We'd love to hear from you if…
- You own an apartment building or small complex with 4 to 20 units in Wilmington or Southeastern North Carolina.
- You are a tired landlord — ready to be done with turnovers, collections and repair calls.
- The building has deferred maintenance: roofs, HVAC, plumbing, parking or units that need updating.
- You have vacancies or rents that have fallen behind the market, and you would rather not take on another round of improvements.
- You are retiring, stepping back, or settling an estate, or the partners or family are ready to move on.
We're a locally owned small business, serving Wilmington and the Cape Fear area since 2004. We're actively looking for apartment buildings with 4 to 20 units, and every conversation starts with listening — your goals, your residents, and what a good outcome looks like for you.
Ways we can help
Owner (seller) financing
Sell the apartment building and get paid over time, on terms you agree to up front.
As-is cash purchase on your schedule
No repairs or clean-up before you sell. You choose the closing date — soon, or later if you need time to plan.
Listing on the MLS or off-market
Prefer to see what the market will pay? Jonathan, a licensed NC broker with Sea Gate Realty, Inc., can market it publicly on the MLS or quietly to qualified buyers.
Confidential, discreet conversations
We know word of a possible sale can unsettle tenants and staff. Your conversations stay between you and us: no signs and no public listing unless you choose one. We're happy to talk by phone, meet at the property, or meet wherever you're comfortable.
What happens next
Tell us about it
Share whatever you're comfortable with — a call, a text, the chat or the form below. Rough details are fine to start.
We listen first
Jonathan (or his assistant) will follow up to learn about the apartment building, the people in it, and what you're hoping for. No pressure and no obligation.
Options side by side
Owner financing, an as-is cash purchase, or listing — we lay out how each could work for you.
You decide, on your timeline
Take the time you need. If one path makes sense, we work toward a closing date that suits you.
Owner financing: get paid over time
Thinking about selling a rental? Selling with owner financing (also called seller financing) is one option we're glad to talk through. Instead of being paid all at once at closing, you act as the bank: the buyer pays you monthly over a term you agree to up front, and the loan is secured by the property.
How it works, in plain terms
- You and the buyer agree on the price, down payment, interest rate, monthly payment and length up front.
- The buyer pays you each month, and the loan is secured by the property.
- Tenants in place are fine — we're happy to talk about occupied rentals as they are.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Your attorney and CPA should review any owner-financing terms before you agree to them.
Own a single rental? See owner financing for landlords. Own a mobile home park? See sell your mobile home park.
Frequently asked questions
What size apartment buildings are you looking for?
We are looking for apartment buildings and small complexes with 4 to 20 units in Wilmington and Southeastern North Carolina.
Do you buy buildings that need work or have vacancies?
Yes, we are glad to look at buildings as they are, including ones with deferred maintenance, vacancies or below-market rents. Every property is different, so Jonathan will want to learn about yours before talking about an offer.
Do I need my financials ready before we talk?
No. A first conversation can be informal. Later, things like a rent roll, leases, and recent income and expenses help everyone understand the property.
Will my tenants find out I am thinking of selling?
Not from us. Conversations are confidential, and nothing is marketed publicly unless you decide to list.
Can I sell my building with owner financing?
Yes, we are open to owner (seller) financing, where you are paid over time on terms agreed up front. We do not give legal or tax advice, so your attorney and CPA should review any terms.
Can Jonathan list my building instead of buying it?
Yes. Jonathan Swanson is a licensed NC real estate broker (License #231105-NC) with Sea Gate Realty, Inc. and can market your building on the MLS or off-market. If he or an investor he works with makes an offer, his broker status is disclosed in writing.
Which areas do you cover?
Wilmington and New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender and Onslow counties, plus the surrounding areas of Southeastern North Carolina.
Does it cost anything to talk?
No. There is no cost and no obligation to talk with us or to get your options.
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.