Mary Anne Windes, broker-owner of Real Estate Professionals of Destin, has built a reputation in the Destin real estate market over more than 30 years. She is known for her work in both commercial development and residential transactions.
Windes began her career in real estate after advice from a family friend. “He said, ‘Baby doll, you need to get into real estate. You’d be great at it,” she recalls. “I told him, ‘No, sir, I’ve got a degree in accounting and I’m going to be a CPA.’ But he looked at me and said, ‘You could make more money in real estate, and the potential is limitless.’”
She credits this advice for her decision to enter the field, which she says proved correct.
Throughout her career, Windes has taken on several leadership roles in the Destin community. She has served as president of the local Realtor association, the Destin Chamber of Commerce, and was appointed by then-Governor Jeb Bush to chair the Mid-Bay Bridge Authority. In addition, she has led the Destin Fishing Rodeo and currently manages a marina operation with 37 boats, as well as waterfront property that includes a restaurant.
Outside her business activities, Windes is involved in community support. She maintains a fund to help students at Destin Elementary and often provides guidance to young people working at the marina. “I tell them, ‘Who will you be when you grow up?’” she says. “I’m always trying to get people to make better decisions. I butt in.”
Her approach to real estate emphasizes problem-solving. Windes describes a recent situation where she resolved a stalled transaction by quickly coordinating communication between the buyer’s lender and the homeowners’ association. “They’d been spinning their wheels for weeks. As soon as I found out the issue, I had everyone on a conference call by the end of the day. Problem solved.”
Windes describes her attention to detail as a key strength. “I’ve got checklists for everything” – and she never lets details slip through the cracks.
She recently became a Florida Realtors Board-Certified Professional, an achievement she considers significant. “When I read the qualifications, I thought, ‘They wrote this for me,’” she says. “It wasn’t easy. But I knew I had the experience and commitment to earn it.”
Despite the recognition, Windes says her motivation is helping others. “I like to make a difference. I like to help,” she says. “I’m the one who ends up in the kitchen at the party doing dishes instead of sipping cocktails. That’s just who I am.”
Windes continues to be active in the Destin community, assisting residents with real estate, business, and personal challenges.
