Born in Houston, Texas, but from Asheville, North Carolina, David Cartner, Branch Manager and Settlement Attorney for Highland Title + Escrow, is following in his parents’ footsteps as both are attorneys. Today in our Employee Spotlight, we are shining the light on David, his background, and everything he brings to the closing table.
After graduating from Chapel Hill with a B. S. in 2004 and from Campbell University Law School in 2007, he headed to New York City. Then came the economic recession of 2007-2008; but, the good news is that he met his wife during that time. While she was doing her residency in Pittsburgh, he worked for legal aid and helped families through divorce, foreclosures, etc.
David then moved to Baltimore where his wife would complete her fellowship. He worked as a managing attorney at a larger law firm in D.C. performing foreclosures and bankruptcy work. In 2013, David left the large firm life and joined Mike McFarlane and the entire Highland Title + Escrow Team, working in the Arlington, McLean, and D.C. offices.
When first meeting Mike and the team, he felt it was definitely more a family feel compared to corporate life. He recognized immediately that everyone was knowledgeable and collaborative, and that the supportive environment throughout the entire organization was evident from day one. It was a great fit.
A typical day for David could take place in Arlington, McLean or D.C., and it is mostly focused on closings. He reviews his closing schedule, gets the corresponding case files, and it’s off to the races. His goal is to ensure that everyone leaves with smiles on their faces and that processors and agents receive the support they need and deserve. A great day is one that runs smoothly and all involved are pleased.
After nine years with Highland Title, David has learned a great deal from team members and their career experience. Because the team is continually growing, knowledge and experience grows as well. Therefore, it is easy to find someone who has encountered a difficult transaction or situation and is willing to help when necessary. The Highland Title + Escrow team is a literal library of title industry knowledge, and everyone is willing to share what they know when it means success for clients.
David’s favorite thing about working with clients throughout his career is that they often have truly become friends. Working together on a daily basis provides a close-knit community. He works to build trust with the agents and that trickles down to the homebuyers and sellers. Not only is it an enjoyable work environment, he and his wife have developed a network of friends outside of the office.
If someone were looking forward to working in the title industry, David’s advice would be to understand that while the title industry is interesting, it is also filled with personalities. Although it appears very transactional from the outside perspective, it basically comes down to the people. He finds himself developing rapport with clients and team members alike, and that is truly the key to success in the industry. His advice is to be sure of your capabilities, share that knowledge with the others around you, and build trust and relationships throughout each transaction and interaction.
David also suggests that thinking on one’s feet and learning to read a room is especially helpful on a daily basis. He is often reminded that people aren’t just selling and buying homes; there are often memories and emotions tied to those places. Therefore, it isn’t always easy for clients to engage in the transaction. A successful closing
depends upon reassuring those involved and ensuring their comfort and understanding of the process. A listening ear and communication skills are key. While technology has grown in the industry over the past two years, people who care about people cannot be replaced.
In their spare time, David and his wife love to travel internationally when they have the opportunity. They have one dog, Wheatley. While the Christmas holidays are special for a variety of reasons, they take on a different meaning for the Cartner family. David’s grandfather started the Cartner Christmas Tree Farm in 1952 in North Carolina. Since he was a child, David has often helped during the holiday season. It’s a special time for his entire family and him.
David Cartner is available to help with your closing at our Highland Title + Escrow offices in Arlington, McLean, and D.C. Please click here for more information regarding all of our settlement locations. We look forward to hearing from you!