Real Estate

The First Step to Buying a New Home

So you’re ready to buy your next home. Maybe this is even your first home buying experience! Mark Hein, eXp Realty real estate agent, shares a soft reminder of what everyone’s first step should be towards buying a new home — whether it’s your first or last.

Know Your Budget

Wandering through neighborhoods to attend open houses can be a joy. Attending these events can help you get a better idea of what’s out there, what you like and who your competitors are in the home buying process. However, it’s important to know your budget from the start. While it can be fun to check out dream houses that you can’t quite afford (just yet), Mark Hein, eXp Realty Real Estate Agent, strongly recommends setting your budget early on. This helps to make your search more intentional so that you can be closer to finding that perfect home for you and your family. While it can be fun to check out homes outside of your price range, this can be quite demotivating. Imagine finding the house of your dreams but knowing from the start that you don’t have a chance in the world to afford it… now that’s not a good open house weekend well spent, if you ask Hein.

Speak to a Lender

The first step in figuring out what home you want to buy is knowing what your budget is. It’s not so much the price of the home but what you want to spend every month. If you haven’t spoken with a lender already, Mark Hein of eXp Realty would be happy to refer you to a great one. A lender can let you know which loan programs might be right for you and have you well on your way to better understanding your budget.

In a Competitive Real Estate Market: Take Every Advantage You Can!

The real estate market is always rapidly changing. Staying on top of the realty evolution is what smart homebuyers do, says eXp Realty Realtor, Mark Hein. Here’s how you can do the same:

It’s no secret that the real estate market is rarely, if ever, stagnant. Rapidly changing and always evolving, the competition only seems to heat up for homebuyers. With this in mind, it is important to remember that smart home buyers are the ones who stay on top of these changes. Mark Hein always says: the early bird gets the worm — and the eager homebuyer becomes the homeowner! No overnight process, staying on top of a competitive real estate market requires work. Here’s what Hein recommends:

Research Your Dream Neighborhood

Do you know where you want to live? Maybe you have a location in mind — a town you’d like to call ‘home.’ But what do you know about your dream neighborhood? Doing your research can go a long way in not only making the right choice for you, but also in finding the right choice to make. Find your dream neighborhood and research it — finding your dream home is only the beginning of the adventures of the homebuying experience of homeownership!

Get a Snapshot of the Area You’re Considering

This is where eXp Realty Realtor Mark Hein comes in to help: on his official eXp Realty site, you’ll find up to date listings and market reports. Check out his site to grab a snapshot of the area you’re considering purchasing in. Or, if you don’t see what you’re looking for, just drop Mark a quick message with an area of your choice and he’ll send the details right over!

Do You Know Anyone 55+ Who Needs Real Estate Help?

Are you 55+ and looking for help with real estate? Whether you are looking to buy, sell or rent, Mark Hein of eXp Realty is here to help you with your real estate needs!

Sandwich Generation in Real Estate

Mark Hein, a Real Estate Agent at eXp Realty, is part of the sandwich generation. He has kids who still need him quite a bit (or so he likes to tell himself) and an aging mom who he loves very much. If you’re 55+ plus, you likely are in the same boat as Hein. Some of you may even be feeling older than you would like to. An aging parent or grandparent may need you more than ever. As members of the sandwich generation, this is typical for the 55+ community.

Some of you may be part of Gen X, Baby Boomers or the Silent Generation. You might find that you need to downsize or upgrade your living situation, based on your family’s needs. For the sandwich generation, this is often typical. Now is the time to make big decisions with second homes, investment properties and future living situations. You might be considering 1031 exchanges or reverse mortgages. But before your head goes spinning, consider reaching out to Mark Hein for help — the eXp Realty Realtor is an expert in serving the 55+ community.

Real Estate Options For 55+ Community

Mark Hein has had the opportunity to work with older sellers, as well as adults children working to sell their parents’ homes. Through his work, Hein has developed a heart to serve the 55+ community with the special needs that present themselves. He recently had the privilege of receiving some special training through the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to achieve a Seniors Real Estate Specialist designation! There are several real estate options available exclusively to the 55+ community; including rental properties, condos, apartments and homes. With his Seniors Real Estate Specialist designation, Hein is able to find properties that best suit the needs of the 55+ community.

What’s On Your New Home Checklist?

When searching for the perfect property to call home, it’s important to keep in mind what your wants are — versus what your needs may be. Mark Hein, eXp Realty Real Estate Agent, discusses how creating a New Home Checklist can make house hunting a breeze!

Wants vs. Needs

What do you want out of your next property? What do you need out of the location? Perhaps you are looking for a waterfront property or a home nestled in an active neighborhood. Maybe you want both of those things, but what you really need is to be close to your city-based work office. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to make a complete list of your wants and needs, when searching for the perfect property to call home. When working with clients through eXp Realty, Real Estate Professional Mark Hein encourages each individual to craft their own unique wants vs. needs checklist. Make a list of all the things you are looking for and pass it along to Hein. He’ll be sure to find you the perfect home that best checks those boxes — and suits each of your individual needs!

Location

Realtors often say “location, location, location!” And it’s true: location is important. Mark Hein, eXp Realty Real Estate Agent maintains access to a diverse catalogue of property listings in the Spokane, WA area. Where do you see yourself? Is there a particular neighborhood you would like to settle your roots in? Or is there somewhere that you need to be for work opportunities? No matter what the case may be, Mark Hein is here to help: just create your New Home Checklist and he’ll be on his way to finding the perfect property for you to call home! Your New Home Checklist should include such information as:

Your Wants vs. Needs *Mark Hein can help you determine the difference!
Desired Location: City vs Suburbs — or maybe even the countryside

What Does Your Dream Neighborhood Look Like?

What does your dream neighborhood look like? You may have your dream home in mind, but what about the location? Mark Hein, eXp Realty Real Estate Agent, shares why you should consider your dream neighborhood in your search for your dream home:

If you’re thinking about buying a new home, picking the perfect location for you is key. When working with new clients, Mark Hein always asks the question: what does your dream neighborhood look like?

A lot of people have their dream home in mind. But what about the location? Mark Hein, eXp Realty Realtor, can use his experience to point you to neighborhoods that would be a great fit. You might already have your heart set on a particular place. Hein can start there! He’ll also dig deep to find your some hidden gems. Your dream neighborhood may not be on your mental map just yet. But home awaits!

What types of areas do you see your next home in? What are your requirements? Are there particular locations that are important to you? Mark Hein can point you in the right direction!

Considering your requirements for that dream neighborhood can go a long way. Realtors always say “location, location, location!” And there’s a reason for that! A location, or neighborhood, can offer different things to different people. If you’re interested in leaving near water — tell Mark Hein! If you want to be close by to gyms or other recreational spots: let Hein know!

Your eXp Realty Real Estate Agent, Mark Hein, can find the dream neighborhood — and location — for you!

Come Home to South Hill in Lincoln Heights | Spokane, WA Real Estate Listing Feature

Mark Hein, eXp Realty Agent, features his latest listing in Spokane, WA, in the coveted South Hill area of the Lincoln Heights neighborhood:

Tranquility awaits you in the cozy Lincoln Heights neighborhood of coveted South Hill, Spokane, WA! Mark Hein, eXp Realty Agent, currently has a listing for a home featuring an inventive design you won’t want to miss. Key features of the property include a studio apartment on the lower level, a fenced yard, sprinkler system and a recently renovated front porch.

The 0.13 acre property in the 99223 zip welcomes you to a house that boasts flexibility suitable for any lifestyle — with unique opportunities for hosting guests and/or rental potential.

The main level of this Spokane home boasts two spacious bedrooms, both featuring walk-in closets. The open living room, dining and kitchen areas exhibit character awaiting your own charm. Recently refreshed in 2021 and 2022, the house features a beautiful full bathroom, new flooring and updated appliances. Other custom finishes, including a new hot water tank, take out the hassle of needing to update anything. This property is move-in ready and waiting for you to make it your own!

The lower level of the house features a studio apartment. This space includes a ¾ bath, laundry and kitchenette areas. The lower level studio maintains its own private entrance. This is an ideal opportunity for guests or a potential rental space.

Situated in an unbeatable location, the property is located near walking trails and Trader Joe’s. Convenience, comfort and charm are cornerstones of this cozy property located at 4011 E 31st Ave, Spokane, WA. Envision your life in this home at the Open House hosted by eXp Realty Agent, Mark Hein on Saturday, March 29th, from 10 AM to 1 PM.

Fair Housing in WA Real Estate Market

On March 14, 2025, Real Estate Academy of Washington will host an engaging three-hour informative event encouraging brokers to increase their awareness of the Fair Housing Justice Center. Mark Hein, eXp Realty Real Estate Agent, features the upcoming event to be hosted at Century 21 Beutler & Associates Spokane:

A history of discrimination has made a monumentally negative impact throughout the history of American homeownership. Unfortunately, a lack of understanding of this unique hurdle of experience has created a gap between many brokers and their clients. It is the duty and responsibility of real estate brokers, real estate agents and realtors to recognize the difficulties posed by a history of discrimination, in terms of securing housing.

The Fair Housing in WA event by Real Estate Academy Washington will explore how brokers can better understand the legal framework set forth to prevent housing discrimination. Fair housing opportunities are simple in theory: everyone should have access to quality, affordable housing regardless of age, sex, race, ability or any other identity. Unfortunately, housing discrimination is a very real issue. Even in 2025, many prospective homeowners and event renters struggle to overcome this hurdle. At the Fair Housing in WA Real Estate Market event, Real Estate Academy Washington will proactively imprint an understanding that all people should be treated equally — in the real estate market, homebuying and selling experiences and, of course, in every other aspect of business and life.

eXp Realtor Mark Hein

Real Estate Academy of Washington will host the Fair Housing in WA Real Estate Market informational event at Century 21 Beutler & Associates Spokane in Spokane, WA. Stay tuned for more unique training opportunities in the real estate market, shared by eXp Realtor Mark Hein!

How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Washington

Interested in starting your own career as a Real Estate Agent? eXp Realty Realtor Mark Hein shares step by step instruction son how to get started in the Washington real estate market as an Agent working with buyers and sellers:

Meet Requirements of Washington State Department of Licensing

In order to pursue a career as a Real Estate Agent / Realtor, you must meet the requirements of the Washington State Department of Licensing. Mark Hein outlines those requirements as follows: You must be at least 18 years of age and maintain a diploma or equivalent (i.e. GED). Additionally, you must complete 90 hours of real estate training at an approved institution, which includes a 60 hour course in Real Estate Fundamentals and a 30 hour course in Real Estate Practices.

Complete Real Estate Training

In Washington, it is required to complete 90 hours of real estate training. This includes a 60 hour course focused on Real Estate Fundamentals and a 90 hour course going over Real Estate practices. Mark Hein encourages you to visit the Washington State Department of Licensing Course Search to locate an approved training institution.

Licensing Exam & Application

Once you have completed the necessary training, you must pass the Washington State licensing exam. Once a passing score is achieved, submit an application to receive a license within the state. If you wish to work with Buyers and Sellers outside of Washington, you will have to repeat the licensing exam and application process as per the state’s requirements.

Connect with a Brokerage

Join a team! While many real estate agents choose to work independently, they are often still required to work under a supervising broker. Mark Hein is a proud member of the eXp Realty team located in Spokane, WA. He is available to work with Buyers and Sellers in Seattle and Greater Washington — and you can, too after completing your real estate training and connecting with a local brokerage team!