Melissa Westphal, Realtor at HOMEgirl Realty LLC

03/24/2026

03/04/2026

Feeling incredibly grateful today! 💐

A huge thank you to Washington State Bank for the beautiful surprise flowers celebrating my recent award. Your thoughtfulness truly meant so much to me! I would not be where I am today if Washington State Bank had not believed in the dreams of a 19 year girl. And they are still here supporting my business dreams 33 years later!

And thank you to Wolf Floral Inc. for creating such a gorgeous arrangement — they absolutely brightened my day.

I’m so thankful to be part of a community that supports and celebrates one another. ❤️

03/03/2026

What a night! We are still buzzing from the energy at the Riverside Casino & Golf Resort for the 2026 Greater Washington Business Partnership Annual Dinner & Awards. It was an incredible evening celebrating the people and businesses that make Washington the best place to live, work, and grow.

​We are so proud to officially announce our Main Street Washington award winners:

​🏆 Heart of Main Street (Business): Melissa Westphal & Stairway to the Stars
Melissa is a true force in our community. From her 30+ years of dedication to dance families and her hand-on leadership with community events to her work with HOMEgirl Realty, Melissa proves that you can run a "well-oiled machine" while leading with a servant’s heart. Thank you for keeping our downtown vibrant!

​🏆 Heart of Main Street (Individual): Don Kline & Marianne Hanshaw
If Main Street is the heart of Washington, Don and Marianne are the heart of MSW. From Don's role as a founding member in 2008 to the duo’s tireless work at every event (even in 2-degree weather!), they lead by quiet example.

​A massive congratulations also to the other partnership winners: Ace N More (Business of the Year), Steve Roth (Citizen of the Year), and Linda Quigley (Harvey Holden Award).

​A special thank you to our Platinum Sponsors who made this evening possible:
​Brava Roof Tile
​Riverside Casino & Golf Resort
​Mitch King - The King Agency (Farm Bureau Financial Services)

​And finally, thank you to everyone who attended, bid on auction items, and continues to invest in our downtown. We truly have a community like no other.
​Here’s to another year of progress! 🥂✨

​

📸 Leppert Media
(more pics to come!)

02/22/2026

Check out the Realtor.com feature article about my listing in Rubio!

A former country church in rural Iowa is on the market for $225,000, offering buyers a slice of small-town history, complete with its original bell tower and pulpit.

Built in 1906 as the Rubio Friends Church in the tiny community of Rubio, the 2,000-square-foot building has since been converted into a two-bedroom home and recording studio.

01/31/2026

704 W Washington just listed!

01/31/2026

New Listing!

09/15/2025

Come take a tour of this UNIQUE property! It was originally the Rubio Church and has most recently been home to Closet Recording Studio.

Updates include: 2 bedrooms added to the lower level, new HVAC, new carpet, radon mitigation system, and so much more!

It is located in Rubio, Iowa, on just over an acre of peaceful timber. Make this your new home or your weekend getaway! It's just a few miles to Lake Darling!

07/09/2025

On the market for one hour! So happy for my seller!