You’ve probably seen the signs. Driving through the Florida scrub or past a sprawling Georgia timber tract, that blue and white logo pops up on fence posts. CBC Saunders Real Estate—now often operating under the streamlined Saunders Real Estate banner—is one of those names that everyone in the industry knows, but few outsiders truly understand. Most folks think they just sell dirt.
Honestly? It's way more complicated than that.
The firm, founded in 1996 by Dean Saunders, isn't your average "for sale" sign operation. Dean is an eighth-generation Floridian. When you’ve got that much red clay and sandy soil in your DNA, you don’t just look at a map; you look at a legacy. He started the brokerage after a stint in the Florida House of Representatives and working for Governor Lawton Chiles. That political background is actually the "secret sauce" people miss. He didn't just learn how to sell land; he learned how to write the laws that protect it.
The Shift From CBC to Independent Roots
For years, the world knew them as Coldwell Banker Commercial Saunders Real Estate. It was a powerhouse partnership. But in early 2025, things took a turn back to the basics. The firm transitioned to an independent brokerage model, rebranding as Saunders Real Estate.
Why does that matter to you?
Well, it shows a massive trend in high-end land and commercial sectors. These guys realized they didn't need a global franchise name to dominate the Southeast. They already had the data. They had the boots on the ground. By splitting into two distinct arms—Saunders Land and Saunders Commercial—they basically carved out a niche that handles everything from 3,000-acre cattle ranches to the retail strip mall down the street.
The numbers they're putting up are kind of insane. In 2024 alone, they brokered over $818 million in transactions. We’re talking about 75,400+ acres of land. To put that in perspective, that’s roughly the size of five Manhattans.
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What They Actually Do (It’s Not Just Listings)
If you think you’re just getting a broker who shows up in a clean truck, you’re mistaken. The operation is tech-heavy. They use a proprietary mapping system called Atlas. It’s basically Google Earth on steroids, layered with tax data, soil types, and historical sales that aren't always public.
- Conservation Easements: This is where Dean Saunders really flexes. He literally wrote the legislation for the Green Swamp Land Authority. They help landowners get paid to not develop their land, keeping Florida green while keeping the family's bank account full.
- The Lay of the Land: Every year, they host a conference in Lakeland. It’s the "Met Gala" for people who wear Wranglers and work in private equity. Their annual Lay of the Land Market Report is the industry Bible for verified sales data.
- Commercial Muscle: Gary Ralston and Todd Dantzler head up the commercial side. Gary is a CCIM and SIOR—basically, he has more letters after his name than a bowl of alphabet soup. They handle the "boring" stuff that makes money: industrial warehouses, NNN leases, and urban development.
Why the "Coldwell Banker" Era Still Matters
Even though they've moved toward independence, the CBC Saunders heritage is why they have reach in Alabama, Georgia, and Arkansas. You don't just "arrive" in those markets. You build a network.
A lot of people ask if they're still part of the Coldwell Banker network. While the main firm has pushed its own brand, many of the legacy systems and professional standards of the CBC era remain. It’s like a kid moving out of their parents’ mansion—they’re independent now, but they still have the keys to the library and all the high-society connections.
The 2024 stats tell a story of a market that isn't slowing down, even with interest rates being... well, what they are.
- South Lake Toho Development: A massive $110 million deal for 3,229 acres in Osceola County.
- Martin County Farmland: Two separate deals totaling over $105 million.
- Creek Ranch: A $36 million conservation easement.
That last one is the kicker. Most brokers want a quick sale to a developer who will put up 5,000 "cookie-cutter" homes. Saunders often takes the path that involves government grants and long-term land preservation. It’s a slower burn, but it’s what keeps them in the good graces of the old-school ranching families.
The Georgia and Arkansas Expansion
If you’re up in Thomasville, Georgia, or Fayetteville, Arkansas, you’ve probably noticed more of their signs lately. They aren't just a Florida company anymore. The Georgia land market is a different beast—lots of timberland and "quail hunts."
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In 2024, their Georgia advisors moved over 5,000 acres. They even launched a specific Georgia Lay of the Land report. It’s a smart move. As Florida gets more crowded and expensive, the smart money is moving north into the "Piedmont" and the timber tracts of South Georgia.
Real Talk: Is It All Hype?
Look, no firm is perfect. The land business is "kinda" messy. Deals fall through because of a gopher tortoise or a weird title issue from 1890. But what sets this group apart is the Research Team. They have about eight full-time analysts who do nothing but verify sales. In a world where Zestimate is usually wrong, having someone who knows that a specific tract sold for $5,879 per acre because of the irrigation pivot is a huge advantage.
Actionable Steps for Landowners and Investors
If you’re sitting on 50 acres or looking to dump $10 million into a 1031 exchange, don't just call a residential agent who sells houses in a cul-de-sac.
- Audit your "Highest and Best Use": Before listing, ask for a land management consultation. You might think you have a farm, but you might actually have a solar site or a conservation candidate.
- Get the Report: Download the latest Lay of the Land report for your specific state. It’s free and keeps you from getting fleeced by "low-ball" developers.
- Check the Designations: Look for brokers with the ALC (Accredited Land Consultant) tag. Statistics show they close significantly more volume than those without it.
- Verify the Water Rights: In the Southeast, land is only as good as the water under it. Make sure any brokerage you use has a "forester" or "agronomist" on staff or speed dial.
Managing a legacy is about more than a transaction. It’s about making sure that when you sell a piece of the earth, you’re doing it with data that actually makes sense for the next hundred years.