670 N. Orlando Avenue Ste 1014,
Maitland, FL 32751
The Hope Group offers a small by design approach for building a custom home. As your personalized concierge resource we have the ability to curate off market land opportunities and custom built designs. We partner with you through your decision making process to ensure unparalleled results, with a maximum return on investment.
Meet Our Team
Industry innovator Laura Hope founded The Hope Group to bridge the gap between high-end custom homebuilders and buyers seeking unique home solutions. She specializes in aligning her clients’ particular needs, expectations, and budgets with top architects, builders, and other industry experts. Passionate about her profession and visionary in her execution, Laura consistently maximizes returns on investment for builders and buyers alike. She is dedicated to bringing her clients’ dreams to fruition, and she does that with integrity and compassion.
Laura’s love of real estate was predated by her work at her family’s electric company, which gave her an affinity and respect for construction and its associated trades. Before long, Laura was shadowing a local custom homebuilder. There, she learned the intricacies of managing residential build projects, including how to run a construction site and perform cost analyses. Once she obtained her real estate license in 2010, Laura set out to bring those new construction builds to the market herself.
Laura offers her clients personalized, end-to-end care, an unmatched work ethic, and fierce negotiation skills. A collaborator by nature, she has built a team of professionals who broker intelligent deals and hold client service as their No. 1 priority.
Laura holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology and business from Northwestern University. Beyond real estate, she enjoys an active lifestyle by soaking up the stunning Florida coastlines and beaches from her bicycle, practicing yoga, or competing in a great game of tennis. Laura can also be seen cruising around town in her golf cart, enjoying the sights and scenery of beautiful Winter Park and New Smyrna Beach.
Having lived in Central Florida since he was 8, Leighton Hope was introduced to real estate as a child when his mother took him along while scouting houses.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration at the University of Central Florida, Leighton began his professional arc in digital marketing and as a computer software specialist selling software as a service (SaaS). As marketing manager and custom home consultant, he keeps The Hope Group current and relevant in the ever-evolving online realm while helping clients bring their vision to reality through the new-build process.
But more than digital expertise, Leighton credits his professional background as the foundation of his confidence in meeting clients, listening to their problems, and providing solutions. His passion for real estate stems from his desire to meet people, learn their goals, and be a problem solver. He considers it a privilege to help clients purchase or build their dream home.
Off the clock, Leighton loves to read, journal, and work out; a self-confessed “gym junkie,” he’s training for an Ironman race. His spare time goes to more reading, personal development, and video gameplay.
Vinny Lay is a trusted real estate advisor with deep roots in Central Florida, specializing in luxury homes and new-construction opportunities. As part of The Hope Group at Compass, he proudly serves clients alongside a collaborative team focused on new construction, luxury homes, and curating a white-glove buying and selling experience tailored to each client’s goals. Having lived in the Orlando area for over two decades, he offers an insider’s perspective on the region’s most desirable neighborhoods, emerging markets, and lifestyle-driven communities. With a background in high-level sales and client advisory roles, Vinny brings a strategic, results-driven approach to real estate. He is known for his ability to understand client objectives, communicate clearly, and negotiate with precision—particularly when navigating complex transactions, custom builds, and competitive markets. His clients value his ability to advocate decisively while maintaining transparency, discretion, and trust throughout the process. To Vinny, real estate is about more than buying or selling—it’s about guiding clients toward confident decisions that support their long-term goals. Whether advising on a new-construction project, marketing a thoughtfully designed property, or helping clients evaluate investment opportunities, he delivers a personalized, high-touch experience from start to finish. With a strong understanding of market trends and a refined approach to marketing, Vinny helps position properties at the highest level while protecting his clients’ interests every step of the way. Known for his integrity, insight, and clear, strategic guidance, Vinny remains a trusted partner long after the transaction is complete.
Originally from Connecticut, Amanda moved to Central Florida to pursue her dream of year-round sunshine and a career in real estate. A senior at the University of Central Florida majoring in Finance with a minor in Real Estate, she brings both academic insight and a passion for learning to her role at The Hope Group.
As Office Manager, Amanda helps keep the team organized and supported across marketing, client communication, and listing coordination. Her reliability and attention to detail ensure that day-to-day operations run smoothly while she continues to learn the many facets of the industry.
Amanda’s passion for real estate began early. Growing up, she was captivated by HGTV, often sketching floor plans and admiring homes online. That early curiosity has grown into a genuine appreciation for the fast-paced nature of the industry and the chance to be part of bringing homes to life.
She views her time at The Hope Group as a chance to gain hands-on experience while preparing for her future goal of transitioning into sales. With her strong work ethic and eye for detail, Amanda looks forward to helping clients make informed and confident decisions.
When she’s not at the office or in class, Amanda enjoys Florida’s sunshine, whether at the pool or the beach. A devoted animal lover, she loves spending time with her two cats and unwinding with a good book or a workout.
