The ILM Realtor

theILMrealtor
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

The ILM REALTOR Podcast is your go-to guide for buying, selling, building, and truly living in Wilmington, North Carolina. Hosted by Tabetha Klein with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty, this show blends real estate know-how with the heart behind every move. Whether you’re relocating to the coast or trying to understand the market. Each episode brings you practical tips, local insight, and real stories—from navigating timelines and budgets to choosing neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle. You’ll also hear from local professionals to help you feel confident every step of the way.

  1. From Closing to Legacy: Protecting Your Home Every Step of the Way

    Apr 13

    From Closing to Legacy: Protecting Your Home Every Step of the Way

    You got the keys. You moved in. Now what? In Part 3 of our series with Cline Donaldson Law Firm, I sit down with attorneys Jason and Scott to talk about what happens after closing — and why so many Wilmington homeowners are unknowingly putting their biggest asset at risk. If you've ever Googled "should I put my house in an LLC," wondered whether your spouse automatically inherits your home, or taken real estate advice from TikTok — this episode is for you. We cover the legal side of homeownership that nobody talks about: estate planning, deed fraud, mortgage fraud, and the NC-specific laws that could completely change what happens to your property when life doesn't go as planned. IN THIS EPISODE: — The #1 mistake Wilmington homeowners make (and it's not what you think) — Why buying a home with an unmarried partner creates serious legal risk — The LLC trap that could make your entire mortgage due immediately — Occupancy fraud: what it is, why it's federal, and how often it happens — The 42-heirs horror story: what happens when a Wilmington homeowner dies without a will — The "fertile octogenarian" — a real legal concept that froze a property sale for decades — How AI voice cloning is now being used to steal property deeds — Trusts vs. probate: why one is a nightmare and the other takes three days Cline Donaldson Law has four offices across coastal Carolina — Wilmington, Hampstead, and Shallotte — serving buyers, sellers, and homeowners throughout the Cape Fear region. Reach them at info@clinelawnc.com or 910-661-2012. I'm Tabetha, theILMrealtor — helping you find your home between the river and the sea in Wilmington, NC. This podcast is for anyone buying, selling, or protecting property in the Wilmington area, Brunswick County, Pender County, and coastal North Carolina. New episodes drop regularly. Subscribe so you never miss one. DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this episode constitutes legal advice. Please consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

    41 min
  2. Don't Wire That Money Yet: Real Estate Wire Fraud, Scams & How to Protect Yourself

    Apr 13

    Don't Wire That Money Yet: Real Estate Wire Fraud, Scams & How to Protect Yourself

    There is a moment in every single real estate transaction in North Carolina where your money is the most vulnerable. Most buyers and sellers have no idea when that moment is — or what scammers are doing right now to exploit it. In 2024 alone, real estate wire fraud cost Americans over $446 million. This episode could save yours. In Episode 012 of The ILM Realtor Podcast, Wilmington NC Realtor Tabi Klein sits down with Jason Cline, real estate attorney and co-founder of Cline Donaldson Law Firm, to pull back the curtain on the real estate scams happening right now in Wilmington, NC and across the country — and exactly what you need to do to protect yourself. Jason's firm handles 120-130 real estate closings per month across four offices. He's seen it all. Including the million-dollar seller impersonation fraud he stopped cold — by calling UPS. This is Part 2 of our 3-part series with Cline Donaldson Law covering every stage of homeownership in North Carolina. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or you own vacant land in Brunswick or Pender County that nobody is watching — this episode is required viewing before your next closing. 📌 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: ✔ Exactly how wire fraud works in real estate — and how scammers create fake email addresses that look identical to your closing attorney's✔ Why real estate closings require wire transfers and what "irrevocable creditability" means for your money✔ The 5-point verification system Cline Donaldson uses to protect every wire — and how it insures your funds up to $1 million✔ What seller impersonation fraud is, how scammers identify targets using the dark web, and why vacant lots and unencumbered land in coastal NC are the #1 target✔ The step-by-step story of how Jason Cline caught and stopped a $1 million fraudulent closing — including the UPS call that cracked it✔ What Positive Pay is and how it protects the checks coming out of your closing attorney's trust account✔ What a domestic money mule is and how these scams actually move stolen funds across borders✔ How the Secret Service can freeze accounts connected to wire fraud — and why reporting fast matters✔ How to sign up for FREE deed fraud alert notifications in New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender County, NC — takes 2 minutes and costs nothing✔ The right questions to ask your closing attorney before you ever send a wire transfer✔ What to do if your gut says something is wrong before you wire — step by step 🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS: 🏛️ Cline Donaldson Law Firm (Real Estate): https://clinedonaldson.com/residential-real-estate-law-firm/🏛️ Cline Donaldson Main Website: https://clinedonaldson.com📞 Call Cline Donaldson: (910) 661-2012 🚨 FREE DEED FRAUD ALERTS — SIGN UP NOW (takes 2 minutes, costs nothing):— New Hanover County: https://www.nhcgov.com/2434/Property-Fraud-Alert— Brunswick County: https://www.brunswickcountync.gov/997/Fraud-Alert— All NC Counties: https://www.ncard.us/fraud-detection-alert-system/ 🎙️ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5xUyCeRHt8CaI7fAaAHnfU▶️ Episode 011 — Estate Planning 101 with Scott Donaldson: [link]▶️ Episode 013 — From Closing to Legacy (Full Series Finale): [link when live] 🏡 WORK WITH TABI KLEIN — WILMINGTON NC REALTOR: My job isn't just to help you find a home in Wilmington, NC — it's to protect you through the entire process. From your first showing to the closing table and beyond. 🏛️ Cline Donaldson Law Firm (Real Estate): https://clinedonaldson.com/residential-real-estate-law-firm/📞 Call Cline Donaldson: (910) 661-2012 Me: 🌐 Website: https://www.theilmrealtor.com📲 Instagram: @theilmrealtor📩 Contact me: https://www.theilmrealtor.com/search-agents Tabi Klein | Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage | Wilmington, NC Real Estate This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

    32 min
  3. Estate Planning 101: Protecting Your Home, Your Family,, and Your Future

    Apr 13

    Estate Planning 101: Protecting Your Home, Your Family,, and Your Future

    What actually happens to your home if you're gone tomorrow? Not what you think happens — what actually happens? In Episode 011, I'm sitting down with Scott Donaldson of Cline Donaldson Law Firm to talk about estate planning — and why it matters way more than most homeowners realize. We break down probate (aka house purgatory), living trusts, what happens in blended family situations, why even young people need a plan, and the North Carolina laws that might genuinely surprise you. This is Part 1 of a 3-part series with Cline Donaldson, and it's one you'll want to share with every homeowner you know. 🏡 Hey, I'm Tabi Klein — The ILM Realtor, helping you find your home between the river and the sea in Wilmington, NC. In this episode: What estate planning actually is (and why it's not just for rich people)The probate process and why it can take up to 20 monthsTenancy by the entirety — and what it means for married couplesHolographic wills, living trusts, and escheat (yes, that's a real word)The NC law that just changed in December 2025 around children born outside of marriageConnect: 🏛️ Cline Donaldson Law Firm (Estate Planning): https://clinedonaldson.com/wilmington-estate-planning-attorney/📞 Call Cline Donaldson: (910) 661-2012 📲 Follow The ILM Realtor on Instagram @theILMrealtor🌐 theILMrealtor.com

    26 min
  4. Historic Homes in Wilmington, NC: What Buyers Need to Know Before Falling in Love

    Mar 26

    Historic Homes in Wilmington, NC: What Buyers Need to Know Before Falling in Love

    Here’s a Spotify-ready description with embedded show notes + links (formatted cleanly so you can copy/paste directly): Dreaming about owning a historic home in Wilmington, North Carolina? Before you fall in love with the charm, there are a few things you need to know. In this episode, Tabetha “Tabi” Klein sits down with Stephen Sulkey to break down what actually makes a home historic, how Wilmington’s historic districts work, and what buyers should expect when it comes to rules, renovations, and ongoing maintenance. They cover everything from preservation guidelines and inspections to tree removal permits, restoration vs. renovation, and even the surprising reality of historic easements—yes, even inside the home. If you’ve ever pictured yourself living in one of Wilmington’s beautiful downtown homes, this episode will help you understand what really comes with that dream. What qualifies a home as “historic” in Wilmington The difference between historic plaques vs. historic districts What the Historic Preservation Commission actually regulates Why historic homes require a different maintenance budget What inspections can (and can’t) tell you about older homes Tree removal rules in historic districts The difference between renovation vs. restoration What historic preservation easements are—and how they can affect your home (even inside!) 00:14 – Why historic homes feel so special01:38 – What makes a home historic03:37 – Historic districts as zoning04:06 – What the commission regulates06:09 – Materials + preservation challenges07:54 – Roof costs and real-world decisions09:51 – “PITIM” (budgeting for maintenance)11:13 – Old homes vs. modern repairs14:25 – Inspections and expectations15:49 – Tree rules + landscaping18:09 – Enforcement (complaint-driven reality)20:18 – What happens after major damage (fires, etc.)22:11 – Renovation vs. restoration24:00 – Solar panels + structural considerations27:34 – Historic easements (inside the home!)32:58 – Final advice for buyers City of Wilmington Historic Districtshttps://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/Development-Business/Historic-Preservation/Historic-Districts Historic Preservation Commissionhttps://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/Government/Boards-Commissions-Committees/Historic-Preservation-Commission Tree Removal in Historic Districtshttps://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/Development-Business/Zoning/Tree-Removal Historic Wilmington Foundation Plaque Programhttps://historicwilmington.org/plaques/ Historic Wilmington Foundation Preservation Easementshttps://historicwilmington.org/preservation-easements/ Historic Wilmington Foundation Contractor Resourceshttps://historicwilmington.org/preservation-resources-network/ Website: https://theilmrealtor.com

    33 min
  5. Mastering Retirement & Real Estate in Wilmington | Financial Planning with Mike Breitfeller, CFP®

    Mar 9

    Mastering Retirement & Real Estate in Wilmington | Financial Planning with Mike Breitfeller, CFP®

    Mastering Retirement & Real Estate in Wilmington When you live near the water, it’s easy to focus on today — the boat, the house, the lifestyle. But what does that look like 20 years from now? In this educational interview, Wilmington financial expert Mike Breitfeller, CFP®, shares practical advice on retirement planning, real estate investment, risk management, and estate planning — all tailored to the Wilmington market. If you’re a homeowner in coastal North Carolina (or planning to become one), this episode will help you align your financial goals with your lifestyle and make smarter long-term decisions. Educational — helping Wilmington homeowners connect real estate decisions with retirement and wealth strategy. • Retirement planning tailored for Wilmington residents• Real estate investment strategies and risk management• Estate planning essentials and protecting your assets• Asset allocation and diversification• Mortgage strategy and navigating interest rate shifts• Aligning financial planning with coastal lifestyle goals 00:00 Introduction to Financial Planning05:37 Understanding Estate Planning10:05 Investment Properties and Real Estate Strategies18:20 Investment Strategies for Retirement23:38 Decoding Asset Allocation27:33 Navigating Low Interest Rates and Home Selling33:19 Financial Planning for Wilmington Residents “AI helps vet strategies before action.”“Diversify assets to reduce risk.”“Start with your core values and goals.” Mike Breitfeller, CFP®Principal, The Breit GroupWrightsville Beach, North Carolina Specialties:• Wealth Management• Corporate Retirement Plan Consulting• Estate Planning• Investment Strategy & Risk Management Recognized by 401k Specialist Magazine (December 2025) Mike and his wife Lauren have lived in Wilmington since 2005 after attending UNCW. In 2025, they launched The Breit Group, an independent Registered Investment Advisory firm, to provide personalized financial planning for Wilmington families. 🌐 www.thebreitgroup.com📧 mike@thebreitgroup.com📱 910-599-1732📸 Instagram: @thebreitgroup Keywords: financial planning, retirement, real estate, estate planning, risk management, Wilmington, wealth management, investment strategies

    34 min
  6. Title Insurance 101: What It Is, Why It Matters, and What Could Go Wrong Without It

    Mar 3

    Title Insurance 101: What It Is, Why It Matters, and What Could Go Wrong Without It

    What Is Title Insurance? | Title Insurance Explained for Homebuyers in North CarolinaIf you’re buying a home in Wilmington, North Carolina — or anywhere in NC — you’ve probably seen the line item for title insurance on your closing disclosure and wondered:In this episode of the ILMrealtor Podcast, I sit down with Kim Hall from Key Title, who has 35 years of experience in land title insurance, to explain everything homebuyers need to know about title insurance, title searches, property ownership protection, and real estate legal safeguards.Title insurance is one of the most important — and least understood — parts of a real estate transaction. While homeowners insurance protects the structure of your home, title insurance protects your legal ownership rights to the property itself.And yes — those are two very different things.What Is Title Insurance?Title insurance is a policy that protects property owners and mortgage lenders against financial loss due to defects in a property’s title. These defects can include:• Undiscovered liens• Unpaid property taxes• Recording errors• Forged signatures• Unknown heirs• Boundary disputes• Survey errors• Clerical mistakes in public recordsWhen you buy real estate, you’re not just buying a house — you’re buying legal ownership rights. A clear and marketable title ensures there are no claims, mortgages, judgments, or legal disputes tied to that property.Without title insurance, you could be financially responsible for defending your ownership in court.What We Cover in This Episode✔ What “clear title” means in real estate✔ How the title search process works✔ Common title problems in North Carolina✔ Owner’s title insurance vs lender’s title insurance✔ Why title insurance is a one-time premium✔ Boundary disputes and lot line errors✔ Real estate scams and deed fraud✔ Property fraud alert systems in Wilmington and surrounding countiesIf you’re buying a home in Wilmington, Brunswick County, Pender County, or anywhere in coastal North Carolina, this episode will help you understand how title insurance protects your property investment.---Guest: Kim Hall – Key TitleKim Hall is a Marketing Manager and Underwriter with Key Title and has spent 35 years helping buyers, lenders, and real estate professionals navigate land title insurance.Website: [https://keytitle.com](https://keytitle.com)LinkedIn: [https://linkedin.com/in/kimhall](https://linkedin.com/in/kimhall)---Property Fraud Alert Resources (North Carolina)Deed fraud and real estate scams are becoming more common. If you own property in southeastern North Carolina, you can sign up for free fraud alerts through your county’s Register of Deeds.New Hanover County Fraud Alert: [https://fraudalert.bislandrecords.com/index.php?county=newhanover&state=nc](https://fraudalert.bislandrecords.com/index.php?county=newhanover&state=nc)Pender County Fraud Alert:[https://fraudalertme.com/PenderNCNW/frauddetection.asp](https://fraudalertme.com/PenderNCNW/frauddetection.asp)Brunswick County Fraud Alert:[https://brunswick-live.inttek.net/fraudalert/](https://brunswick-live.inttek.net/fraudalert/)North Carolina Register of Deeds[https://www.ncregisterofdeeds.gov/](https://www.ncregisterofdeeds.gov/)These services notify you if a document is recorded under your name — helping protect against property fraud and identity-based real estate scams.Thinking About Buying a Home in Wilmington, NC?If you’re relocating to Wilmington, buying your first home, investing in coastal real estate, or just trying to understand the closing process better — I’m here to help.Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/theilmrealtor](https://www.instagram.com/theilmrealtor)Website: [https://theilmrealtor.com](https://theilmrealtor.com)Listen on Spotify: [https://open.spotify.com/episode/33qyrwNt2ai4wOyjMK4gTs?si=MytapLvATXWxo0F7krAJAA](https://open.spotify.com/episode/33qyrwNt2ai4wOyjMK4gTs?si=MytapLvATXWxo0F7krAJAA)

    18 min

  7. Feb 25

    Episode 007 - Loan Officer 101: What We Need From You (And Why We’re Asking) with Health Altman

    Loan Officer 101: What We Need From You (And Why We’re Asking) with Health Altman of Alpha Mortgage Buying a home is exciting… until the mortgage process starts feeling like a maze. In this episode, I’m joined by Heath Altman, a Mortgage Loan Officer with Alpha Mortgage in Wilmington, NC (NMLS #117332) to break down what really happens from pre-approval to closing—and how to keep your loan on track the whole way through.Heath’s page: https://www.alphamortgage.com/loan-officer/heath-altman/Heath’s approach is refreshingly client-first (“it’s all about them, not me”), and we dig into the real-life stuff buyers stress about: financial documentation, underwriting, gift funds, debt-to-income ratios, and what NOT to change once you’re under contract.In this episode, you’ll learn:* Why pre-approval doesn’t mean “done”—it means you’ve started* How underwriting works and why it matters* What lenders are looking for in your bank statements + documentation* How credit, debt, and big purchases can impact your approval* How gift funds work (and why they must be documented)* Why communication between your lender, Realtor, and attorney mattersReach out to Heath Altman (Alpha Mortgage):Office: 910-512-1220Mobile: 910-256-2855Email: Heath.Altman@alphamortgage.comOffice Address: 110 Dungannon Blvd Ste 100, Wilmington, NC 28403CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to the Mortgage Process02:15 Understanding Pre-Approval and Client Interaction04:03 The Importance of Financial Preparedness06:03 Navigating the Home Buying Journey08:02 The Role of the Loan Officer in Home Buying10:07 Understanding Debt Ratios and Financial Implications12:08 Document Requirements for Different Employment Types14:24 Ensuring Financial Stability and Fraud Prevention15:35 Seasoning Your Funds16:45 Understanding Underwriting Process18:10 The Importance of In-House Underwriting18:49 Navigating the Closing Process21:07 Role of Attorneys in Real Estate Transactions22:30 Understanding Title Work23:10 Managing Gift Funds24:13 Financial Decisions During the Home Buying Process26:53 Final Thoughts on Home Buying in Wilmington28:39 Wrap-up + Next StepsFollow / Listen / More:YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@TheILMRealtor](https://www.youtube.com/@TheILMRealtor)Spotify: [https://open.spotify.com/show/5xUyCeRHt8CaI7fAaAHnfU](https://open.spotify.com/show/5xUyCeRHt8CaI7fAaAHnfU)Website: [https://theilmrealtor.com](https://theilmrealtor.com)Keywords: mortgage process, home buying, pre-approval, underwriting, real estate, client service, Wilmington, Alpha Mortgage, financial documentation, closing processNote: This episode is for education only and isn’t financial or legal advice.

    29 min

  8. Feb 23

    From Boat to E-Bike: What Insurance Covers (and What It Doesn’t) with Tyler Beverage of Finpoint Insurance

    Welcome back to The ILM Realtor Podcast! In this episode, host Tabetha (Tabi) Klein sits down with Tyler Beverage of FinPoint Insurance Group—a former Realtor turned insurance pro—to translate home insurance into real-life terms for anyone buying or owning a home in Wilmington, North Carolina(especially near the coast).Tyler shares his unique path from culinary to real estate to insurance, and why that background helps him take an education-first approach with clients. We dig into what actually drives insurance costs here—especially distance to the coast, flood risk, and how to avoid coverage gaps that catch homeowners off guard.We also get into the “coastal lifestyle extras” people don’t always think about insuring, like golf carts, e-bikes, and boating, plus why working with a local agent who can explain the fine print matters more than chasing the cheapest rate.In this episode, we cover:* The biggest misconception about Wilmington home insurance* Why *distance to the coast is paramount* when it comes to pricing and risk* Flood risk basics and why it impacts more than just “flood zone” homes* How to choose an insurance agent who can actually explain coverage clearly* Liability coverage (why it’s often inexpensive and worth understanding)* Golf carts, e-bikes, recreational vehicles + boating: where coverage gaps happen* Why local knowledge matters when you’re moving to coastal North CarolinaList + watch the ILM Realtor Podcast🎥 YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@TheILMRealtor](https://www.youtube.com/@TheILMRealtor)🎧 Spotify: [https://open.spotify.com/show/5xUyCeRHt8CaI7fAaAHnfU?si=fbbb894ae3ce4b80](https://open.spotify.com/show/5xUyCeRHt8CaI7fAaAHnfU?si=fbbb894ae3ce4b80)🏡 Website: [https://theilmrealtor.com](https://theilmrealtor.com)---Guest Tyler Beverage — FinPoint Insurance Group🌐 [www.finpointinsurance.com]📧 [Tyler@finpointinsurance.com]📞 910-218-2669📘 Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/tyler.beverage.3]Chapters00:00 Introduction to Wilmington Real Estate00:45 Understanding Home Insurance in Wilmington00:52 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests01:30 Transitioning from Culinary to Real Estate03:41 Understanding Wilmington-Specific Insurance Needs05:39 The Importance of Flood Insurance07:36 Homeowners Insurance Coverage Explained10:03 Liability Coverage and Real-Life Scenarios11:23 Understanding Liability Coverage14:27 Navigating Golf Cart Insurance15:34 E-Bikes and Insurance Gaps17:42 The Risks of Recreational Vehicles18:29 Boating Insurance Essentials24:16 Choosing the Right Insurance Agent25:28 Insights from Local Professionals in Wilmington Real Estate---Keywords (SEO)Wilmington home insurance, coastal insurance Wilmington NC, Wilmington real estate podcast, FinPoint Insurance Group, Tyler Beverage, flood risk Wilmington NC, flood insurance, homeowners insurance North Carolina, coastal living insurance, liability coverage, insurance agent Wilmington, local insurance agent, golf cart insurance, e-bike insurance, boating insurance, umbrella insurance, auto insurance Wilmington, insurance education, moving to Wilmington NC, first time homebuyer insuranceWilmington NC, home insurance, coastal insurance, flood risk, flood insurance, homeowners insurance, liability coverage, golf cart insurance, e-bike insurance, boating insurance, insurance agent, real estate podcast, ILM Realtor Podcast, FinPoint Insurance Group, Tyler Beverage

    26 min
See All (13)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The ILM REALTOR Podcast is your go-to guide for buying, selling, building, and truly living in Wilmington, North Carolina. Hosted by Tabetha Klein with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty, this show blends real estate know-how with the heart behind every move. Whether you’re relocating to the coast or trying to understand the market. Each episode brings you practical tips, local insight, and real stories—from navigating timelines and budgets to choosing neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle. You’ll also hear from local professionals to help you feel confident every step of the way.

Information

  • Creator
    theILMrealtor
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © theILMrealtor
  • Show Website
    The ILM Realtor