Agent Stories | Career Best – Laurie Whelpley-Baker

After eight months on the market, Laurie Whelpley-Baker of Showcase Properties, representing the buyer, closed the purchase of a 133-acre undeveloped property for $3,125,000. It is one of the top sales of vacant land in 2025 based on sale price, according to Stellar MLS.

Over the years, Laurie has had the pleasure of working with this long-time customer on multiple purchases, building a strong relationship rooted in trust and shared goals. When the property next to the customer’s main farm became available, she had a clear vision for how it could enhance her existing operation. Laurie was honored to support her every step of the way– offering guidance, facilitating the process, and helping bring that vision to life. For Laurie, it wasn’t just about the sale. It was about helping a long-time client expand her dream, one thoughtful step at a time.

One unique element of this sale was the buyer’s desire to remain private throughout the process. Laurie helped facilitate the creation of an LLC specifically for the purchase, allowing her customers to maintain confidentiality while moving forward with their vision. It’s another example of Laurie’s commitment to going beyond the standard transaction by offering personalized support and strategic guidance tailored to her clients’ needs.

Sometimes, where some might look at a vacant property and just see grass or the trees, Laurie sees the forest. With her background as a horse farm owner and as an accomplished horsewoman herself, she immediately agreed with her customer about the potential the land had with its Live Oak trees, Spanish moss, and two natural ponds.

“It’s just a gorgeous natural landscape that’s absolutely perfect for horses and horse people,” she says. “It’s right in the heart of Marion County, very close to HITS and the World Equestrian Center, so it makes it much easier for someone to train and compete at those venues.”

She’s excited to see what the new owners create. “I think it could become one of the finest horse farms in the region; it really is a beautiful place that’s absolutely perfect for working with horses and nurturing the land. I think the right people found the right place for themselves.”

The sale was completed on January 31, 2025 in a deal with Dustin Hiers of Smith & Associates representing the seller.

Laurie is often showing her off-the-track thoroughbred and delighting in the robust horse culture that is the heart of Central Florida. This passion gives her a deep and thorough understanding of and experience with the needs of clients, and a keen breadth of knowledge about the community.

“It’s not my opinion that matters,” she insists. “There’s a property out there for everybody, and it’s totally up to them what that is.”

Laurie’s profound understanding of the equestrian lifestyle, borne from her own experiences, allows her to truly connect with her clients and help them find properties they’ll cherish. Baker ranked in the top 30 agents in Farm Sales for Marion County in 2024, placing at #28 in total volume and #22 in total transactions. Her numerous achievements, including the Rising Star Award, Million Dollar Club, Outstanding Achievers Award, and Top Professional Award, are a testament to her dedication and success in the real estate industry.

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Behind every great real estate deal is a great agent. Our team isn’t just about buying and selling homes—they have unique stories, insights, and passions that make them stand out. Dive into our collection of Agent Stories to learn more about the people who make it all happen.