From the moment he planted roots in Cashiers, Dan invested in lasting relationships and established a recognizable, respected name on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau.
With an unparalleled ability to connect community members for a greater purpose, Dan has achieved substantial success in both personal and professional aspirations. Recently, Dan hosted a town hall meeting with Jackson County’s newest Sheriff, Doug Farmer, and his team which created space to voice concerns, build bridges, and explore how we can continue to improve this paradise we get to call home.
Yet, beyond the real estate listings and successful transactions lies a man deeply connected to his surroundings. Whether he’s exploring the picturesque trails of Cashiers, indulging in local festivals, or simply basking in the rustic charm of mountain life, Dan’s perspective offers a fresh take on what it means to call the Plateau home.
Dan’s sincerity for his life’s passions — nature, animals, friends and family, and real estate — is readily apparent upon your first interaction with the quick-witted, long-time North Carolinian. For the fall issue of NC Living Magazine, we sat down with him to see what drives one of the leading brokers on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau.
Tell us a little bit about your background, what led you to work in real estate, and how long you’ve been a broker.
I grew up in Cary, NC and took regular family trips to both the ocean and mountains as child, but I felt most drawn to the mountains; I’ve always been passionate about nature and there’s so much to see and experience in the wilderness! Eventually, I decided the mountains were where I needed to be, so in my early 20s, I headed west from Cary and eventually settled here in the Cashiers area. I worked in a few different places (including The Orchard) before real estate crossed my radar, at which point I dove in head first. I earned my license in 2004, so it’s been nearly 20 years, which is hard to believe. As a people person, I enjoy the interactions element of the job. My adoration of the mountain lifestyle makes it easy to relate when someone describes their ultimate mountain escape, so it’s a true pleasure to be the treasure hunter who helps my clients realize their dreams.
How long have you been with Silver Creek Real Estate Group and why did you choose to work with them?
I happened upon Jochen [Lucke, founder] on several occasions around the area. During conversations with him, I saw his tenacity and vision; I knew from the outset — just had a gut feeling — that Silver Creek was going to achieve big things. I knew it was where I belonged and that I could be a part of building it into the powerhouse it is today. I joined the firm shortly after its inception in 2008 and have never looked back. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had as one of the original agents with Silver Creek and can’t imagine working with any other team.
When you’re not selling real estate, how do you enjoy spending your time?
I get outside as much as possible! Nature is where I’m happiest and most at peace. As I write this sentence, I’m just back from a long hike with friends, foraging for mushrooms. Spending time with dear friends is always rewarding, whether spending a low-key evening at home or heading out to a local restaurant and listening to some live music. Hiking or camping with my other half and our dogs, working in the garden and around our farm, or just basking in the sun and taking in the sights and sounds of the great outdoors — there’s nothing else like mountain life.
What is your favorite season on the Plateau?
Fall is a close second, when the evenings start to bring a chill... there’s just something romantic about fall, with the changing of the leaves, the winding down of the year and a slower pace... and as much as I enjoy a good winter snowstorm and hunkering down at the house in front of the fireplace, nothing beats the arrival of spring and the reawakening of nature! The mountains steadily brighten from gray to green and everything comes back to life. The warmth of the spring sun seems to make everything better. It’s exciting — it’s all about renewal. Tilling the garden and starting seeds... getting back outside and into the sun. Spring is when I feel most invigorated, like there’s no limit to what can be achieved.
What is your favorite festival or special event that takes place on the Plateau?
With so many opportunities to get out and socialize — arts and crafts shows, music festivals, all the events on the Village Green like the upcoming Leaf Festival — it’s difficult to pin down just one. I really enjoyed the most recent Highlands Food & Wine Festival, though. Such a fantastic event — the cuisines, the live music, the energy, and seeing so many friends. Not even the rain stopped us from making great memories!
Outside of the Plateau, where is your favorite place to travel and where do you hope to travel to soon?
I’m working toward Europe! It’s been a long time since my last trip there, but my sights are now set on Switzerland. Visiting the Alps, the Matterhorn, Lake Lucerne, and some castles and absorbing the history of the area would be amazing. I’d also love to get to South Africa. A safari is on my bucket list and several friends have told me about Landolozi — it sounds like a must-do! In the meantime, I always enjoy visits with family here, or in Cary where I grew up, or traveling farther across NC to our beautiful beaches. We recently traveled to Florida and got to swim with manatees — an incredible experience! And I’ll never tire of the vast options available in Washington, DC — the whole city is steeped in history and culture and I see or learn something new every time I visit.
What advice would you give to someone starting their search for a home on the Plateau?
Purchasing a home is a big decision and it’s critical that you ensure you’re considering all your options. It’s not just about the individual property. You have to recognize the bigger picture. Exploring different neighborhoods and the areas that surround them is essential; each one has a different feel, different features, different amenities, different people. It’s pertinent to understand that you’re choosing not just a home, but a lifestyle, so make sure it’s one that’s consistent with your expectations.
What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned while working as a broker?
Listen more, talk less. Give each client the opportunity to speak freely and genuinely hear what they’re saying. Then, read between the lines and offer ideas they may not have thought of. Open their minds to possibilities that weren’t originally on their radar, to ensure they’re achieving their heart’s desire. And there are so many personalities! Learning how to read people and fully comprehend their wants, needs, and expectations is vital to anyone working with the general public, but more so in some professions. Working as a real estate broker is a lot more than listing and showing properties. You become adviser, counselor, and mediator during the process, so you have to have a clear vision of what’s paramount to your client, to make the process as seamless and simple for them as it can possibly be.
“...We chose Dan to represent us because he had an in-depth knowledge of the local real estate market and was extremely professional, but what we learned about Dan throughout the process was that he was driven to do the best job he could for us and that we could trust him...
...We appreciated that while he fervently represented us as sellers, he strove to complete the transaction while maintaining civility, graciousness, and integrity... Dan is one of those rare professionals who can focus on the big picture and the ultimate goal, but who also pays attention to the details that can easily turn into deal breakers or deal makers...
...We have bought and sold many homes, vacation homes, and rental properties over the years, and I think it is a rarity to walk away from a real estate transaction and believe your agent did the best they could for you. We truly believe this of Dan…”
— Julia and Gerald