Building a Stronger Profession: Dakotah Reed's Commitment to Iowa Real Estate

The mission of the Iowa Real Estate Commission is to protect the public through the examination, licensing, and regulation of the real estate industry in Iowa.

With a mission like that, it’s easy to see why, on first thought, you imagine an intimidating group of people in black robes, sitting around a table in a darkroom tasked with deciding whether someone might go to “real estate jail.” 

“That was my impression, but that’s not at all what it is,” said Dakotah Reed, Iowa Real Estate Commission chair and Des Moines Area Association of REALTORS second vice president. 

 Today, Reed, who is at the tail end of his second term with the IREC sees the board for what it is: a group of folks that come together, take pride in our industry, work to elevate the level of professionalism in real estate, and to ensure that being a licensee means something to the public. 

Serving on the Commission has given Reed a deeper appreciation for the work happening behind the scenes to protect both consumers and the real estate profession. 

“I think as a Commission, as we look at the industry, there have certainly been opportunities where professionalism may have been degraded, and perhaps the right standards weren't there to hold membership to. To keep industry vital and regarded as it should be.”

Joining the Commission in 2021 came naturally to Reed, who has served on a number of community and non-profit boards in the past. Yet, he saw the appointment as an opportunity to make an impact on the industry he’s been part of for more than a decade. 

Serving on the Commission has given Reed a deeper appreciation for the work happening behind the scenes to protect both consumers and the real estate profession.

"None of these decisions are taken lightly," he says. "They're thought out and purposeful. This is what we as a body see on the horizon and what we can take action on now to preserve the opportunities of licensees, but ensure the public is still represented.” 

Reed sees himself as a conduit between the commission and fellow REALTORS®; someone who has a seat at the table and can take conversations back not only to his brokerage, but to the local board he also serves. 

“There have been times when I can say, ‘here is the mindset of the board or Commission,’ to have the ability to provide context,” Reed said. 

On a more personal level, Reed sees his opportunity on the Commission as a way to continue elevating the value and presence of licensees in Iowa. 

“Nobody wakes up on a Tuesday and says ‘I want to buy a house.’ There’s a life event that occurs - maybe they got a new job, or growing their family - whatever that life event is, there’s a causation,” he said. “To  me, it’s humbling to be invited to join that chaotic piece of life. If I can bring peace to that, you’ll build not only lifelong relationships, but they’ll also see the value of a REALTOR®.” 

Reed urges others thinking of volunteering their time to the industry, whether at the state or local level, to jump in feet first. 

“It’s incredibly valuable,” he said. “There’s natural attrition in our industry. At some point these leaders have put in their time and feel ready to move on. Without someone raising their hand, it’s so easy for the industry to degrade and all of a sudden our value is not what it is today.” 

Reed also encourages those interested in leading, to reach out to current leaders in the industry to learn more. It’s advice he’s lived first-hand. While he started his career in Southeast Iowa, he eventually relocated to Des Moines for his wife’s career, a step that meant starting over. 

“I remember at the time, I’d gone through the DMAAR orientation and Linda Westergaard was president. She must have spoken but it triggered me in that moment to call her and ask her for coffee.” 

The pair did meet for coffee and Reed gained a deeper understanding of the local market, the value of the Association and how he could be a piece of it moving forward. 

“It opened my eyes,” he said. “I’m a piece of something much larger than my annual dues or going to a conference. Having that in the back of your mind - being part of something bigger - it changes how you do business. Pick up the phone and call us.” 

For Reed, serving isn't about holding a title, it's about protecting consumers, strengthening the profession and helping ensure the next generation of REALTORS® inherits an even stronger industry.

“You get these things because there are generations of REALTORS® ahead of you that have seen the value of our industry,” he said. “And to maintain that professionalism, and see into the future. There are so many changes coming and pressure, it's paramount that we have that next generation.”