Shelby Baker named IAOTP’s Top Real Estate Expert of the Decade

The International Association of Top Professionals will honor Shelby Baker, a Sales Specialist with Coldwell Banker Realty Navarre, at its annual gala in New York City this December. The recognition highlights her work in luxury new construction and residential sales, plus her leadership in the Emerald Coast real estate community.

Why it matters: - IAOTP’s “Top Real Estate Expert of the Decade” recognition puts Shelby Baker among a small group of professionals the organization selects for leadership, longevity and community impact. - The honor adds national visibility for Baker’s work in luxury new construction and residential sales on Florida’s Emerald Coast. - The award also reflects the growing value of agents who combine market knowledge with construction and zoning expertise.

What happened: - IAOTP selected Shelby Baker, a Sales Specialist with Coldwell Banker Realty Navarre, as its Top Real Estate Expert of the Decade for 2026. - IAOTP will honor Baker at its Annual Awards Gala at the Plaza Hotel in New York City this December. - The recognition also includes her selection for IAOTP’s Empowered Woman Award and Top 50 Fearless Leaders. - A chapter about Baker was published in an internationally best-selling publication tied to the recognition.

The details: - Baker has more than a decade of experience in real estate. - Her focus areas include luxury sales, luxury new construction and residential sales. - Baker works with buyers and sellers through personalized client communication, negotiation and business strategy. - Before joining Coldwell Banker Realty Navarre, Baker worked as a Realtor with Southern Ventures Corporation and Whitworth Builders Realty, Inc. - Baker began her career at Holley by the Sea, Florida’s second-largest homeowners association, first as a youth co-director and later as an architectural supervisor. - That early work gave Baker direct experience with local construction regulations and zoning requirements. - Baker studied Business Administration at Midwestern State University. - She also earned a Child Development Associate credential and a New Construction Agent Certification. - Baker is active with the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, the National Association of REALTORS and the Women’s Council of REALTORS. - She served as Navarre Area Director on the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors Board of Directors. - Baker also chaired the Professional Development Committee and the Navarre Tour of Homes. - Her past honors include Chapter Realtor of the Year from the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors. - She was featured in Emerald Coast Real Producers magazine, Marquis Who’s Who and on the cover of TIP (Top Industry Professionals) Magazine. - Baker also received IAOTP’s Top Real Estate Agent of the Year and the Empowered Woman of the Year Award last year. - More information is available on Shelby Baker’s website and on IAOTP’s awards gala page.

Between the lines: - IAOTP’s selection process is built around invitation or nomination, plus a brief interview, which gives the award a curated and exclusivity-driven profile. - Baker’s background in both construction-related roles and residential sales helps explain why IAOTP highlighted her innovation and expertise. - The award list suggests IAOTP is using the Decade distinction to recognize a broader body of work, not just one recent sales year.

What’s next: - Baker will be formally recognized at the Annual Awards Gala at the Plaza Hotel in New York City in December. - Baker says she hopes to inspire people entering the field. - She plans to keep focusing on her work with clients while balancing time with family and travel.