For more than 70 years, Winstead Realty has been a trusted name in Meridian, Mississippi real estate, helping buyers, sellers, investors, and property owners achieve their real estate goals throughout Meridian, Lauderdale County, and East Central Mississippi. Our commitment to client satisfaction, local market expertise, integrity, and community involvement continues to be the foundation of our success.
The history of Winstead Realty began in 1952 when Wilbur C. (W.C.) Winstead and R.C. Baughman formed Baughman and Winstead, a partnership focused on residential development, subdivision planning, and home construction. When Mississippi began licensing real estate agents in 1954, W.C. Winstead became the state’s 200th licensed real estate broker, establishing a legacy of professionalism and leadership in the Mississippi real estate industry.
In 1965, W.C. Winstead and his wife, Thellis Winstead, founded Winstead Realty Company. Together, they helped shape the growth of Meridian and surrounding communities through residential construction, land development, and real estate brokerage services. Thellis earned her real estate sales license in 1962 and later obtained her broker’s license in 1972, becoming a respected leader in the local real estate community.
The Winstead family continued to grow the company for decades. Terry Winstead joined the firm in 1978 and obtained his broker’s license in 1979. Tony Winstead joined the company in 1988 and later became Principal Broker in 2000. Over the years, members of the Winstead family served five terms as President of the Meridian Board of Realtors and received or shared the Realtor of the Year Award seven times, reflecting their dedication to professional excellence and community service.
In May 2026, Barry Ward purchased Winstead Realty, beginning an exciting new chapter for one of Mississippi’s longest-standing real estate companies. Barry is committed to preserving the trusted reputation that Winstead Realty has built since 1965 while expanding services and opportunities for clients across Meridian, Lauderdale County, Newton County, Kemper County, Neshoba County, and throughout East Central Mississippi.
Today, Winstead Realty provides comprehensive real estate services including:
* Residential real estate sales
* First-time homebuyer assistance
* Luxury home marketing
* Land and acreage sales
* Farm and recreational property sales
* Commercial real estate services
* Investment property sales
* Property valuation and market analysis
* Relocation services
* Real estate consulting
As local real estate experts, we understand the neighborhoods, schools, market trends, and communities that make East Central Mississippi unique. Whether you are searching for homes for sale in Meridian, MS, land in Lauderdale County, commercial property opportunities, or investment real estate throughout the region, our experienced team is dedicated to providing knowledgeable guidance and exceptional customer service every step of the way.
Through changing markets, economic cycles, and decades of growth, Winstead Realty has remained committed to delivering honest, professional, and results-driven real estate services. Our reputation has been built on trust, long-term relationships, and a genuine commitment to helping our clients succeed.
We are proud of our heritage, grateful for the generations of clients who have trusted us, and excited about the future. As we continue serving Meridian and East Central Mississippi, our mission remains simple: provide expert real estate guidance, exceptional client service, and meaningful support to the communities we call home.
Becoming a Realtor
Actually, to become a Realtor, you first have to obtain a real estate license. There are two license categories: sales and broker. A person with a sales license is only allowed to work through a broker, and each real estate company in Mississippi is required to have only one principal broker. You can have a broker’s license and work through another broker; several of our agents at Winstead Realty have their broker’s licenses. The National Association of Realtors is a trade organization. You can be a licensed real estate agent and not be a Realtor, but most real estate agents in Meridian are Realtors and there are many benefits to Realtor membership. See information about a career in real estate.
A Career in Real Estate
To obtain a sales license you have to complete two pre-license educational courses, pass a background check and pass an exam, which has two components: state and local. You must pass each component. To obtain a broker’s license you have to have either four courses and a year’s experience as a salesperson or five courses, and you have to pass a two-part state exam, again with national and state components. Terry Winstead teaches pre-license courses at MCC, at night, and has for over 30 years. Call Terry at 601.483.4563 for more information.