in the top 5 percent of Realtors in Michigan. But at the end of the day clients do not just see me as an agent. They walk away knowing they have found their person.
Community Involvement
Alongside Heidi, I support Crowned Free, a fashion brand with a mission to fight human trafficking, which allows us to use business as a way to bring freedom and hope to others.
HOBBIES/INTEREST
Outside of real estate I'm a hybrid athlete who loves running, lifting, faith, family, and the outdoors.
FAMILY
I've been married to Heidi for over 29 years, and we're blessed with three adult children who are the heart of our family.
Read More About Mark
Specialties
Sellers
Buyers
Residential Property
Awards
2026
TOP AGENT
Lowell, MI
Other Awards
2X ICON Award winner with eXp Realty, named one of the Top 200 Realtors in West Michigan, featured as a Grand Rapids Magazine Real Estate All Star, and consistently ranked in the top 5 percent of Realtors
View All Awards
FAQ
1. What advice would you give a buyer trying to purchase a home?
Get clear on your goals, have your financing ready, and be prepared to move fast, but never so fast you settle for the wrong home. Confidence comes from clarity, not pressure.
2. What advice would you give a seller trying to sell their home?
Price it right, prepare it well, and market it like it matters, because it does. Your equity deserves more than a sign in the yard.
3. What types of clients have you worked with?
I’ve worked with first-time buyers, growing families, downsizers, relocations, and investors, each with unique goals but all trusting me to protect their equity and guide the process with clarity.
4. Describe a recent transaction you are fond of. How did it go?
One that stands out is when I helped a family sell a home that had previously expired on the market. We reset the strategy with professional staging, fresh marketing, and targeted outreach. Within a short time, we had strong activity and secured an offer that protected their equity and gave them the outcome they were hoping for. It was a reminder that the right approach and persistence can completely change the story for a client.
5. How did you get started in Real Estate?
I left a successful corporate career after more than a decade because I wanted to build something that aligned with my values of faith, family, and community. Real estate gave me the chance to take my business experience, competitive drive, and passion for people and turn it into a career where I could guide clients through one of life’s biggest decisions with clarity and confidence.
6. Do you have any special education or training that will benefit your clients?
I combine my business background, fitness-driven discipline, and social media expertise to create marketing that gets results. By building trust and community online, I give my clients unmatched exposure and an edge in today’s market.
Contact Information
Location
4545 Cascade Road Southeast #2 Grand Rapids, MI, 49546
Note: Reviews may include other agents on their team
What clients say about this agent....
Responsive
Professional
Available Remotely
Great for new buyers
John C.
Review for Member: Mark VanderWal
November 9, 2025
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
Mark was highly professional. You could tell from the beginning that he took his job very seriously. He was extremely responsive, and easy to communicate with. He met us at several properties on very short notice, and was very accommodating to our schedule. I would highly recommend Mark to anyone who is in search of a home. You will not find a better realtor.
Abby O.
Review for Member: Mark VanderWal
June 30, 2025
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
Mark has amazing responsiveness and would help answer questions and ease concerns whether it was morning, noon, or night. He made time to call or meet during the week and on weekends, and he provided a wonderfully compiled checklist for home-buyers. As a first time home buyer, I highly recommend going with Mark.
Braphan
Review for Member: Mark VanderWal
May 4, 2025
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
I highly recommend Mark. Typically, I am not a fan of brokers. Mark has changed my mind. I live out of state and was selling a property that I owned in Michigan. I am not trusting by my own profession, as I am paid to be cynical and find problems. I must say, working with Mark was an excellent experience. His advice was spot on, his responsiveness excellent (particularly since I am out of state), and his ability to develop numerous offers for my property, which had remained unsolved with the prior Broker, was excellent. I only wish I could transplant him to New York City to handle my affairs here!
Drew S.
Review for Member: Mark VanderWal
April 5, 2025
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
Mark is a 5-star stellar consultative realtor who is a pleasure to know and work with. From Day One when Mark reached out to us to our sitting at the closing table with the title company, Mark was professional, engaging, beyond knowledgeable and always putting our interests-and-needs first in our home-buying process. Courteous-and-responsive, Mark was patient, incredibly-skillful with his offer writing and while were aware that he had several clients he was working through the process simultaneously- we always felt like we were a priority and on the top of his list for finding a quality home - even with our smaller budget. Cannot recommend Mark enough.