Broker (NC: 276612)
14 years experience
Columbus County, North Carolina's real estate market presents a fascinating blend of rural charm and strategic coastal proximity that often surprises industry observers. Located in the southeastern corner of the state, this market operates with a lean but dedicated network of exactly 79 actively licensed real estate agents, each equipped with email connectivity for modern business communications. This tight-knit professional community serves a county where agricultural heritage meets growing interest from buyers seeking affordable alternatives to higher-priced coastal markets.
The county's positioning between Wilmington's bustling coastal economy and the South Carolina border creates unique market dynamics that savvy investors and homebuyers are beginning to recognize. With towns like Whiteville, Tabor City, and Chadbourn anchoring different regional markets, Columbus County offers diverse opportunities from historic downtown properties to expansive rural acreage, all supported by agents who maintain deep local knowledge and personal relationships within their communities.
Whiteville serves as the county seat and primary commercial hub, driving the most active residential and commercial real estate transactions in Columbus County. The town's historic downtown district and proximity to major highways make it attractive for both local families and businesses seeking regional accessibility. Meanwhile, Tabor City capitalizes on its unique position straddling the North Carolina-South Carolina border, creating interesting opportunities for buyers interested in the famous "Town in Two States" and its annual North Carolina Yam Festival economic boost.
Chadbourn, known historically as the "Strawberry Capital of the World," represents the county's agricultural real estate sector, where farmland transactions and rural residential properties dominate local agent activity. The coastal influence becomes apparent in eastern sections of the county, where proximity to Brunswick County beaches drives interest in vacation properties and retirement communities, creating specialized market niches that require agents with diverse expertise across agricultural, residential, and recreational property types.
Columbus County's real estate market operates on relationship-driven transactions where the 79 licensed agents often handle diverse property types within single transactions, from timber rights to residential sales. The county's expansive geography spanning over 950 square miles means agents frequently travel significant distances between properties, making digital communication and comprehensive market knowledge essential for successful operations. Seasonal fluctuations tied to agricultural cycles and coastal tourism create predictable but complex market rhythms.
The market's complexity increases with its position in the Cape Fear River basin, where flood zones and environmental considerations significantly impact property values and development potential. Smart buyers and investors recognize that local agents possess irreplaceable knowledge about soil conditions, water rights, and zoning nuances that can make or break rural property investments, particularly as interest grows in agritourism and sustainable farming operations.
Financial institutions, insurance companies, and property service providers targeting Columbus County's real estate market need direct access to all 79 licensed agents to effectively penetrate this relationship-based business environment. Unlike urban markets where agents specialize narrowly, Columbus County agents typically handle everything from first-time homebuyer programs to large agricultural transactions, making them valuable partners for diverse business applications and referral opportunities.
The complete email accessibility of all licensed agents creates exceptional opportunities for B2B service providers to build comprehensive market coverage through targeted outreach. Companies offering mortgage services, home inspection, title insurance, or property management solutions can efficiently reach the entire professional network, essential for establishing credibility in a market where personal recommendations and proven track records determine business success.
As of 1/31/2026, Richard Harrelson has 22 properties for sale in Whiteville and surrounding areas. These are the top 10 listings.
$139,000
Listed 2025-12-18
$149,000
Listed 2025-08-20
$167,000
Listed 2025-08-07
$215,000
Listed 2025-10-09
$245,000
Listed 2025-12-09
$179,000
Listed 2025-10-11
$305,000
Listed 2025-11-21
$210,000
Listed 2025-11-19
$389,000
Listed 2025-12-15
$480,000
Listed 2025-12-22
Richard Harrelson currently has no rental properties available in Whiteville and surrounding areas. Check back later.