Landfall Realty Expands Beyond the Gates

Landfall Realty expands its signature service to Wrightsville Beach and beyond

By Jen Reed  »  Photos by G. Frank Hart

For nearly 40 years, Landfall Realty has been known as the trusted gatekeeper of one of Wilmington’s most prestigious communities. But now, the boutique real estate firm is stepping outside the gates—literally. Landfall Realty is expanding its reach and redefining its role in the region’s fast-growing luxury market with a new listing in Wrightsville Beach. The move marks a meaningful evolution for a company long synonymous with high-end coastal living, as it brings its trusted expertise to a broader slice of southeastern North Carolina’s luxury market.

With the listing in Wrightsville Beach, Landfall Realty isn’t just expanding its footprint—it’s planting a flag in a new era of service, signaling its readiness to match luxury buyers with dream homes across the region.

“Luxury homes have always been a part of Landfall’s DNA,” says Alison Bernhart, broker-in-charge. “Even in the early years, we had a handful of high-end homes due to the community’s unique location. I remember when we sold our first home over a million dollars—it felt like such a milestone. Now we’re seeing $8 million properties and higher.”

Bernhart explains that the decision to branch out beyond Landfall began as a natural extension of the firm’s identity—rooted in waterfront living, personalized service and unmatched expertise.

“Waterfront real estate is the one thing they’re not making more of,” she says. “Wrightsville Beach, with its incredible energy and lifestyle, made perfect sense for us. It was less about leaving Landfall and more about expanding what we do best: connecting people with extraordinary homes in extraordinary places.”

A Culture of Growth, Built on Integrity

Inside Landfall, the team at Landfall Realty is known not only for its deep knowledge of the community but also for the tight-knit, collaborative culture that sets it apart. Agents here aren’t just coworkers—they’re partners who thrive on mentorship, shared goals and a collective vision.

“Few agents have the knowledge and history of Landfall as our team does,” says Nikki Johnson, an agent with more than 25 years of club and real estate experience in Landfall. “But what really sets us apart is how we care for each other—and our clients. Attention to detail is something Alison instills in us every day. We’re a family.”

That sense of unity and shared purpose is now fueling their expansion beyond the gates. While many brokerages might hesitate to leave their comfort zones, Landfall Realty sees opportunity—and responsibility—in bringing its high-touch service model to more clients and communities across the region.

“We’ve always been here, through thick and thin,” Bernhart says. “We’re not going anywhere—we’re just getting a little bigger and more diverse in our abilities.”

Wrightsville Beach: A Natural Step

This listing outside Landfall isn’t just any property—it’s a home in Wrightsville Beach, one of the most coveted addresses in southeastern North Carolina. For agent Becky Spivey, the listing is deeply meaningful.

“This is an exciting milestone for me,” she says. “Wrightsville Beach offers more than just beautiful homes—it’s about lifestyle, coastal charm and a vibrant community. It aligns perfectly with my values as an agent. I don’t just want to sell homes—I want to help people find places that enhance their lives.”

Spivey, who has spent more than 24 years specializing in Landfall, welcomed the challenge of expanding her expertise to a broader territory.

“Managing a listing outside of my traditional area pushed me to grow,” she says. “I’m committed to delivering the same high level of service, no matter the ZIP code.”

Meeting Buyers Where They Are

For the team at Landfall Realty, the move beyond the gates is less about change for the sake of change—and more about evolution driven by demand. Many clients, impressed with the firm’s work inside Landfall, began requesting their services for listings and purchases in surrounding areas.

“Our move outside Landfall evolved from the needs of our clients,” says agent Kelli Lazzaro. “Many referred us to family and friends, or they wanted the same high level of service wherever they were looking. It’s about following our clients—and welcoming new ones along the way.”

Lazzaro believes the firm’s success outside Landfall will depend on balancing its identity with a genuine curiosity for new communities.

“We remain rooted in our values—exceptional service, personalized relationships and understanding our clients’ needs. But we’re also embracing new areas by learning what makes each community unique, and tailoring our approach accordingly.”

That adaptability is becoming essential as buyer expectations shift. Karen Thompson, another seasoned agent, has seen firsthand how luxury home preferences have evolved in recent years.

“Today’s buyers expect more than just square footage,” she explains. “They want gourmet kitchens, resort-style pools and outdoor living spaces with fireplaces and water features. Our listings reflect that—from new homes to beautifully updated ones. And for those that haven’t been updated, pricing becomes a key conversation.”

A Vision for the Future

While the firm’s expansion is deliberate and focused, it’s also ambitious. Bernhart and her team are exploring opportunities in other high-end communities—particularly those with golf, waterfront or country club amenities, where Landfall Realty’s experience gives them a unique advantage.

They’re investing in training and tools to ensure every agent is equipped to navigate this broader market. With access to the region’s expanded MLS system—from Topsail Beach to Myrtle Beach—agents can study and understand new communities quickly and effectively.

“We’ve been strategic about this,” Bernhart says. “We continue to educate ourselves through Cape Fear Realtors, NC Realtors and our own internal resources. Not all of our brokers live in Landfall, so they bring valuable insight into other communities. That gives us an edge.”

And while boutique firms often face risks from larger, corporate competitors, Bernhart sees Landfall Realty’s boutique status as an asset.

“We’re nimble, focused and we know our market better than anyone,” she says. “In three to five years, I hope people across the greater Wilmington area will say what Landfall residents already know—that we’re experienced, we’re capable and we care.”

More Than Real Estate—A Commitment to Community

Beyond transactions and listings, the story of Landfall Realty is really about connection. From its beginnings as a trusted guide inside Landfall to its present role as a growing regional leader, the firm has never lost sight of what matters most: helping people find their place.

That mission, now amplified beyond the gates, carries the promise of something more—a deeper relationship with the Wilmington community, a broader impact on the region’s growth and a renewed commitment to service that stretches from oceanfront homes to inland retreats.

Whether it’s helping a longtime client find their next chapter on the water or introducing a newcomer to the coastal lifestyle for the first time, Landfall Realty is proving that its story is far from finished.

In fact, it’s just beginning.

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