The precision of performance: Meet DAVID LAPSLEY

In the music industry, there is a term called "the bus call." It’s the exact moment the tour leaves, and in that world, being one minute late is the same as being an hour late. David Lapsley spent the better part of his life living by that clock, touring the globe as a professional guitarist for signed artists. It was a career built on performing perfectly under high pressure and protecting the "principal"—the artist and their brand.

But if you look at David’s hands, you’ll see a work ethic that predates the stage. David grew up on a ranch in Oregon, where he learned the kind of "boots-in-the-mud" responsibility that defines his real estate practice today. This isn't just a bit of personal history; it is a core competency. David is one of the few agents in Middle Tennessee who can seamlessly transition from a luxury closing in Forest Hills to a complex land contract for a 100-acre farm.

What truly sets David apart, however, is that he practices exactly what he preaches. He isn't just an observer of the market; he is an active participant. David owns and manages a portfolio of rental properties and a gorgeous farm in Hickman County. When he discusses the difference between an asset and a liability, or the long-term value of Tennessee soil, he is speaking from personal experience.

"I grew up with a responsibility for the land at a very young age," David says. "I learned how to struggle through hard times and how to respect the dirt. Today, I manage my own Hickman County land with that same respect. When I’m looking at a listing for a client, I’m looking at it through the lens of an owner."

This dual background makes David a formidable advocate. He brings the "bus-call" punctuality of the music industry to the technical, often grueling process of land and ranch sales. He understands the specific nuances of rural contracts—zoning, boundaries, and land-use disclosures—that many urban agents overlook. Whether he is working with a young family looking for their first home or a high-net-worth individual seeking a private retreat, David speaks the language of luxury with the heart of a ranch hand.

David’s 30 years in Nashville have given him a front-row seat to the city’s evolution. He is known for his "straight-to-the-point" honesty, often advising clients on which home projects add true value and which are simply liabilities. He is bothered by the "yucky" feeling of a client overpaying, even if they love the house.

"I’ve been there; I've lived the life with no money and no ownership," David says. "I know what ownership means for a family’s posterity. Whether it’s a condo or a cattle ranch, I’m helping people grow wealth because I’ve done it for my own wife and daughter."