By Heather Bennett
In Destin there is no shortage of real estate agents, but choosing the right agent for you can be daunting. What sets Real Estate Professionals of Destin apart is they are lead by broker and owner Mary Anne Windes. She is a staple of the community and wants what is best for her clients and neighbors.
Mary Anne has lived in the Fort Walton Beach/Destin area her entire life. She graduated from the University of West Florida with a BA in accounting, and pursued real estate to spend more time with her family. She is married to Commissioner Kelly Windes, a third generation Destin fisherman. They have two children and three grandchildren, all who call The Emerald Coast home. Mary Anne has been the chairman for several Destin boards and committees over the years.
When she is not investing her time in the community, she is investing in people. She gives her honest opinion when it comes to real estate decisions even if it means losing a commission. “I would talk as many people out of selling real estate as I would help,” stated Mary Anne. “The ability to sell is not something you need as a real estate agent, it’s the ability to help people.”
She has carefully chosen her agents over the years, choosing to keep her business of more than 20 years small with good agents; quality over quantity. She hires people she knows and she trusts, people who think more like her. “I want people that genuinely want to help people. I don’t look for salesman,” said Mary Anne. “I’m not afraid to walk away from a pay day, and I want agents that’ll do the same.”
Mary Anne oversees the transactions of her agents. Guiding them along the way. She believes in honest, clear-cut business practices. “My reputation makes my company successful,” stated Mary Anne. “People who have known me my entire life, they know how honest I am, they know how hard I work, they know how serious I take things.” She strongly believes that the decisions you make reflect who you are, and since she isn’t leaving Destin anytime soon, she knows she will be held accountable for her business actions, and believes in providing a service that reflects her scrupulous nature.
With successful and diligent agents in place, Mary Anne hopes that one day she can take a less hands on role in her real estate business to spend time with her grandchildren. “I’m looking forward to one day working part time and picking up my grandkids at Destin Elementary School at the end of the day,” stated Mary Anne. She also plans to stay active in the community. “We’re always watching things and like to see where we can help,” said Mary Anne. “I love this area. I can’t imagine why anyone would ever move away.”
Mary Anne also manages separate businesses including commercial boats, a marina, and a few retail ventures, and she’s helped with several political campaigns.
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