For us, real estate is about more than just closing deals; it’s about building legacies. Whether it’s land that’s been in a family for generations or a commercial investment shaping a community’s future, we understand the weight of these decisions.
Our story began in 1996, when Dean Saunders, ALC, CCIM, founded Saunders Real Estate with a vision to help landowners achieve their goals with integrity, expertise, and a deep respect for the land. What started as a best-in-class land brokerage quickly gained a reputation throughout the Southeast for trusted advisory and meaningful results, from conservation easements that protect the land for future generations to farmlands that feed communities.
As our clients’ needs grew, so did we. In 2010 and 2011, Dean partnered with Gary Ralston, CCIM, SIOR, CRE, and Todd Dantzler, CCIM, to form Saunders Ralston Dantzler Real Estate, expanding into commercial brokerage and property management. This allowed us to offer comprehensive services while continuing to serve landowners and investors with the same commitment and care.
From 2019 to 2024, we operated under the SVN International brand as Saunders Ralston Dantzler, broadening our reach across the Southeast and entering new markets. During that time, we were recognized as the #1 producing affiliated brokerage worldwide for four (4) consecutive years, a testament to our team’s expertise, dedication, and the trust our clients place in us. In 2025, we returned to our roots and independence, rebranding as Saunders Real Estate and launching two distinct divisions: Saunders Land and Saunders Commercial. This evolution reflects where we’ve been and where we’re headed, staying true to our values while growing with purpose.
Today, we are proud to be one of the most trusted authorities in land and commercial real estate throughout the southern United States. Our comprehensive range of services includes brokerage, property management, land management, conservation easements, forestry, consulting, valuation services, and market research, providing deep expertise across sectors.
Our mission remains simple: to be the most trusted and knowledgeable real estate firm in the markets we serve.
Your legacy matters to us, and we’re honored to be a part of it.
Meet Our Team