Relationship-Driven Real Estate in Iowa: My Conversation with Blake Shaffer of RE/MAX Concepts

April 03, 2026•4 min read

If you’re buying or selling a home in Central Iowa, your choice of who you work with matters just as much as the house you choose.

In Episode 73 of The Lofty Lender, I sat down with Blake Shaffer, a Realtor with RE/MAX Concepts, to talk about what truly separates a transaction-focused agent from a relationship-focused one.

Blake isn’t just selling homes. He’s building long-term trust with families, and that mindset shows up in every part of his business.

If you haven’t listened yet, search The Lofty Lender with #TallMoneyMan wherever fine podcasts are downloaded.

Why Blake Got Into Real Estate

Blake’s path into real estate wasn’t traditional, and that’s exactly what makes it powerful.

Originally from Illinois, Blake grew up in a foster-care household. His family welcomed multiple children into their home for years. That experience shaped how he sees people:

Trust isn’t automatic, it’s earned.
Communication matters.
You walk with someone step-by-step.
Relationships outlast transactions.

He started his education at Des Moines Area Community College, earned his real estate license, and chose to go all-in instead of taking a traditional career path.

That decision paid off, not because of flashy marketing, but because of consistency and care.

Foster Care, Trust & First-Time Homebuyers

One of the most powerful parts of our conversation was how Blake connected his foster care upbringing to real estate.

When you’re working with:

First-time homebuyers
Move-up families
Downsizers
Investors

They’re often nervous. Uncertain. Overwhelmed.

Blake’s approach mirrors foster parenting:

Build trust first.
Explain every step.
Be available.
Make the process feel safe.

And I can personally vouch for this. We recently worked together on a transaction where the buyer specifically mentioned how supported they felt, not just about the home, but about everything surrounding it.

That’s the difference.

The Biggest Mistake Homebuyers Make

We also talked about one of the most common (and costly) mistakes buyers make:

Looking at homes before talking to a lender.

Here’s what happens:

Buyers fall in love with a house.
Then they talk financing.
Then they realize they aren’t approved, or the payment isn’t what they expected.

That emotional rollercoaster is avoidable.

Blake emphasized, and I completely agree, that Step 1 is always:

Talk to a lender
Understand your budget
Know your monthly comfort zone
Review credit
Understand available loan programs

Whether it’s Conventional, FHA, VA, or even USDA zero-down options in rural Iowa, education comes first.

Then house hunting becomes strategic, not emotional chaos.

Choosing the Right Real Estate Team

This was a key takeaway from the episode:

It’s not just about picking a lender.
It’s not just about picking a Realtor.

It’s about picking a team that communicates.

A strong transaction includes:

Clear communication between lender and agent
Consistent messaging
Transparency about timelines
Proactive problem-solving

When the lender and Realtor work together, buyers feel confident.

When they don’t? Stress multiplies.

In Central Iowa’s competitive market, especially in areas like Ankeny, Waukee, West Des Moines, and the surrounding suburbs, alignment matters.

Blake’s Professional Goals & Market Insight

Blake’s goal this year?
65 transactions.

But what stood out wasn’t the number, it was how he measures success.

Not volume.
Not ego.
Not awards.

Families served.

That mindset is rare, especially in a market that can feel transactional.

With warmer weather already hitting Iowa this spring, Blake expects increased buyer traffic, and he’s focused on educating buyers months before they’re ready to purchase.

That’s the long game.

Life Outside of Real Estate

Blake is also:

A husband
A father of two young children
A dog dad (three pups!)
A mountain getaway guy (though beaches are winning lately thanks to kids)

His discipline around shutting down work to be present with family was something I respect. In real estate and mortgage lending, the phone never stops. But presence is intentional.

That balance builds longevity, in both business and life.

Final Takeaways for Iowa Homebuyers

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in Des Moines or the surrounding areas, here are the key lessons from our conversation:

✔ Start with education.
✔ Build your team before you shop for houses.
✔ Choose professionals who communicate.
✔ Focus on long-term relationships, not quick transactions.
✔ Don’t skip steps in the process.

Real estate isn’t just paperwork.
It’s one of the biggest financial decisions most families will make.

Choose wisely.