David Cantrell

David Cantrell: Your Trusted Land Specialist in Northeast Tennessee

Born and raised in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, David Cantrell’s life has always been shaped by steep ridgelines, winding hollows, and the countless hours in the outdoors. Growing up between the rugged backcountry of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina, he developed a deep respect for the land at an early age. Many of David’s earliest memories were made alongside his father — walking mountain trails, scouting wildlife sign, fishing cold mountain streams, and learning not only how to navigate the woods, but how to truly understand them.

Those experiences set the foundation for a lifelong passion that has never faded. Today, David proudly shares that passion with his two daughters, Krystin and Kelci, who inherited their father’s love for wildlife, adventure, and Appalachian living.

Before his career in real estate, David spent nearly 30 years as a successful business owner in Asheville, North Carolina. Running a business in a competitive and fast-growing region taught him the value of integrity, discipline, and exceptional customer service. He learned that listening closely to people — really understanding their needs and goals — is the most important part of providing meaningful service. These traits, along with a strong work ethic forged by mountain roots, have seamlessly carried over into his career as a Land Specialist with Whitetail Properties Real Estate.

David’s transition into land and rural real estate was a natural evolution rather than a career change. For decades, he had already been spending countless hours exploring backcountry properties, evaluating timber, assessing wildlife habitat, developing hunting properties, and helping friends and local landowners navigate the complexities of rural land ownership. When he officially became a Whitetail Properties Land Specialist, he simply aligned his professional life with his personal passion.

Over the years, David has hunted, filmed, and scouted throughout the United States and Canada — putting hundreds of miles on his boots and gaining firsthand experience with diverse terrain, wildlife behavior, and land management practices. This background gives him a unique advantage when working with recreational land buyers, first-time landowners, and seasoned investors alike. He understands not only what makes a property marketable, but what makes it functional, enjoyable, and valuable for outdoor enthusiasts.

His clients immediately recognize the depth of his knowledge — and the sincerity of his commitment. Across Northeast Tennessee, David has built a reputation as a trusted guide who combines real estate expertise with a lifetime of outdoor experience. To date, he has closed more than 200 land transactions, surpassed $80 million in rural real estate sales, and successfully sold over 15,000 acres throughout the region. He is particularly passionate about helping first-time land buyers and growing rural families, taking the time to educate, empower, and walk clients through each step of the process with patience and clarity.

David Cantrell’s Experience, Credentials, and Recognitions

● Over 30 years of personal experience in rural land sales and hunting property development

● Whitetail Properties Certified Land Specialist

● National Deer Association – Deer Steward Levels 1 and 2

● Member of the Realtor Land Institute (RLI)

● APEX Top Producer Award Recipient – 2025

● Over $80 Million in Rural Real Estate Sales

● More than 15,000 Acres Sold

● Over 200 Successful Land Transactions

David Cantrell’s Connection to Northeast Tennessee

David’s familiarity with the region extends far deeper than county lines on a map. Having spent most of his life in and around the Appalachian Mountains, he possesses a deep working knowledge of:

● Carter County

● Cocke County

● Greene County

● Hancock County

● Hamblen County

● Hawkins County

● Johnson County

● Sullivan County

● Unicoi County

● Washington County

Whether clients are looking for family-friendly communities with top-ranked school systems, proximity to outdoor recreation, historic towns rich in culture, or areas positioned for long-term growth, David knows where to guide them. From the world-renowned Jonesborough Storytelling Festival, to the deep-rooted Revolutionary War history of Greeneville, to the rapidly growing economic and recreational opportunities in Johnson City, he understands what makes each corner of Northeast Tennessee unique — and how those qualities align with a buyer’s personal goals.

About David Cantrell’s Hobbies and Personal Life

When David isn’t walking properties with clients or preparing marketing strategies for listings, you’ll still find him outdoors. His free time is spent much like his everyday life — immersed in the mountains, fields, and wooded landscapes he loves. He and partner, Brandy, share a deep appreciation for travel, adventure, and wildlife. Together, they regularly scout new hunting destinations, ranging from the rolling hardwood ridges of their hunting farm in Kentucky to the open country of New Mexico.

At home, David enjoys time on his family farms with Brandy, their three daughters and son, and their six beloved “fur babies.” Whether he’s deer hunting, scouting, checking trail cameras, planting food plots, or sitting around a fire with friends and family, David lives the same lifestyle his clients dream of achieving. It’s this genuine passion for outdoor living that continually fuels his dedication to helping others find their perfect rural retreat.

Professional Advantage: The Whitetail Properties Team

While David brings decades of experience and a deep understanding of land to the table, he is also backed by the full force of the Whitetail Properties brand — one of the most respected and effective rural real estate platforms in the nation.

With access to:

● A full team of expert graphic designers

● National, top-tier marketing exposure

● Industry-leading real estate videography and photography

● A powerful data-driven digital marketing system

● A large and active local network sphere

David provides clients with a level of visibility and professionalism that few agencies can match. His listings routinely capture high-quality buyer attention from both local and out-of-state markets.

These combined strengths have contributed to a proven track record: David’s listings sell up to 30% faster than the market average in Northeast Tennessee. His skilled negotiation tactics consistently produce strong results on both the buying and selling side, securing favorable terms and helping clients accomplish their goals with confidence.

Guiding Buyers Through Rural Land Decisions

With the growing popularity of rural living, Northeast Tennessee has become a top choice for buyers seeking space, privacy, recreation, and long-term investment potential. Yet buying land is far different from buying a house — it requires specialized knowledge, due diligence, and understanding of the local terrain and regulations.

A Mission Built on Trust, Integrity and Results

Whether assisting a young family searching for their first piece of land, helping a retiring couple downsize and relocate, or working with seasoned investors seeking large tracts, David is committed to delivering exceptional service. His approach is simple, honest, and effective: listen closely, work hard, be transparent, and always put the client’s goals first.

For David Cantrell, selling land is more than a career — it’s a calling. His roots, his lifestyle, and his passion are all deeply connected to the land he represents. And that connection allows him to help others discover the same joy, peace, and opportunity that rural living has brought to his own life.

Testimonials About David Cantrell

David developed into a friend as well as the real estate agent selling my farm. I have been associated with several realtors during my 73 years, and David is the best agent I have ever dealt with. Why? David has a laid-back personality and is very comfortable to be around. He is not arrogant or cocky, and he is the type of person that you want to sell your real estate. David is very honest, and if you don’t trust a person, you are not going to use him as an agent. David is very aggressive in selling real estate and works extremely hard. He has excellent judgment and listens to the client. I worked with David selling my farm. I was very impressed. He is not your typical realtor, but the best are not typical. David is a normal person with unusual skills. I would definitely use him again to sell my farm. Give him a rating of 5 stars plus!" — Charles M.

Northeast Tennessee Land Buyer FAQs

David is committed to ensuring every buyer gains the clarity they need. He and his team frequently address common concerns, such as the following:

Is the land buildable, and are there any restrictions?

Northeast Tennessee’s landscape is known for its steep mountains, rolling ridges, and hillside terrain. One of the most important steps is determining whether the property includes a suitable home site and a feasible driveway location. David often recommends a professional land inspection, survey, or soil evaluation — especially for clients planning to build immediately or in the near future.

What utilities are available?

Many rural properties do not have city water, sewer, or high-speed internet. Buyers may need:

● A well

● A septic system

● Electrical access

● Internet solutions suitable for remote locations

A well and septic installation can sometimes exceed $25,000, so planning and proper evaluation are crucial. David works with reputable local soil scientists, utility providers, and surveyors to ensure clients receive factual, dependable information during due diligence.

How do I finance a land purchase?

Land loans differ significantly from traditional mortgage loans. Down payments, interest rates, and loan terms vary depending on the type of land and its intended use. David partners with several trusted local land lenders and mortgage professionals who specialize in rural real estate financing. These relationships help buyers receive clear, accurate financing guidance tailored to their goals.