GAINESVILLE, GA, March 30, 2026 – Saunders Real Estate, a regional real estate firm with $1.07 billion in transactions in 2025, is opening its first office in Northern Georgia. The new Gainesville location is the firm’s second office in the state, joining its existing Thomasville office. The move comes as Metro Atlanta continues to grow into one of the nation’s most dynamic real estate markets. The expansion strengthens Saunders Real Estate’s Southeast presence and brings expertise in development land, timber, recreational properties, farms, and commercial real estate to the region.
Russell Dye, ALC, CCIM, Regional Managing Director at Saunders Real Estate in Gainesville, Georgia.
Leading the new office is Russell Dye, who joins the firm as Regional Managing Director after serving as Senior Vice President at Avison Young, one of the largest commercial real estate brokerages in the world. Dye’s appointment represents a significant milestone for Saunders Real Estate, bringing a respected Atlanta market leader with proven expertise in development land, recreational assets, and industrial properties.
“Expanding into Metro Atlanta has long been a top priority for our firm,” said Tyler Davis, President of Saunders Real Estate. “With Russell’s experience, relationships, and leadership, we’re in a great position to uncover new opportunities across North Georgia and Metro Atlanta, which are two of the most active and exciting land and commercial markets in the country.”
The new office occupies 2,604 square feet in a renovated historic building at 416 Bradford St. NW, Gainesville, GA 30501. Once a neighborhood dry cleaner, the property is being transformed into a modern office featuring exposed beams and collaborative design elements. The reimagined space reflects both Gainesville’s history and Saunders Real Estate’s forward-looking vision for real estate in the Southeast.
“Joining the legacy of Saunders Real Estate was an easy decision,” said Russell Dye. “Atlanta is one of the fastest-evolving markets in the country, and I’m excited to lead our expansion here. Our team will provide clients with the full-service expertise the firm is known for, helping them navigate the market with insight, strategy, and results.”
This Gainesville office will work in close collaboration with Saunders Real Estate’s existing Georgia location, enhancing the firm’s regional footprint and leveraging extensive relationships throughout Metro Atlanta to provide comprehensive brokerage and advisory services.
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.