Meet Our Team
Experienced agents with deep roots in Iowa
Established 1999
The Real Estate Store Story
Ruth M. Bolinger founded The Real Estate Store in 1999 with a belief that real estate should be about more than a transaction. Her goal was to build lasting relationships with buyers and sellers of all experience levels, offering personal guidance every step of the way.
An Iowa native, Ruth has lived and worked across the state and has called Creston home since 1973. She graduated from Creston High School in 1975 and Southwestern Community College in 1978. Her background spans real estate, financial services, and nonprofit program management.
Ruth returned to real estate full time in 2023 with renewed energy and a commitment to guiding buyers and sellers and mentoring agents. Today, The Real Estate Store serves clients throughout Iowa, with a focus on Southwest Iowa and a team rooted in the communities it serves.
Your Southwest Iowa Experts
Ruth M. Bolinger
Owner & Broker
Iowa native and Creston High School Class of 1975. Ruth founded The Real Estate Store in 1999 and returned as Owner/Broker in 2023. Her background spans real estate, financial services, and nonprofit program management. She and her husband Craig have two sons and three grandchildren.
Dr. Jesse O. Bolinger
Referral Specialist
Covering North Central Iowa. A Creston High School Class of 2002 graduate, Jesse holds degrees from Graceland University, a Master's from Regis University, and a PhD from Capella University. He has two daughters and enjoys volunteering and traveling.
Paula Crow
Real Estate Agent
An Iowa native married to Terry W. Crow for 18 years, Paula is a proud mother of seven. She enjoys family time, camping, cornhole, reading, and shopping — and brings that same warmth and dedication to every client relationship.
Tracy Leppla
Real Estate Agent
Originally from North Carolina, Tracy has been married to Melvin for 19 years and is a mother of four sons. She enjoys photography, painting, and sports. Known for being straightforward, honest, and driven in everything she does.