Meet Mark Bowling, a meticulous former military man who specializes in staying cool, calm and collected in today’s challenging real estate market.

Of course, paying attention to detail comes naturally to Mark, as he entered the real estate world following a distinguished 30-year career in the U.S. Army. He attained the rank of Sergeant Major (E-9) while serving of as a trombonist in the prestigious U.S. Army Field Band, based in Washington, D.C. And during the span of his career, he had the honor of performing at seven presidential inaugurations and in 50 states and several foreign countries.

Mark says, “the Army Field Band provides entertainment, but we also focus on serving and supporting communities across the country.”

This kind of service to others made entering the real estate world feel like a natural endeavor for Mark. He says, “Real estate isn’t just about buying and selling houses. It’s a people business. And, just like the military, it’s about caring for and serving others."

Mark says in today’s market, clients will often look at seven or eight homes before they find the right fit. But you have to be patient, open-minded and creative. In fact, sometimes, Mark will even take clients on what he calls an “adventure day”—touring homes that might not check all the boxes on their “wish list.” “Sometimes,” Mark says, “the unexpected happens, and they find a home they love.”

He says he can typically tell right away when a client really loves a home—just by looking at their face. “It lights up and they have an emotional reaction to it.”

At the other end of the spectrum, some of Mark’s clients get caught up trying to “win” a bidding war. “But I ask them to consider how they’re going to feel three days later,” he says, “after they’ve won the bid.”

“If folks don’t think they’ll be thrilled, then I encourage them to wait until they find the right fit…and then throw everything, including the kitchen sink, into the contract.”

An agent currently with The Bob & Ronna Group, convinced Mark that he should consider joining this elite team of realtors.

Mark says, “from day one, when I first walked into their offices, I felt right at home. Everything was extremely professional—from top to bottom. From the way people dressed in the office…to the materials you’re provided…to the support staff...to the meticulous way they write contracts. It was all very structured and organized, just like what I experienced in the military.”

As an added bonus, Mark definitely knows a thing or two about finding a forever home. He and his wife still live in the charming rancher on a quiet street in Columbia that they found 22 years ago when their two kids were little. When not writing contracts and going on “adventure days” with his clients, Mark enjoys playing electric bass guitar and watching the Orioles.