From Farm Girl to Des Moines Real Estate Powerhouse: Mariah Klemp on The Lofty Lender Podcast
On this episode of The Lofty Lender Podcast, I, Kyle Guldenpfennig — aka #TallMoneyMan — had the pleasure of chatting with one of Des Moines’ most passionate and authentic real estate professionals: Mariah Klemp.
Mariah’s journey into real estate is the kind of story that feels pulled from a feel-good movie. At just 8 years old, she was already collecting the Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier's "Home Plan of the Week" and dreaming of helping people find their forever homes. Fast forward to today, and Mariah is a 12-year veteran of the real estate industry, bringing a deep sense of care, confidence, and community to every client interaction.
💼 From Law School Dreams to Real Estate Reality
Mariah’s path wasn’t always crystal clear. She initially entered college with a pre-law focus at Iowa State, but after a quick pivot through career counseling, her childhood passion resurfaced — and she’s never looked back. She got her start in Minnesota's competitive Edina and Minneapolis markets, where she learned how to level up professionally in high-end neighborhoods. But her heart — and her network — brought her back home to Des Moines, Iowa, where she built a thriving business on relationships, open houses, and relentless work ethic.
“I used to do open houses almost every single weekend for 10 years — that’s where so many of my long-term clients came from.” – Mariah Klemp
🔑 Keys to Her Success: Confidence, Boundaries, and Real Estate Knowledge
What sets Mariah apart in a competitive real estate market like Des Moines? She attributes much of her success to being confident (even when she wasn’t), building strong client relationships, and knowing homes inside and out. As someone who’s personally renovated nearly every inch of her own 100-year-old historic home, Mariah brings more than sales talk to the table — she brings real-life renovation experience and can spot issues before a home inspector ever walks in.
Mariah also shared how she implemented boundaries in her career after overcoming health challenges. That reset helped her find a more sustainable pace and stronger relationships, both professionally and personally.
“Real estate is not just a job — it’s a lifestyle. But if people don’t respect your boundaries, they’re not your people.”
🌿 Beyond the Deals: Passion Projects & Personal Growth
When she’s not showing homes or sending detailed weekly updates to her clients, Mariah loves working on her house, gardening, and traveling. She even took her first solo trip to London last year — a move that reflects her adventurous, independent spirit. Whether it’s planting shrubs, exploring new cultures, or checking out local Des Moines restaurants, Mariah is all about creating a life she loves and encouraging others to do the same.
🏡 Her Legacy in Real Estate? Trust, Ethics, and Doing the Right Thing
Perhaps the most powerful part of our conversation was when Mariah talked about her real estate legacy. She’s not just here to sell homes — she’s here to guide, educate, and protect her clients. Whether that means talking buyers out of a bad investment or helping sellers navigate loss, her approach is always rooted in honesty, empathy, and professionalism.
“I talk more people out of buying homes than I do into them.”
🎧 Want More?
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in:
Buying or selling a home in Des Moines
Building a real estate career from scratch
The power of authentic client relationships
What it really takes to succeed as a Realtor
👉 Search for The Lofty Lender with #TallMoneyMan wherever fine podcasts are downloaded — Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.
