How buying with Jonathan works
Buyer consultation
Talk through your budget, must-haves and timeline, review the Working With Real Estate Agents Disclosure and sign a written buyer agency agreement.
Get pre-approved
Get a lender pre-approval (VA, FHA, conventional or USDA) so you know your price range and your offers are taken seriously.
Search
A home search set up around your areas, budget and must-haves, with new listings sent as they hit the market.
Showings
In-person or video tours, with honest notes on condition, location and resale.
Offer & negotiation
Jonathan pulls comparable sales, writes your offer and negotiates price, due diligence and closing terms.
Due diligence
Inspections, survey, appraisal and repair negotiation during North Carolina’s due diligence period.
Closing
Final walk-through, signing with the closing attorney, and the keys to your new home.
First-time home buyers
Buying your first home is a big step. Jonathan explains each stage in plain English — pre-approval, offers, the due diligence period, inspections and closing costs — so you know what to expect before you sign anything. Read his guide to how much house you can afford in Wilmington.
Military & VA buyers near Camp Lejeune
PCSing to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune or Air Station New River? Jonathan helps active-duty service members and veterans buy in Jacksonville, Hubert, Richlands, Holly Ridge and the Topsail area, with video tours for buyers who are still out of state and coordination with VA-experienced lenders. VA loans can let eligible buyers purchase with no down payment — your lender will confirm your eligibility.
Homes for sale in Wilmington-area towns
Browse each community, then tell Jonathan what you're looking for:
Selling before you buy?
Jonathan can list your current home or make a fast cash offer so you can move on your timeline.
Start my home searchFrequently asked questions
How is a buyer’s agent paid?
How your buyer’s agent is paid is agreed in writing in your buyer agency agreement before Jonathan starts working with you. In some sales the seller offers to cover some or all of it. The NC Real Estate Commission’s Working With Real Estate Agents brochure explains how agents are paid.
Do I need to be pre-approved before looking at homes?
It is strongly recommended. A pre-approval tells you your budget and makes your offer stronger. If you don’t have a lender yet, Jonathan can suggest local options.
Can you help me buy with a VA loan?
Yes. Jonathan works with active-duty and veteran buyers around Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville, Hubert, Richlands and the Topsail area, and coordinates with VA-experienced lenders, inspectors and closing attorneys.
I’m a first-time buyer. Where do I start?
Start with a free buyer consultation. Jonathan will explain the North Carolina offer process (including the due diligence period), help you get pre-approved, and set up a search that fits your budget.
Can you help me buy if I’m relocating or PCSing from out of state?
Yes. Jonathan can do video tours, send neighborhood information, and coordinate inspections and closing so much of the process can happen remotely.
Let’s talk
A real, local person picks up.
You'll usually reach Jonathan or his assistant — not a call center. Call, text, chat, or email, whatever's easiest for you. Jonathan is happy to set up a phone call or a visit at your place, your choice. No pressure — just answers so you can make the best decision.
When you can reach us: Jonathan is available live by phone or text 9 am–9 pm Eastern, 7 days a week — and often outside those hours if you need help. Forms and chat take messages 24/7, and we’ll respond as soon as possible.
Locally owned & serving Wilmington since 2004 · (910) 367-5722 · [email protected]
Jonathan Swanson, Licensed North Carolina Real Estate Broker, License #231105-NC, Sea Gate Realty, Inc.. Before discussing confidential information, Jonathan will review the NC Real Estate Commission's Working With Real Estate Agents Disclosure with you — read the Commission's Questions and Answers on: Working With Real Estate Agents brochure. Equal Housing Opportunity.