Kristin Polley’s work ethic, commitment to clients and dedication to giving back to Marshalltown are attributes that have earned her the designation of Iowa REALTOR ® of the Year for the Iowa Association of REALTORS ®.

Each year, a jury composed of the last five real estate brokers and agents of the year reviews the applications and decides the winner.

“This award is intended to recognize someone who is a leader, not only within our association and across the state, but also in the community. Volunteer work — what they do with the goal of improving the lives of people in their area,” said Ashlee Kieler, director of marketing and communications for the Iowa Association of REALTORS®. “She truly deserves this recognition and is just a wonderful person.”

Polley was born and raised in Marshalltown and graduated from MCC with the intention of becoming a teacher, but destiny had other plans. Passionate about sales and with experience in retail, she became a real estate agent in 2000.

She specializes in selling new and existing homes in Marshalltown/Marshall County, but has branched out into sales in Tama and Story Counties, serving as a broker in Marshalltown’s CENTURY 21 Signature Real Estate office, as well as team leader of Polley Real Estate. . Polley recently became the second vice president of Iowa REALTORS ® (she will become president in 2028) and is chair of the Mid Iowa Regional Board of REALTORS ®. Despite her visibility in the field, she said winning the award took her by surprise.

“I was very honored to receive it, especially since you are nominated by your peers. It’s rewarding,” she said. “I love serving the community and I love serving with other Realtors locally and throughout the state. We have 8,000 real estate agents across our state, so this is a great honor.

She pointed out that the last time a Marshalltown real estate agent won this award was when Ray Osthus won the honor in 1971.

Following the 2018 tornado and 2020 derecho, she and her husband, fellow real estate agent Kurt Polley, decided to move downtown, living on the top floor of a building they owned while remodeling the ground floor in The Outlet Co-Work & Space.

“We wanted to help make Marshalltown thrive and grow again after traumatic storms,” she said. “We thought we could be part of the solution and rehabilitate downtown by doing it ourselves. It’s easier for someone to trust you when you’ve done the work yourself.

Polley serves on the boards of the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce, the Assistance League of Marshalltown and the Ruckus in the Roundhouse. She is Deputy Chair of the Iowa Association of REALTORS ® Legislative Committee, a member of the National Association of REALTORS ® Risk Management Committee, and an active member of Journey Church.

She said the real estate industry has seen ups, downs and changes over the past 24 years, while the fundamental values ​​have remained the same.

“We obviously started with a lot less technology than we have today. But the main thing is that business has always been extremely relational. It’s always been about taking care of people, building relationships with your customers and your community,” she said. “Our industry has seen many major changes, especially over the past 12 months, including some things that have changed within the National Association of REALTORS ®. We’ve really had to focus as an association on how we serve our customers, and taking care of our members in our organization has certainly been a top priority for us at the state level.

She said Marshalltown isn’t alone in experiencing inventory issues, rising prices and continued high interest rates.

“So we’re a lot like most states. In Marshalltown, we have great diversity. We have a really good group of real estate agents who can serve a diverse culture, are experienced and work together in our community, which I’m really proud of,” she said.

In her free time, Polley enjoys playing basketball, golf, singing, traveling, and spending time with her family.

“I look forward to what the future holds for me as I continue to work for the members and the association and serve the community.” It was a great adventure,” she said.