Buddy Blake Team

The Blog

Straight talk on buying, selling and living on the coast — from 25+ years of selling homes in Wilmington.

October 20, 2026

Landfall in Wilmington, NC: Homes, Prices and What to Know

Landfall in Wilmington, NC by the numbers: 37 homes for sale, a $1,415,000 median sale price, 35 typical days on market, and what it means for sellers.

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October 20, 2026

Hampstead's Historical Museum on Main Street Is Worth a Saturday

Hampstead has its own historical museum on Main Street, open Saturday afternoons. Here is why a local stop like it matters, and how to plan your visit.

October 18, 2026

Under Contract: 6700 Myrtle Grove Road in Wilmington, NC 28409

6700 Myrtle Grove Road in Wilmington is under contract. Nearly 3 acres, a large garage and workshop, and an in-law suite make it a rare find near Monkey Junction.

October 18, 2026

Just Listed: 6316 Motts Village Road in Wilmington, NC 28412

A 2013 Premier Home in gated Pamela's Place at Motts Landing: pond views, a heated sunroom, a fenced yard, and two pools. Listed at $725,000 by our team.

October 18, 2026

Price Cuts Are Rising: How Wilmington Sellers Stay Ahead

National price reductions are climbing. Here's how Wilmington NC sellers can price ahead of the market instead of chasing it down week after week.

October 18, 2026

Wilmington Seller Concessions vs. Price Reductions

Compare seller concessions, price reductions and patience for a Wilmington listing using a transparent 7-, 14- and 21-day diagnostic for sellers.

October 18, 2026

Moving From NYC or DC to Wilmington: What Changes

Moving from NYC or DC to Wilmington? Compare housing, driving, storms, healthcare, humidity and a practical coastal relocation scout-trip plan.

October 18, 2026

NC Due Diligence Fee vs. Earnest Money: 2026 Guide

NC due diligence fee vs. earnest money explained for Wilmington buyers, including closing credits, refund rules, deadlines, and two realistic offers.

October 18, 2026

Carolina Beach Homes: Which Purchase Fits Your Use?

Compare Carolina Beach homes as a primary residence, weekend place, or rental-first purchase with a practical framework for costs, rules, and property fit.

October 18, 2026

Carolina Beach Homes: Primary, Weekend, or Rental First?

Trying to decide how to buy a Carolina Beach home? Compare primary residence, weekend house, and rental-first strategies before you make an offer.

October 18, 2026

Why the Wilmington Real Estate Agent Is the Product

Choosing a Wilmington real estate agent? Learn why honest pricing, selective marketing, active follow-up, and hard conversations matter more than hype.

October 18, 2026

NC Due Diligence Fee vs. Earnest Money: 2026 Guide

Learn how an NC due diligence fee applies at closing, how earnest money differs, and what two Wilmington offer scenarios mean for homebuyers in 2026.

October 18, 2026

Wilmington Homes for Sale: Match Commute, Budget & Coast

Find Wilmington NC homes for sale matched to your commute, home type, budget, and coastal cost tolerance — a smarter way to search than generic IDX grids.

October 18, 2026

The 2-Step Strategy for Selling a Wilmington NC Home

Wilmington NC sellers: the 2-Step Strategy lists aspirational in late summer through mid-November, then resets and re-emerges in February. Here's how it works.

October 17, 2026

Ice Skating on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk? I Love This Town

WECT reports an ice rink is coming to the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Buddy Blake shares why his family has loved this beach for years and where to start.

October 17, 2026

The Market vs The Calendar

A stunning single-family home on a pond just listed at Village at Motts Landing in Wilmington, and why I told sellers to watch the market, not the calendar.

October 16, 2026

Just Sold: 3BR Corner-Lot Home at 7756 Funston Road SE, Winnabow

Just sold in Winnabow: a 3-bedroom, 2-bath corner-lot home built in 2005, with front and rear porches, a deck, and a wooded backyard. See what our team did.

October 16, 2026

What 28 Years in Real Estate Taught Me About Technology That Flows

After 28 years selling Wilmington homes, I explain why real estate technology should work like a well-planned house: one coordinated design, not more rooms.

October 16, 2026

Open House: 327 Motts Forest Road, One-Story Brick Townhome

Open house Saturday 11:00 to 2:00 at 327 Motts Forest Road: a one-story, all-brick 3 bed, 2 bath townhome in Village at Motts Landing, listed at $525,000.

October 15, 2026

How much will you walk away with? Meet the Seller Simulator

A simple seller net sheet for Wilmington, NC homeowners: see what you'd net at closing (low, most likely and high) and what a deal falling apart costs sellers in your area, from real MLS data.

October 15, 2026

Practice your offer before you make it: meet the Offer Simulator

Like a flight simulator for buying a home in Wilmington, NC: build a practice offer on any home for sale and see how strong it looks against real area data. Anonymous, with every guide sourced.

October 15, 2026

Did You Know? 1 in 4 New Hanover County Homes Didn't Sell

In the last 12 months, 26% of New Hanover County homes that came off the market didn't sell. Here's why, what waiting costs, and what buyers should know.

October 12, 2026

My Family Is Hand-Addressing Letters to Expired Listing Owners

If a letter from my family showed up after your home came off the market, here is who sent it, why we hand-address them, and what reports we can share.

October 12, 2026

Why Coffee? Bar and Kitchen on Eastwood Road Is Worth the Trip

Buddy and Erin try Why Coffee? Bar and Kitchen on Eastwood Road in Wilmington, across from Autumn Hall, and share why it's one of the best brunches yet.

October 10, 2026

Cost Basis for Wilmington Homeowners Who Bought in 2020 or Earlier

Basis is what you paid plus what you put into your home. Here's how Wilmington owners who bought in 2020 or earlier can get their numbers ready before selling.

October 10, 2026

Hire a Manager, Self-Manage or Sell Your Wilmington Rental?

Own a rental home in Wilmington? Here is how to decide between hiring a property manager, managing it yourself, or rethinking the plan and selling it outright.

October 9, 2026

Hope Heals Camp: A Cause Close to Home for Our Wilmington Team

Buddy Blake shares why Hope Heals Camp matters to him, his team, and the Wilmington and southeastern NC coast community he serves.

October 9, 2026

This Week Around Wilmington: New Chase Branch and Job Growth News

A new Chase Bank branch opens in Hampstead, Wilmington ranks high for job growth, and the coast has concerts, art, Halloween fun and VA help this week.

October 7, 2026

Amazon's Robotics Fulfillment Center Lands at Pender Commerce Park

Amazon is bringing a robotics fulfillment center to Pender Commerce Park, and I want to talk about what that means if you own a home nearby.

October 7, 2026

The Rent to Survive Report: When Homes Don't Sell and Owners Rent Them Out Instead

About 1 in 22 homes that didn't sell in southeastern NC became rentals. See what they rented for, and why most owners with a mortgage lose money.

October 6, 2026

What Dog Owners Should Know Before Buying Near Carolina Beach

Thinking about a home near Carolina Beach with a dog in the family? Here's what to ask about rules, outdoor space and neighborhoods before you buy.

October 6, 2026

Pie Day: Our Way of Saying Thanks to Wilmington Clients

Buddy Blake shares why his team hands out pies to past clients and neighbors each year, and what that tradition means to him.

October 6, 2026

Thank You, Charlie: Celebrating a Great First Home Experience with Taylor

Charlie shares a 5-star review of Taylor, who helped find and buy a first home, with support from our whole team at every step.

October 4, 2026

Move, Stay or Renovate? A Clear Way for Wilmington Owners to Decide

Locked into a low rate but the house no longer fits? How Wilmington-area owners can weigh staying, renovating or selling, with real local numbers.

October 3, 2026

The Deal Killer Report: Why 1 in 5 Home Sales Fall Apart, and How a Pre-Inspection Keeps Yours Alive

About 1 in 5 home sales in southeastern NC fall apart. Our new Deal Killer Report shows what it costs sellers, and why a pre-inspection keeps your deal alive.

October 3, 2026

New Publix Planned for New Hanover County's Newest Neighborhoods

A new Publix is planned for New Hanover County. Here's how it connects to Porters Neck, Scotts Hill, Plantation Landing, and other growing neighborhoods.

October 2, 2026

Three Ways to Sell: List, Get a Value Review, or Go As-Is

Thinking about selling along the NC coast? Here's how listing traditionally, a value review, and an as-is offer actually compare.

October 2, 2026

Just Listed: Lot#111 Anchors Away Road, Salters Haven, Hampstead

Our team just listed a cleared corner homesite in Salters Haven at Lea Marina, Hampstead, with marina, pool and clubhouse access nearby.

October 2, 2026

Moving to Wilmington NC From NYC, DC, Raleigh, Charlotte or Atlanta

Thinking about relocating to the Wilmington NC coast from a bigger city? Here's what I tell folks moving from NYC, DC, Raleigh, Charlotte and Atlanta.

October 1, 2026

A Simple Monthly Ownership Cost Planner for Wilmington Buyers

A plain-language way to add up what a Wilmington area home will really cost you each month, beyond the mortgage payment alone.

October 1, 2026

This Week Around Wilmington: Bridge Closure and Studio For Sale

A look at this week's Wilmington news: the Front Street Bridge closes for six months, Dark Horse Stages film studio is for sale, plus more local updates.

September 30, 2026

Carolina Beach Lands $3.5 Million Grant for Oceanfront Park

Carolina Beach received a $3.5 million grant for a planned oceanfront park. Here's what it could mean for the town and home values nearby.

September 29, 2026

Just Sold in Holly Field, Wilmington: Congrats to Our Buyers

A three-bedroom home in Holly Field, Wilmington closed at $295,000 in September 2026. Congratulations to our buyers and to Taylor McMurray.

September 29, 2026

Under Contract in Grayson Park, Leland: Congrats to Our Buyers

Congratulations to our buyers, now under contract on a 3-bedroom home in Grayson Park, Leland, and to Dawn Martin on her first closing with our sales team.

September 29, 2026

Wilmington Ranks Among Top US Metros for Job Growth Nationally

A new report ranks Wilmington among the nation's top metros for job growth, a trend that matters for home sellers and buyers across the Cape Fear region.

September 28, 2026

Wilmington, Carolina Beach or Leland: Which Fits Your Family?

Buddy Blake breaks down real differences between Wilmington, Carolina Beach and Leland to help you decide where to buy or sell on the Cape Fear coast.

September 28, 2026

New Construction vs. Resale on the NC Coast: The Real Net Cost

A plain-language look at what new construction and resale homes really cost in Wilmington once inspections and add-ons are counted.

September 28, 2026

Under Contract: 132 Chadwick Avenue in Wilmington, NC

Under contract in Chadwick Acres: a 3-bed brick ranch on an oversized corner lot with no HOA, close to downtown Wilmington and the beaches.

September 28, 2026

Under Contract: 3BR Corner-Lot Home at 7756 Funston Road SE, Winnabow

7756 Funston Road SE in Winnabow is under contract. Kyle Myers and our team share details on this corner-lot home and the Winnabow area around it.

September 28, 2026

A Retirement Rightsizing Plan for Wilmington and the NC Coast

A plain-spoken guide for folks thinking about rightsizing for retirement in Wilmington and the southeastern NC coast, from someone who has walked people through it since 1998.

September 27, 2026

Why You Don't Have to Register to Search Homes on My Site

Zillow and Realtor.com are collecting your data and selling your info to agents and lenders. Here's why buddyblake.com works differently.

September 27, 2026

StarNews Report: More People Choosing Wilmington Over Florida

Buddy Blake reacts to the StarNews piece on Wilmington drawing people away from Florida and what it means for local home sellers.

September 27, 2026

Life in Downtown Wilmington and Riverfront

Buddy Blake breaks down the real daily-life trade-offs of living downtown or on the riverfront in Wilmington, NC — access, noise, parking, and fit.

September 27, 2026

Terrapin in Leland: New Homes, Prices and What Buyers Should Know

A look at Terrapin in Leland, a new-construction neighborhood with homes built 2025-2027, current prices, and what the sales numbers actually show.

September 27, 2026

Wilmington First-Time Buyer Offer Funds Checklist

Buying your first home in Wilmington? Here's what funds you need lined up before you write an offer, and where each dollar goes.

September 27, 2026

This Week Around Wilmington: Jon Pardi and King Mackerel Tournament

This week's Wilmington roundup covers the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament in Southport, Jon Pardi at the riverfront, and more local events.

September 26, 2026

The Offer-to-Keys Sequence for Wilmington First-Time Buyers

A plain-language walk through what happens between an accepted offer and closing day for first-time buyers in Wilmington and the Cape Fear region.

September 26, 2026

Why I Built My Own CRM Instead of Renting Someone Else's

Buddy Blake on launching buddyblake.ai from scratch, the lessons from friend Mert Sahinoglu of ContentCodes, and what the AI boom means for real estate.

September 26, 2026

Zillow's Mortgage-Steering Lawsuit and What Sellers Should Learn From It

Buddy Blake looks at Zillow's request to close a mortgage-steering lawsuit and what it means for choosing who you trust with your home sale.

September 26, 2026

Another Great Review for Kyle: Thank You, Hannah

Buddy Blake celebrates a client review for Kyle Myers, with a shoutout to Erin's contract-to-closing support on the team.

September 26, 2026

Just Listed: 201 Southwold Drive, Waterford Place, Wilmington

Just listed by our team: a 3-bed, 2-bath ranch on a corner lot in Waterford Place, Wilmington, minutes from Carolina Beach and the ICW.

September 26, 2026

Just Sold in Leland: Congrats to Our Buyers in Indigo Preserve

Congratulations to our buyers on their new home purchase in Indigo Preserve, Leland, closed with help from our team's Kyle Myers.

September 26, 2026

This Week Around Wilmington: Latinos Festival and Oceanic Music Series

A look at the Cape Fear Latinos Festival and Parade downtown and the Oceanic Summer Music Series, plus a note on the Wilmington market.

September 26, 2026

This Week Around Wilmington: Leland Growth Plans and a Triathlon

Buddy Blake's weekly Cape Fear roundup covers a Leland development hearing, the Wrightsville Beach triathlon, Thalian Hall funding, and more.

September 26, 2026

Buying and Selling a Home at the Same Time in Wilmington, NC

Buddy Blake explains the three ways to buy and sell a home at once on the NC coast, and how a guaranteed sale keeps you out of two mortgages.

September 26, 2026

Selling a Flood Zone or Storm-Damaged Home in Wilmington, NC

Selling a home in a flood zone or with storm history near Wilmington? Here's how to disclose honestly, gather records, and price with real evidence.

September 26, 2026

Selling a Rental or Tenant-Occupied Home Along the NC Coast

Thinking about selling a rental or tenant-occupied home in Wilmington or the NC coast? Here's how the lease, tenant, and taxes shape your plan.

September 26, 2026

Selling a House During Divorce or Separation in Wilmington, NC

Buddy Blake explains how his team helps couples sell a home fairly during divorce or separation in Wilmington and southeastern NC.

September 26, 2026

Cash Offer vs. Listing Your Wilmington Home: An Honest Look

Buddy Blake breaks down cash offers versus listing your Wilmington NC home, showing the real trade-offs so you can decide with clear eyes and no pressure.

September 26, 2026

Downsizing After 30 Years: Selling Your Wilmington Family Home

If you're downsizing from the family home you've had for decades on the NC coast, here's how to sell it, buy next, and skip two moves.

September 26, 2026

Selling Your Home When PCS Orders Come Around Camp Lejeune

Orders came in and now you have to sell. Here's how military families around Camp Lejeune and Jacksonville can sell on a timeline that doesn't wait.

September 26, 2026

Selling a House As-Is in Wilmington, NC and What It Nets You

If your Wilmington or southeastern NC home needs work, here are three honest ways to sell as-is and what each one actually nets you at closing.

September 25, 2026

Hampstead vs. Porters Neck vs. Leland: How to Actually Choose

Buddy Blake compares Hampstead, Porters Neck, and Leland by commute, home type, and ownership costs to help you pick the right fit.

September 24, 2026

Did You Know? 1 in 4 New Hanover County Listings Never Sold

In New Hanover County, 1 in 4 home listings didn't sell last year. Here's why, what waiting costs sellers, and what it means for buyers house hunting today.

September 24, 2026

What Dan's Fast Wilmington Home Sale Teaches Every Seller

Dan's Google review tells a simple story: showings the first weekend, under contract in a week, closed in about five weeks, and a good deal.

September 24, 2026

What Hope Heals Camp Taught Me About Showing Up for People

Buddy Blake reflects on a recent week at Hope Heals Camp and what it stirred up about showing up for people through hard seasons of life.

September 24, 2026

Why I Track Local Wilmington Growth Before I Ever List a Home

Buddy Blake on why watching Wilmington growth, new construction, and local change helps sellers make smarter, better-timed decisions.

September 23, 2026

Wilmington Area Fail-To-Sell Rates Tick Up

This week's Cape Fear housing numbers show homes selling near asking price but more listings failing to sell than a year ago across all five counties.

September 23, 2026

Reduce the Price, Offer a Concession, or Hold? A Seller's Guide

Buddy Blake breaks down the three real options a Wilmington-area seller has when a listing stalls — and how to think through each one clearly.

September 23, 2026

When You're Selling From New York: Michael's Story

A Wilmington client shares what it was like selling his mother's condo from out of state with the Buddy Blake Team.

September 18, 2026

Why Wilmington Real Estate Contracts Feel Backwards

Buddy Blake explains why listing and buyer agency agreements feel backwards, why Wilmington NC sellers are calling to get out of contracts, and his team's fix.

September 15, 2026

The REALTOR Is Once Again The Product

Choosing a Wilmington real estate agent takes more than a polished pitch. Learn how experience, pricing honesty, negotiation, and follow-up protect your move.

September 15, 2026

Why Online Home Values Can Differ by 30% or More

Online home values can differ by 30% or more. Learn why AVMs change, what they miss, and how to price your house using real market evidence.

September 15, 2026

The Anaconda Ate the Real Estate Market: Why Wilmington Is Still Digesting the COVID Boom

Brian Buffini calls today's housing market an anaconda still digesting its COVID meal. Buddy Blake explains what that means for Wilmington sellers: rate lock-in, builder competition, pricing and equity.

September 15, 2026

Wilmington NC New Construction Walkthrough Checklist

Buying new construction in Greater Wilmington? Use this final walkthrough checklist covering coastal risks, HOA handoff, warranties and local contract terms.

September 14, 2026

Carolina Beach Homes: Primary, Weekend, or Rental?

Compare Carolina Beach homes as a primary residence, weekend place, or rental-first purchase using clear financing, insurance, tax, and practical-use tests.

September 9, 2026

Moving From NYC or DC to Wilmington: First-Year Guide

Moving from NYC or DC to Wilmington? Compare renting and buying, coastal maintenance, hurricane planning, logistics, and a practical scouting itinerary.

September 8, 2026

Wilmington Coastal Home Insurance: Before You Offer

Use this Wilmington coastal home insurance checklist to assess flood maps, wind coverage, lender requirements and property costs before offering.

September 4, 2026

Moving From Raleigh to Wilmington: Scouting Playbook

Moving from Raleigh to Wilmington? Compare relocation costs, commute tradeoffs, area choices, and a practical two-day coastal scouting route before buying.

September 4, 2026

First-Time Homebuyer Guide to Wilmington, NC: Budget Plan

Use this first-time homebuyer guide to Wilmington, NC to plan a $280K-$400K budget, compare loans, complete due diligence, and choose an area.

September 2, 2026

Wilmington Hurricane Readiness Plan Before Peak Season

Use this Wilmington hurricane readiness plan to review insurance, drainage, shutters, documents, supplies, and absentee-home procedures before peak season.

August 5, 2026

Proactive Open Houses: Why Week One Wins in Wilmington

Wilmington NC sellers: open houses only work when timed right. Buddy Blake explains the first-weekend launch strategy, price-change opens, and safety rules.

August 5, 2026

Fluff vs. Skill: Why I Lost a Wilmington Listing

I lost a Wilmington NC listing to a flashier presentation and cherry-picked stats — not skill. Here's what sellers should really evaluate: pricing, negotiation, and timeline strategy.

August 3, 2026

Wilmington Home Pricing: The Only Thing That Matters

Pricing your house right is the only thing that sells it. See how days on market erodes your net proceeds in Wilmington NC — and how to price to win.

August 1, 2026

Fall Coastal Home Checklist: Wilmington, NC Buyers & Sellers Guide

Buying or selling near the Wilmington, NC coast this fall? Use this property-readiness checklist for flood zones, insurance, inspections, and pricing.

August 1, 2026

NC Sellers: Ask Who the Closing Attorney Is Before You Sign

Before you accept an offer, ask who the closing attorney is and whether that firm wires seller proceeds. Here's why it matters in North Carolina closings.

July 31, 2026

Why Wilmington Mortgage Rates Move When Fed Holds

Understand why Wilmington NC mortgage rates change even when the Fed holds rates steady. Get expert real estate insights from local leader Buddy Blake.

July 31, 2026

How New Wilmington NC Employers Drive Relocation Demand

New employers, hospital expansion and port growth are reshaping Wilmington NC relocation. See where new hires buy, commute times, prices and neighborhoods.

July 27, 2026

Sermon on Mount Lessons & My Business

A Wilmington listing agent on slow markets, tough negotiations, and what the Sermon on the Mount actually costs you on a Monday morning.

July 12, 2026

Capital Gains Tax Exclusion on Home Sales Could Double: What Wilmington, NC Homeowners Need to Know

Congress is weighing a bill to double the home sale capital gains exclusion to $500K/$1M. Here's current law vs. what's proposed for Wilmington, NC sellers.

July 6, 2026

Post-Pandemic Wilmington: How Remote Work Is Reshaping Suburban Growth

Remote work has transformed Wilmington NC's suburbs. Buddy Blake breaks down the data, the neighborhoods, and what it means for buyers and sellers today.

July 6, 2026

Monday Morning Coffee: Team USA, Falling Rates, D.R. Horton Deals, Meet Ben O'Toole & Our Week Serving Families in Alabama

Buddy Blake's Monday Morning Coffee: falling Wilmington NC mortgage rates, D.R. Horton deals, meet AI assistant Ben O'Toole, and a heartfelt update on Hope Hills Camp.

July 6, 2026

Happy 250th, America: Buddy Blake's July 4th Market Update, D.R. Horton Deals & Where to Find Us at Carolina Beach

Buddy Blake shares a July 4th market update for Wilmington NC real estate, D.R. Horton incentives, Homes for Heroes rebates, and where to find him at Carolina Beach.

June 29, 2026

What Zillow and Realtor.com Aren't Telling You — And How It Could Cost Heroes Their Benefits

Buyers signing agreements on Zillow and Realtor.com may unknowingly lose Homes for Heroes benefits. Buddy Blake explains what you must know before you click.

June 27, 2026

Why Seller Representation at Closing Matters More Than You Think — A Wilmington, NC Real Estate Insider's Take

Buddy Blake explains why Wilmington NC home sellers need dedicated attorney representation at closing — especially for estates, trusts, and tax implications.

June 16, 2026

Brittany S.'s 5-Star Review and the Listing Agreement Story

A Rocky Point family paid $1,500 just to cancel a listing. What to check in a listing agreement, and why sellers should be able to walk away.

June 11, 2026

Wilmington NC Real Estate Market Update: Fall 2026

Buddy Blake's fall 2026 Wilmington-area market update: real MLS numbers for New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender, Onslow and Duplin, pricing truths and today's rates.

June 11, 2026

How a 2-Star Experience Became a 5-Star Sale: M.K.'s Story

A Wilmington listing sat for weeks. A fresh launch, a new price and real marketing brought a full-price offer in 7 days. Here's what changed.

June 5, 2026

Pine Ridge Castle Hayne Final Sellout: New Homes from the $280s — Open House This Weekend

Pine Ridge in Castle Hayne NC is selling out fast! New single-story homes from the $280s with metal roofs, fenced yards & no monthly HOA. Open house this Saturday 10–12.

June 4, 2026

26 Years in Wilmington Real Estate: Why I Now Work Exclusively With Sellers (And What That Means for You)

After 26 years in Wilmington real estate, Buddy Blake explains why he now works exclusively with sellers — and how that focus puts more money in your pocket.

June 3, 2026

Why the Traditional New Agent Model Is Failing — And the Team-Centric Fix That Could Save the Industry

Buddy Blake breaks down why 87% of new real estate agents fail and proposes a company-sponsored team placement model that could change everything.

June 2, 2026

NC Due Diligence Fee vs. Earnest Money: What Every Wilmington Home Buyer Must Know Before Making an Offer

Learn how North Carolina's due diligence fee and earnest money work in Wilmington NC real estate — and how to protect yourself as a buyer.

June 1, 2026

The PT's Grille Story: What a Stolen Order Pad Taught Me About Selling Homes in Wilmington NC

Buddy Blake discovers a PT's Grille order pad in a vacant listing — and turns it into the funniest, most honest real estate story you'll read all year.

May 28, 2026

Tanya B.'s 5-Star Review: Selling a Wilmington Condo From Afar

Tanya B. and her mom sold their Willoughby Park condo in Wilmington while living out of state. How clear communication made it smooth.

May 28, 2026

Price Rattling™: The Dynamic Pricing Strategy That Keeps Your Wilmington NC Home in Front of Every Buyer

Discover Price Rattling™ — Buddy Blake's proven dynamic pricing method that maximizes listing exposure, triggers buyer alerts, and drives more offers in Wilmington NC.

May 27, 2026

Motts Landing Specialist: Why Buddy Blake is the Go-To Agent for Sellers in Village at Motts Landing, Wilmington NC

Discover why Buddy Blake is the top Motts Landing specialist in Wilmington, NC. Learn about resale vs. new construction, commission savings, and expert guidance for selling your home.

May 26, 2026

5 Reasons Why Wilmington, NC Is a Top Retirement Destination in 2026

Discover why Wilmington, NC is a top retirement destination in 2026, offering ideal climate, diverse real estate, world-class healthcare, and a vibrant community. Plan your move with expert insights.

May 25, 2026

Happy Memorial Day from Carolina Beach: Honoring Our Heroes & What's Happening in Wilmington NC Real Estate Right Now

Buddy Blake shares a heartfelt Memorial Day message from Carolina Beach plus urgent Wilmington NC real estate market updates — two hot buyer pools need your home.

May 25, 2026

A Carolina Beach Weekend: Faith, Family, Riko's Pizza, and the Real Estate Life

Faith, family, Riko's hot honey pizza, and real estate negotiations — Buddy Blake's perfect Carolina Beach weekend captures why coastal NC living is unmatched.

May 22, 2026

A Memorial Day Morning at Chick-fil-A in Porter's Neck: Honoring Those Who Gave Everything

A moving Memorial Day tribute inspired by a patriotic table at Porter's Neck Chick-fil-A — honoring fallen heroes, veterans, and the families who sacrifice alongside them.

May 21, 2026

UNCW's New Medical School Is Coming — Here's What It Means for Wilmington NC Real Estate

UNCW is moving forward with a new medical school. See how this major development will reshape Wilmington NC real estate, home values, and neighborhood demand.

May 20, 2026

Always Put It in Writing: Why Written Offers Win in Wilmington NC Real Estate

Verbal offers lose deals. Learn why written, professionally prepared offers always win—especially in Wilmington NC's competitive real estate market.

May 20, 2026

Affordable Fixer-Upper Near Downtown Wilmington NC: 1937 Jackson St Is the Opportunity You've Been Waiting For

Looking for an affordable fixer-upper near downtown Wilmington NC? 1937 Jackson St is a rare find. See why this listing is turning heads right now.

May 19, 2026

Buyer Agent Commissions After the NAR Settlement: What Every Wilmington NC Home Seller Needs to Know

Confused about buyer agent commissions after the NAR settlement? Wilmington NC listing expert Buddy Blake breaks down your 3 real choices as a home seller.

May 18, 2026

MayCember in Wilmington NC: Real Estate Meets May Chaos

MayCember blends Wilmington NC's busiest school-year finale with peak spring home sales. Learn how families, buyers, and sellers can navigate it gracefully.

May 18, 2026

New Home Sales Data in New Hanover County: What the Numbers Really Tell Us About Wilmington's Housing Market

Explore the latest new home sales data in New Hanover County, NC. See what's driving builder activity, prices, and what buyers need to know right now.

May 16, 2026

The Moving Insurance Story Every Seller Should Hear Before Packing

A seller's rental truck flipped with everything they owned inside. What covered them, what didn't, and what to check before a DIY move.

May 12, 2026

UNC Health's 62-Acre New Hospital in Wilmington: A New Age of Healthcare

Discover UNC Health's new 62-acre hospital in Wilmington, NC, designed to meet the growing healthcare needs and support community heroes with exclusive rebates.

May 11, 2026

Timing Your Wilmington NC Home Sale for Maximum Exposure and Profit

Sell your Wilmington, NC home before the market rush and capitalize on optimal timing with expert insights from Buddy Blake's real estate team.

May 9, 2026

Probate, Step-Up Basis & Estate Planning for Wilmington NC Real Estate: What Every Heir Needs to Know

Learn how probate, step-up basis, and smart estate planning can protect your Wilmington NC real estate inheritance and minimize capital gains taxes.

May 7, 2026

Understanding Early Offers: Why the First Offers Often Show True Value

An early offer, especially cash on a property that can't be financed, often shows its true value. How to weigh it, run your net, and decide to counter or wait.

May 2, 2026

A Prayer for Real Estate Agents: Before the Calls, Before the Contracts

What Ben Palpant's “A Liturgy Before Fishing” taught Buddy Blake about real estate: laying down what we can't carry, patience, gratitude and quiet hearts.

April 24, 2026

The Work Still Wins: A Real Estate Agent Manifesto

In an industry full of shortcuts and slogans, this business is still built conversation by conversation. Buddy Blake's manifesto for agents who do the work.

March 22, 2026

Why Wilmington Homes Aren't Selling (And What Sellers Must Know)

22.6% of Wilmington listings failed to sell last year. Homes priced right sold in 9 days; price-cut homes took 64. What sellers who win do differently.

January 22, 2026

How the Seller Two-Step Strategy Works

List in January or early February 2027, reset before spring if needed, and get two chances to sell with one round of prep. Here's how it works.

December 17, 2025

Selling Your Home in 2027? Here's Why You Should Talk to Your Agent Now

Thinking of selling in 2027? Start planning three months ahead: timing, pricing, new-construction competition, inspections and equity.

November 30, 2025

Less Is More: Why Too Many Listing Photos Can Hurt Your Sale

90 photos, videos and a 3D tour, yet few showings. Why overexposing a listing online turns buyers away, and what to show instead.

November 30, 2025

Assumable VA & FHA Loans: The Opportunity Buyers Haven't Heard About

Some sellers have VA or FHA loans under 4% that a qualified buyer can assume. At 7.03% rates, that can mean nearly $1,000 a month. How it works and the catches.

November 30, 2025

The Real Value of Personalization in Selling Your Home

Conventional advice says depersonalize before you sell. Why a few personal touches can help buyers connect emotionally, and when to pare back.

November 30, 2025

Should You Consider a Lowball Investor Offer?

A low investor offer isn't always a loss. How to judge the terms, run a seller's net sheet, and use a counteroffer to find out if the buyer is serious.