Wendy Buckley Realtor

06/19/2026

🏡 UNDER CONTRACT! Congratulations to my buyers! 🎉

This home search actually started in South Carolina and ended right here in Brunswick County, North Carolina.

That's one of the biggest advantages of working with an agent who is licensed in both North Carolina and South Carolina. Instead of being limited by state lines, we were able to focus on what mattered most: finding the right home, in the right location, at the right price.

After exploring options across both Carolinas, my buyers found the perfect fit just minutes from beautiful Holden Beach. 🌊

Every buyer's journey is different. Sometimes the home you think you want isn't the one you ultimately fall in love with. Keeping an open mind and having access to opportunities on both sides of the border can make all the difference.

Congratulations to my wonderful buyers on finding their coastal retreat! I can't wait to see them make memories here for years to come.

If you're considering a move to the Carolina coast, I'd be happy to help you explore opportunities from Brunswick County, NC all the way down the South Carolina coast.

📍 NC & SC Licensed Realtor, PROACTIVE Real Estate - Brunswick County, NC
🏖️ Coastal Homes • Retirement Homes • Vacation Homes • Investment Properties
[email protected]
240.372.5030

Listing Agent: Erica Thomas, Coastal Development &
Realty

06/19/2026

In a sea of beach rentals, being different can be a huge advantage.

This one hit the market a few days ago, and my first thought was...
Why would someone build a log cabin at the beach? 🤔🏖️

At first glance, it feels completely out of place on Oak Island.

But then I started looking closer.

Built in 1988, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home sits beneath a beautiful canopy of mature Oak trees, just one block from direct beach access. The more I studied it, the more I realized this wasn't meant to be a typical beach cottage.

It was designed to feel like a retreat.

A place where you could spend the morning on the beach and the evening by a wood-burning stove.

A place where the shade of the live oaks matters as much as the ocean breeze.

A place that feels a little like the mountains and a little like the coast.

And honestly, that's what makes it interesting.

Most beach homes compete on ocean views, pools, and proximity to the water. This one competes on something different:

⚓ Character
⚓ Privacy beneath the trees
⚓ Cozy cabin charm
⚓ Easy beach access
⚓ Proven vacation rental income potential

And from an investment standpoint, there's something else worth considering...

In a sea of beach rentals, being different can be a huge advantage.

Travelers have thousands of beach cottages to choose from. But how many can say they stayed in a cozy log cabin beneath the live oaks just steps from the ocean?

Unique properties often create memorable guest experiences, stronger reviews, repeat visitors, and a story that guests share with friends and family long after their vacation ends.

I had some fun imagining what this unique property could become with a little vision and elbow grease.

So I created two different coastal makeovers for the cabin:

💙 Option 1: Nantucket Navy
Crisp white trim, coastal landscaping, and a classic East Coast cottage feel.

🤍 Option 2: Salt & Oak Cabin
White painted logs, powder blue shutters, hydrangeas, and timeless coastal charm beneath the live oaks.

Swipe through the photos and tell me...

Which version would you choose?
💙 Navy
🤍 White

Or would you leave it exactly as it is?

If you've been dreaming of owning a beach investment property, remember that the best opportunities aren't always the most obvious ones. Sometimes they're the properties with a story to tell.

And if you're looking for a unique coastal investment, vacation rental, retirement retreat, or second home, I'm always happy to help you find the right fit.

📩 Send me a message if you'd like to explore opportunities on Oak Island, Holden Beach, Southport, or anywhere along the North Carolina or South Carolina coast.
[email protected]

Listing courtesy of Connor S. Perkins with Art Skipper Realty.

Link to view listing:
https://wendybuckley.proactiverealestate.com/property/745-100581907-110-ne-72nd-street-oak-island-NC-28465

06/14/2026

Before You Fall in Love with a House, Fall in Love with Your Budget

One of the most common mistakes first-time homebuyers make is starting their home search before they truly understand what they can comfortably afford.

I understand the excitement. It's hard not to scroll through beautiful kitchens, dreamy porches, and backyard pools while imagining your future life there. But before you spend your weekends touring homes, there is one important conversation to have first: your budget.

Knowing what you can afford isn't about finding the absolute maximum a lender will approve. It's about determining what allows you to sleep well at night while still enjoying your life.

A lender may tell you that you qualify for a $500,000 home. 😬 But if that monthly payment leaves you feeling stretched every month, it may not be the right home for you.

Instead, think about your lifestyle.

✈️ Do you enjoy traveling?

⚾ Do you have children who play sports?

💰 Would you like to dine out occasionally, save for retirement, or keep a healthy emergency fund?

Your home should support your life, not consume it.

Once you've established a comfortable monthly payment, meet with a trusted lender and obtain a pre-approval letter. This step not only helps you understand your buying power, but it also positions you as a serious buyer when the right home comes along.

If you're considering a home in Brunswick County, remember that your mortgage payment is only part of the equation. Coastal properties often come with additional expenses such as homeowners insurance, flood insurance, HOA fees, and maintenance costs. Understanding these expenses ahead of time prevents surprises later.

I often tell my buyers that purchasing a home is much like shopping with a list at the grocery store. When you know exactly what you're looking for and what you're comfortable spending, you're less likely to make emotional decisions you'll regret later.

The good news? Once you know your budget, the fun part begins.

You'll tour homes with confidence.

You'll know when a property is a realistic fit.

And when you find "the one," you'll be able to make a strong offer without second-guessing yourself.

Buying your first home should feel exciting, not stressful. Taking the time to understand your finances before you start looking is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.

🏡 The dream home isn't necessarily the most expensive one.

It's the one that allows you to enjoy both the home and the life you're building inside it.

Happy house hunting!

-Wendy Buckley
REALTOR®
PROACTIVE Real Estate
🌊Serving Coastal North Carolina & Coastal South Carolina
[email protected]

06/11/2026

Would You Purchase a Historic Home?

I romantically peruse real estate listings in my free time, especially properties built between 1900 and 1930. There is just something about the architecture from that era that resonates with my soul.

While I especially love the beach cottages that have stood the test of time, weathering hurricanes and generations of family memories, I also have a soft spot for a grand downtown home. The thought of walking to restaurants, sipping tea in a garden, and engaging in a little friendly competition with the local garden club ladies for "Best Garden" appeals to me. (Truth be told, I can barely keep a Trader Joe's orchid alive, but let's not let facts get in the way of a good fantasy.)

So last night I came across this stunning home at 113 Nun Street in Wilmington. The house was built in 1900 for William Alexander Dick, a senior executive with the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, and his wife Nellie Watson Draper Dick. Imagine Wilmington at the turn of the century; railroads connecting the Southeast, ships moving through the Cape Fear River, and the city growing into one of North Carolina's most important commercial centers. William was helping move people and commerce throughout the region while Nellie oversaw life in this beautiful new home on Nun Street.

As I went down the rabbit hole researching the property, it reminded me that one of my favorite Wilmington attractions is the Wilmington Railroad Museum. If you've never visited, it's worth the stop. It's a wonderful glimpse into the era that helped shape Wilmington and families like the Dicks, whose livelihoods were tied to the railroad industry.

And then there's this fireplace...
I'm absolutely obsessed.

Historic homes are a labor of love. Maintaining them. Researching them. Working with preservation commissions and historic societies when updates are needed. They have stories modern homes simply can't replicate.

I know a real estate investor couple who purchased a historic home and began renovating the basement foundation. During the excavation, they uncovered an unmarked grave in the backyard. The discovery halted their renovation project for nearly two years while archaeologists and historians sorted everything out.

That's the thing about historic homes.
Sometimes you're not just buying a house.
You're becoming the next caretaker of a story that started long before you arrived.

Would you purchase a historic home? Or do you prefer something newer and lower maintenance?

Want to tour this home together? Let's go!
[email protected]

🏡 Listing link: https://wendybuckley.proactiverealestate.com/property/745-100578840-113-nun-street-wilmington-NC-28401

Listing Agent: Will Hooper 240-561-3149,
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolina Premier Properties

06/09/2026

Brunswick Beach Events for June ☀️

https://www.ncbrunswick.com/events/

06/01/2026

🌊 High Tide / Low Tide — Holden Beach Edition

This week, we’re riding the tides in Holden Beach...

✨ High Tide: 1149 Ocean Blvd W — Oceanfront Luxury
✨ Low Tide: 116 Tuna Drive — Dockside Charm

Life on the coast isn’t about high or low... it’s about finding your perfect place by the water.

This week’s edition is especially fitting, as Holden Beach was recently named the Best Beach in North Carolina by Coastal Living magazine. With its wide sandy beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and timeless coastal charm, it’s easy to see why.

The High Tide property offers the ultimate oceanfront experience, where the Atlantic Ocean becomes your backyard.

The Low Tide property proves you don’t have to be oceanfront to live the dream. Located on a canal with its own dock, it’s less than a block from beach access—giving you the best of both worlds: boating from your backyard and easy walks to the sand and surf.

Because here, it’s not just about the home...
it’s about sunrise beach walks, afternoons on the boat, evenings on the dock, and making memories in one of North Carolina’s most beloved beach towns.

Whether your dream is oceanfront luxury or a coastal retreat with a dock and beach access, Holden Beach offers a lifestyle that’s hard to beat.

Where will the tide take you? 🌊

– Contact me for more information on this week’s featured properties.

📧[email protected]
📞240.372.5030

Search my link in comments for Holden Beach Homes!

High Tide Listing Courtesy of: Mary Overocker, Coastal Development & Realty

Low Tide Listing Courtesy of: Stephanie Black, Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantag

05/30/2026

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/sVkkYv-p5YE

After 35 years of marriage, Nancy and Dick are beginning an exciting new chapter—retirement on the beautiful North Carolina coast.

This month, as they celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary, they're also celebrating the purchase of their future retirement home in picturesque Southport, North Carolina.

Like so many people who fall in love with this charming coastal town, Nancy and Dick were drawn to Southport's waterfront views, historic charm, friendly community, and relaxed pace of life. They wanted a place where they could slow down, enjoy the simple pleasures, and create new memories together for years to come.

In this video, you'll see them walking hand-in-hand along the Southport waterfront, sharing a kiss on the pier, and reflecting on their home-buying journey. You'll also hear firsthand what it was like working with Wendy Buckley as their trusted Coastal Carolina Realtor throughout the process.

Helping wonderful people like Nancy and Dick find not just a home, but a lifestyle they love, is why I do what I do.

If you're considering retirement, a second home, or a move to the North Carolina or South Carolina coast, I'd be honored to help you find the perfect place for your next chapter.

Wendy Buckley
Licensed Realtor in North Carolina & South Carolina
Coastal Carolina Retirement & Waterfront Home Specialist
[email protected]

📍 Southport, North Carolina

After 35 years of marriage, Nancy and Dick are beginning an exciting new chapter—retirement on the beautiful North Carolina coast.This month, as they celebra...

05/26/2026

Big news for our little slice of paradise 🌊☀️

Holden Beach has officially been named the Best Beach in North Carolina by Coastal Living for 2026 and honestly, it’s easy to see why. From peaceful morning walks and breathtaking sunsets to family beach days and that slower coastal pace we all love, Holden continues to be one of the Carolina coast’s true hidden gems.

No high rises. No chaos. Just wide beaches, salty air, and the kind of place people return to year after year. 💙

As someone who lives and works along this coast, I love seeing Holden Beach get the recognition it deserves.

Who else thinks Holden has always been #1? 🙋‍♀️

I'd love to show you around! 240.372.5030
[email protected]

05/15/2026

Escape the hustle and bustle this summer with a vacation to NC's Brunswick Islands! Check out our blog to learn the best itinerary ideas for your beach trip:
https://www.ncbrunswick.com/blog/post/visiting-ncs-brunswick-islands-from-the-triangle/

05/14/2026

Congratulations to Phyllis for winning this awesome cooler at our festival! 🎉🌊

Phyllis has called Oak Island home since 1985, and after spending just a few minutes with her, it’s easy to see why people love this community so much. Kind, welcoming, and full of island stories… she truly represents the heart of Oak Island. 💙

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, said hello, entered our giveaways, and helped make the festival such a fun day. We loved meeting both longtime locals and new faces alike.

Enjoy your new cooler, Phyllis! 🦀☀️🏖️