LAKELAND, FL, July 23, 2026 – As demand for land across the U.S. continues to grow, Saunders Real Estate is expanding its North Carolina presence with the addition of Farms & Land Realty, one of the Carolinas’ most respected land brokerages. The move strengthens Saunders’ land advisory capabilities in the state while adding a team with deep market expertise and longstanding client relationships. Founded by Steve Dana in 2011, Farms & Land Realty has become a trusted name in North Carolina's land market, specializing in land brokerage and bringing extensive development land expertise to the Saunders Real Estate team. All brokerage operations transitioned to Saunders Real Estate, further strengthening the firm's reach and capabilities across the state.
"Growth at Saunders has always been about bringing together talented people who know their markets and care deeply about their clients," said Tyler Davis, President of Saunders Real Estate. "Steve has built one of North Carolina’s most respected land advisory firms, and we’re thrilled to welcome him and the Farms & Land Realty team to Saunders. Their expertise and relationships will strengthen our team and help us continue delivering the level of service our clients expect."
Dana brings decades of experience helping clients navigate complex land transactions throughout North Carolina. He has become a trusted advisor specializing in development land, timberland, recreational properties and agricultural assets. Based in the Southern Pines area, Dana has earned a reputation as one of the Carolinas' most respected land professionals through his deep market knowledge, longstanding relationships, and ability to guide buyers and sellers through every stage of a transaction.
As Senior Advisor, Dana will continue serving clients across North Carolina while working alongside Bill Frisbie, Managing Director of Saunders Real Estate, to further expand the firm's land advisory services throughout the state.
Joining Dana is Genelle Douglas, who will serve as Regional Operations Coordinator for Saunders Ag Land Management and will also support the North Carolina brokerage team.
"Joining Saunders gives us the opportunity to build on the strong foundation we’ve created over the past decade," said Dana. "Our clients will continue to receive the local knowledge and personal attention they’ve come to expect while benefiting from Saunders’ expanded resources, regional reach and specialized expertise across the land market. We’re excited about what this next chapter means for our team and our clients."
Through the acquisition, Farms & Land Realty clients will gain access to Saunders Real Estate's full platform of land advisory services, including specialized expertise in agriculture, conservation, forestry, recreational land, development land, and large-acreage transactions. It will also give them access to Saunders’ proprietary mapping technology through the Atlas platform. Clients will benefit from Saunders' regional marketing platform, collaborative advisor network and nearly three decades of experience representing landowners throughout the Southeast.
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 30 years. With over 100 advisors and offices in major U.S. markets including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, we specialize in large-acreage land transactions, commercial property sales and leasing, and property management.
To reflect our legacy and continued growth, Saunders Real Estate operates through two divisions – Saunders Land and Saunders Commercial. Our 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.