CONTRIBUTED PHOTO — Kristin Polley of Marshalltown has been named the Iowa REALTOR ® of the Year for the Iowa Association of REALTORS ®.

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

Each year, a panel made up of the last five REALTORS® of the Year reviews the nominations and decides on the winner.

“The award is meant to recognize someone who is a leader, not only at our association and across the state, but also in the community. Volunteer work — what they’re doing with an eye to improve and enhance the lives of the people in their area,” said Ashlee Kieler, director of marketing and communications for the Iowa Association of REALTORS®. “She’s very deserving of the recognition and is just a wonderful person.”

Polley was born and raised in Marshalltown and graduated from MCC with the intention to become a teacher, but fate had other plans. With a love of sales and a background in retail, she became a REALTOR ® in 2000.

She specializes in the sale of new and existing homes in Marshalltown/Marshall County, but has branched out to selling in Tama and Story counties, as the Broker of the CENTURY 21 Signature Real Estate Marshalltown office, as well as Polley Real Estate Team Team Lead. Polley recently became the second vice president for the Iowa REALTORS ® (she will become its president in 2028) and is president 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 humbled to receive it, especially since you’re nominated by your peers. It’s rewarding,” she said. “I love serving the community and love serving with the other Realtors locally and statewide. We have 8,000 Realtors across our state, so it’s a big honor.”

She noted that the last time a REALTOR ® from Marshalltown won this award was when Ray Osthus took home the honor in 1971.

Following the 2018 tornado and 2020 derecho, she and her husband, fellow REALTOR ® Kurt Polley, decided to relocate downtown, living in a top floor of a building they owned while transforming downstairs into The Outlet Co-Work & Space.

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

Polley sits on the boards of the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce, the Assistance League of Marshalltown and the Ruckus in the Roundhouse. She is the assistant chair of the Legislative committee for the Iowa Association of REALTORS ®, a member of the Risk Management committee for the National Association of REALTORS ® and an active member of Journey Church.

She said the real estate business has seen ups, downs and changes over the past 24 years, while core values have stayed the same.

“We obviously started with a lot less technology than we use now. But the main thing is, the business has always been extremely relational. It’s always been about taking care of people, building those relationships with your customers and your community,” she said. “Our industry has gone through a lot of major changes, especially in the last 12 months, just with some things that have changed at the National Association of REALTORS ®. We’ve really had to become focused as an association on how we serve our customers and clients, and definitely taking care of our members in our organization has been a top priority for us at the state level.”

She said Marshalltown is not unique in experiencing inventory concerns, increased prices and still high interest rates.

“So we’re very similar to most of the state. In Marshalltown, we have great diversity. We have a really great group of Realtors that can serve a diverse culture, are experienced, and work together in our community, which I’m really proud of,” she said.

In her down time, Polley loves to play basketball, golf, sing, travel and spend time with her family.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what the future brings as I continue to work for the members and association and continue to serve the community. It’s been a really great ride,” she said.