📍 Columbia, TN — Southern Middle Tennessee
About Chris Van Eps
Licensed Tennessee REALTOR® specializing in rural homes, farms, hunting land, and acreage across Southern Middle Tennessee. Real local knowledge. Straight talk. No pressure.
My Story
I’ve Been That Buyer
I’m Chris Van Eps — I moved to Southern Middle Tennessee from Chicago because my wife grew up here and we wanted a different life. When I bought my place, my realtor rushed the process. I had a septic system I didn’t understand and questions I didn’t know to ask. Everything turned out fine, but I walked out of closing feeling lucky rather than confident — and that didn’t sit right with me.
So I got my license. Not to become a sales machine, but to be the agent I wish I’d had. Someone who slows down long enough to actually explain what you’re buying — the septic, the land, the quirks, the questions you don’t know to ask yet.
I’m still learning this market every day across Maury, Giles, Lawrence, Marshall, and Lewis Counties. I think that makes me better at the job, not worse — because I know what it’s like to sit on your side of the table.
Let’s Talk →What I Do
Local Market Intel, Honest Strategy & Real Connections
Three things that set rural real estate apart — and where I invest the most time on every transaction.
Local Market Intel
Deep knowledge of Columbia and the surrounding rural communities. I track pricing, days on market, and buyer demand so your decisions are based on real numbers — not national headlines or Zillow averages.
See Current Market Data →Rural Property Guidance
Navigating land, farms, and homesteads means knowing what questions to ask about utilities, road access, septic, and Greenbelt status — and knowing exactly who to call when a transaction needs a specialist.
Explore Land & Farms →Advanced Marketing & Tech
High-quality photos, drone video, 3D tours, and AI-driven digital ads get your property in front of serious buyers fast. More of the right eyes on your listing, in less time.
See the Full Marketing Plan →Relocation Support
Moving to Tennessee from out of state? I offer virtual tours, video walkthroughs, and a trusted network of local lenders, inspectors, and contractors. Many clients purchase without visiting in person first.
Talk to Chris About Relocating →Why a Rural Expert?
Why Country Homes, Farms & Acreage Need Specialized Knowledge
A residential license is a starting point. Rural real estate has layers most agents never deal with — and I make sure none of them catch my clients off guard. Browse the rural resources guide →
Well & Septic Systems
Most rural properties aren’t on city water or sewer. I know what questions to ask, what a proper inspection should cover, and how to use findings in negotiations. I’ve been that buyer who didn’t know what they didn’t know — and I make sure my clients aren’t.
Learn more →Tennessee Greenbelt Tax Status
Qualifying land is taxed at use value — which can mean significant savings for buyers and a key selling point for sellers. Most residential agents don’t even know to mention it. I make sure it gets asked about and properly evaluated before you close.
Learn more →Soil, Topography & Access
Soil types, drainage, and road access define what land can actually be used for — and what it’s worth. I know the right questions to ask and the right professionals to bring in when these details need a closer look.
Timber, Hunting & Recreational Value
A property with mature hardwood, creek frontage, or established food plots has real additional value — but only if your agent knows how to find it and market it to the right buyers.
See land listings →Rural Financing Options
USDA loans, Farm Credit land loans, and ag-use financing work differently than conventional mortgages. Knowing which applies to your situation from day one saves weeks of delays.
Learn about financing →Hyperlocal Comps
A 40-acre tract in Giles County doesn’t compare to a suburban lot in Spring Hill. Accurate pricing requires comparable rural data — not the nearest neighborhood sale.
See market data →Media & Insights
Local Knowledge, Shared Publicly
Market updates, guides, and resources I publish to help buyers and sellers make smarter decisions in Southern Middle Tennessee.
Local Market Updates
Regular breakdowns of what’s happening in the Maury County and Southern Middle Tennessee market — pricing trends, days on market, and what it means for you right now.
View Market Updates →How to Choose a Realtor in Columbia TN
What to look for, what questions to ask, and the red flags to avoid when hiring a real estate agent in Southern Middle Tennessee.
Read the Guide →Rural Resources for Buyers & Sellers
Guides on Greenbelt tax status, well and septic basics, USDA loan eligibility, and everything else unique to buying and selling rural property in Tennessee.
Browse Resources →Let’s Talk
Let’s Talk About Your Next Move
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just exploring your options in Southern Middle Tennessee — I’m happy to give you a straight answer with no pressure. I know what it’s like to be on your side of the table.
📅 Pick a time that works for you — book directly below:
Explore More
Everything You Need in One Place
Sell Your Property
Strategic pricing and rural marketing to get your home, farm, or land sold for what it’s worth.
Buy a Home or Land
From first-time buyers to out-of-state relocators — find the right property with real local guidance.
Land & Farms
Hunting tracts, working farms, mini-farms, and development land across all five counties.
Communities Guide
An honest look at every county and community across Southern Middle Tennessee.
Rural Resources
Greenbelt, septic, well water, USDA loans — everything unique to rural Tennessee property.
Market Update
Latest pricing trends and sales data for Maury County and Southern Middle Tennessee.