I'm a realtor who will talk you out of a bad deal.
That house with the "great bones" that needs $80k in work? I'll tell you. The neighborhood that floods every spring? I'll mention it. The seller testing the market at 15% over comps? I'll save you the trouble.
I've watched people buy at the top, panic at the bottom, and stretch into mortgages that kept them up at night.
Twenty-two years of that changes how you do this job. I'm not trying to close you. I'm trying to make sure you're still happy with this decision in five years.
I live here. My kids go to school here. I'll see you at Lakefront Park or the grocery store. I'd like that to be a good conversation.
I'll respond fast
When people work with me, they feel like they're my only client. I pick up the phone. I answer the text. I don't let things sit.
I won't hound you
No drip campaigns. No "just checking in!" emails. When you're ready, I'm here. When you're not, I'll respect that.
I know the deals
Not the scripts — the deals. Inspections, negotiations, contingencies, title issues. The stuff that matters when money is on the line.
I'll be honest
Even when it costs me a commission. Especially then. You're making the biggest purchase of your life — you deserve someone in your corner, not on a sales floor.
Moved to this community as total strangers. We asked locals who was the most knowledgeable, effective and trustworthy realtor. They said, "Oh, that would be Mark Gores." Since then Mark has handled 5 transactions for our family, ranging from $300K to $1MM.— Bud, homebuyer
Mark did a great job of communicating market conditions and helping us get the most value for our home. He was very responsive and helpful throughout the process.— Marcus, home seller
Fast response, did an excellent job advertising the home, had a showing and sold the property before ever getting a "for sale" sign out front. Everything went very smoothly. Mark answered all our questions quickly, provided sound advice on preparing to sell, and handled the entire process with professionalism.— Robert, home seller
We have owned 10 houses in our lifetimes and Mark provided the most professional and expert purchasing experience to date. He listened closely to our needs and delivered exactly what we were after in rapid fashion.— John, homebuyer
I build things for this town because it needs them.
Prior Lake didn't have a community events calendar. People were scattered across Facebook groups, chamber emails, and word of mouth. So I built one.
That's how I think about most things. If something's missing and I can make it, I will. It's not a business strategy — it's just how my brain works.
Prior Lake Events
A community calendar and weekly newsletter covering everything happening in Prior Lake. Fish fries, live music, farmers markets, kids events — if it's happening here, it's on PLE.
Visit PriorLakeEvents.com →Not a headshot with crossed arms in front of a house.
I've lived in Prior Lake since 1986. University of Iowa for college, then right back. My kids went to Jeffers Pond. I can tell you which parks have the best sledding hills and which steakhouse is actually worth it.
When I'm not doing real estate, I'm probably playing pickleball, fixing something in a pinball machine, cooking something ambitious, or out on the boat. I also build websites for fun, which is why this one doesn't look like every other realtor's site.
No pitch. No pressure.
Just a conversation.
If you're thinking about buying or selling in the Prior Lake area, reach out whenever you're ready. I don't do hard sells — I answer questions.