What we're looking for
- Vacant lots, in a neighborhood or along a country road
- Raw land and acreage, including tracts that could be divided into several homesites
- Lots with an old mobile home, shed or other building still on them
- Inherited land, land owned by several family members, and land with back taxes
- Land you've owned for years from out of town and haven't seen in a while
We're a locally owned small business, buying and selling property around Wilmington since 2004. Every conversation starts with listening.
What makes a good lot?
These are the things we look at first. You don't need answers to all of them — most owners don't — and we can look them up together.
Water
A county or community water line at the road, or a spot where a private well can go. Not sure which you have? Your county utilities office or the tax bill can often tell you.
Septic or sewer
A county sewer connection, an existing septic system, or soil that may support one. In North Carolina, the county Environmental Health office evaluates the site and issues septic permits.
Zoning
Zoning that allows homes on the lot. County or town Planning can confirm the district and the rules for your parcel, and recorded restrictions or HOA covenants can matter too.
Access
Frontage on a public road, or a recorded easement that gives legal access. A path everyone “has always used” is worth a closer look before a sale.
Flood zone and wet areas
Higher, drier ground outside the high-risk flood zones is easiest to build on. You can look up any parcel on the FEMA flood maps or your county GIS.
Size and shape
Room for a home within setbacks, or acreage that could be divided into more than one homesite. A survey helps, but you don’t need one to start talking.
Not sure what you have?
That's normal. Send the address or parcel ID and we'll check the county GIS, zoning and flood maps with you. If you'd like to check on your own, these are the offices that decide:
- Zoning and what can be built: your county or town Planning department
- Septic permits and soil evaluations: your county Environmental Health office
- Ownership, deeds and recorded easements: the county Register of Deeds
- Taxes owed: the county tax office
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. For questions about title, heirs or taxes, please talk with an attorney or CPA — we know good local ones and are glad to connect you.
How it works
Tell us about the land
Share the address, road name or parcel ID — whatever you have. A call, a text, the chat or the short form all work.
We look at it together
Jonathan checks county maps, zoning, flood zone and utilities with you, and learns what you’re hoping for. No pressure and no obligation.
Your options, side by side
Sell it as-is to Jonathan, talk about seller financing, or list it with Jonathan as your broker. If he is the buyer, his broker status is disclosed in writing.
Close on your schedule
If a path makes sense, a local closing attorney handles the closing on a date that works for you.
Where we buy land
Wilmington and New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender and Onslow counties, plus Columbus County and the surrounding areas of Southeastern North Carolina — Leland, Bolivia, Supply, Shallotte, Burgaw, Rocky Point, Hampstead, Holly Ridge, Jacksonville, Richlands and Whiteville.
County pages: Brunswick County · Pender County · Onslow County · New Hanover County · Supply. Selling land in Wilmington on a short timeline? See sell land fast in Wilmington.
Is there a mobile home on the land? See sell your mobile home and land together. Selling it yourself? Read the vacant land seller checklist.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of land do you buy?
Vacant lots, raw land and acreage across Wilmington and Southeastern North Carolina, including tracts that could be divided into more than one homesite, inherited land and lots with an old mobile home or building on them.
My land has never had a perc test or septic permit. Will you still look at it?
Yes. Plenty of the land we talk about has never been tested. County Environmental Health is the office that evaluates soils and issues septic permits, and we can talk through what that process generally looks like.
How do I find out how my land is zoned?
Your county or town Planning department can tell you the zoning district and what it allows. Many counties also show zoning on their online GIS map. We are happy to look it up with you.
There is an old mobile home or shed on the lot. Do I need to remove it first?
No. Leave it as it is and tell us about it. If the home is in decent shape, see selling a mobile home and land together.
I owe back taxes on the land. Can I still sell?
Often, yes. Property taxes owed are commonly paid from the sale proceeds at closing. Your county tax office can confirm what is owed, and the closing attorney handles the payoff. We do not give tax advice, so check with a CPA about your own situation.
Several family members own the land. Can we still sell?
Usually, yes, but every owner generally needs to sign, and an estate may need to be opened first. The Clerk of Superior Court handles estates, and an attorney can explain what applies to your family. We are patient and glad to work at your pace.
Do I need a survey?
Not to start talking. If a survey is needed, we will talk about it as part of the plan.
Does a flood zone rule my land out?
Not automatically. It affects what can be built and what it costs, so we look at each parcel on its own.
Can you list my land instead of buying it?
Yes. Jonathan Swanson is a licensed NC real estate broker (License #231105-NC) with Sea Gate Realty, Inc. and can list your land on the MLS.
Does it cost anything to talk?
No. There is no cost and no obligation to talk with us or to hear 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.