A Family Real Estate Firm Grows with Wilmington

Horizon Realty Group expands its reach, blending decades of local expertise with the national strength of Howard Hanna | Allen Tate

By Madison Bailey  »  Photos by G. Frank Hart

Wilmington has always grown at its own pace. Long admired for its coastal beauty and historic character, the city has entered a new chapter shaped by steady population growth, expanding cultural amenities and a rising national profile. Retirees from the Northeast, remote professionals and young families alike are finding their way to southeastern North Carolina.

Within this evolving landscape, Horizon Realty Group — now affiliated with Howard Hanna | Allen Tate — has formally opened its Wilmington office, pairing decades of local experience with the reach of one of the country’s largest family-owned real estate networks.

Built on experience, shaped by family

For Robin Hackney, the office opening is less a beginning than a continuation. Hackney has worked in real estate since the mid-1980s and has lived and worked in Wilmington since 1988. Over the course of her career, she has built homes, appraised properties and guided clients through residential transactions — experience that has shaped her understanding of both the region and its shifting market.

That perspective informs Horizon Realty Group’s approach. The firm operates as part of a family-run ecosystem that includes residential brokerage, custom homebuilding and land development services. Multiple generations are involved in the business, including Hackney’s son, Deans, who leads land development and commercial efforts. Together, the team emphasizes a hands-on, relationship-driven model focused on trust, continuity and long-term client relationships.

Howard Hanna | Allen Tate partnership

Horizon’s latest chapter is defined by its affiliation with Howard Hanna | Allen Tate, a partnership the firm describes as rooted in shared values rather than growth for growth’s sake. Founded in 1957, Howard Hanna and Allen Tate are family-owned companies that together form the largest independently owned real estate firm in the United States. The brand has maintained a strong presence across North Carolina for decades, with Wilmington as its latest major market.

Rather than acquiring an existing firm, the company entered the region through an affiliate model. For the Hackneys, that structure offered flexibility alongside scale.

“The affiliate model lets us operate as Howard Hanna | Allen Tate while keeping our brand and independence,” Hackney said. “We’re able to make our own day-to-day decisions while still accessing the marketing, back-office and operational support of a major national company.”

A full-spectrum approach to real estate

One of Horizon’s defining characteristics is the breadth of its services. The firm positions itself as a full-spectrum real estate resource, guiding clients through buying, selling and building homes, as well as evaluating land opportunities and commercial or development projects.

That integrated approach allows clients to work with one team from start to finish — whether relocating from out of state, transitioning into retirement or pursuing development opportunities. Through the Howard Hanna | Allen Tate network, Horizon can also support both sides of a move, assisting clients with selling property elsewhere while establishing a presence in southeastern North Carolina.

Looking ahead

Wilmington’s real estate landscape has shifted notably over the past decade, the firm said.

“The biggest thing is the influx of the retiree market,” Hackney said. She noted that trend began more than a decade ago and has continued to accelerate, alongside an increase in younger buyers tied to the growth of remote work.

The region’s appeal extends beyond housing. New businesses, a growing arts and entertainment scene, and sustained investment in downtown and surrounding areas have reinforced Wilmington’s reputation as a place where people not only relocate but choose to stay.

As Wilmington continues to grow, Horizon Realty Group said it remains focused on building something durable — a steady, relationship-driven approach shaped by local knowledge, long-standing ties to the region and the ability to guide clients through change.