LAKELAND, FL, October 6, 2025 – With demand for farmland, ranchland, and large tracts surging across the U.S., leadership in land brokerage has never been more critical. Saunders Real Estate’s Trent Saunders, ALC, has been elected as a National At-Large Director for the REALTORS® Land Institute (RLI) – a prestigious role that highlights both his deep expertise and the firm’s growing influence on national land policy and investment trends. His two-year term begins January 1, 2026.
Trent Saunders, ALC, Senior Advisor at Saunders Real Estate
“I’m deeply honored to join the RLI Board of Directors,” said Trent Saunders, ALC, Senior Advisor at Saunders Real Estate. “Being elected by my peers is both humbling and inspiring. I'm excited to help advance the work RLI does to strengthen our profession, support landowners, and shape the future of the land industry nationwide.”
A ninth-generation Floridian, Saunders draws on a lifelong connection to the state’s agriculture, citrus, and real estate markets to deliver clients insights few others can match. Over his career, he has closed more than $250 million in land transactions, with a track record of uncovering off-market opportunities and guiding seamless acquisitions of large-acreage properties, citrus groves, farmland, and recreational land.
“Trent’s election to the RLI Board is a testament to both his expertise and the strength of our team at Saunders Real Estate,” said Tyler Davis, ALC, President of Saunders Real Estate. “His leadership role will help to shape industry standards and strengthen connections with leading land professionals across the country.”
Saunders’ distinguished career has been recognized repeatedly by the REALTORS® Land Institute, including the APEX 2024 ALC-to-ALC Networking Award, the 2024 Regional Broker of the Year for Region 10 (FL, GA, NC, SC, VA) in agricultural land sales, and the 2023 Producers Club award. He has served on the RLI board for the past year as chairman of the ALC board, and expertise spans GIS mapping, in-depth property research, and statistical analysis of land sales, equipping clients with data-driven insights and ensuring each transaction is handled with precision.
His election to the National At-Large Director role, determined by votes from RLI members, reflects his extensive experience in Florida land transactions. Saunders will serve the remainder of the term previously held by Abe Mills.
About Saunders Real Estate
Saunders Real Estate is a leading land and commercial real estate brokerage serving buyers,
sellers, investors, and landowners across the Southeastern United States for nearly 30 years. With over 125 advisors and offices in major U.S. markets, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, the firm specializes in large-acreage land transactions, commercial property sales and leasing, and property management.
To reflect its legacy and continued growth, Saunders Real Estate operates through two divisions—Saunders Land and Saunders Commercial. The firm's expertise spans agriculture, conservation, recreation, residential development, and commercial real estate, supported by specialized services such as forestry, land management, and investment acquisitions.
Today, Saunders Real Estate is recognized as a trusted authority in the region, delivering
exceptional results through experienced leadership, innovative strategies, and a client-focused
approach.