About KBT Realty
Experience the KBT Realty Group Commitment: Living Simplified
The team at KBT Realty Group consists of 15 seasoned agents and 6 support professionals all working toward one goal - your home buying or home selling satisfaction.KBT Realty Group Helps Buyers Find Homes in Wilmington NC
With over 100 years of combined experience in the Cape Fear and Southeastern North Carolina coastal area, we are guaranteed to have an agent that is an expert in your new neighborhood. Whether you are looking for homes for sale in Wilmington NC, Carolina Beach, Landfall, Pelican Reef, Wrightsville Beach, Middle Sound Loop, or any of the other cities and towns in this beautiful area
, KBT Realty Group is your expert home buying resource. First time home buyers, seasoned real estate investors, or vacation home shoppers looking for a luxury waterfront estate: we have real estate agents who are knowledgeable, industry-savvy, experienced, and available to help you find homes in Wilmington NC, along the desirable North Carolina coast, or in the neighborhood that perfectly fits your real estate dreams.
KBT Realty Group Helps Sellers Sell Their Homes
We work for sellers; which means you sit back and relax. We specialize in enhancing the story of your property, market it across real estate websites and social platforms, and negotiate contracts. The KBT real estate team brings everyone together to close. At KBT Realty Group, our agents and brokers understand your priorities, your budget, and your goals. Any real estate professional can sell a house; not everyone can provide you with the local market knowledge, market analysis, and the insight that comes with years of experience in all market segments. KBT is selling homes in almost half the time of other agents in our region. That’s a big win for sellers of homes in Wilmington NC and the SE North Carolina coastal region.
Buying or Selling Property: KBT Realty Group Delivers a World Class Experience
We welcome the opportunity to serve you. Please allow us to assist you with our knowledge, our data, and our unparalleled commitment to superior service.Featured Agents
Kirkland E Pugh
Broker/Realtor
910-622-3478
kirk@kbtrealty.com
I am a 25-year hospitality professional turned real estate broker. Licensed since 2009, together with my partners Becky Brown and Tyson Emery, we own and operate the KBT Realty Team, a division of Keller Williams Realty. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, I have been blessed to live in some amazing places during the course of my career and I have called Wilmington home since 2001.
“Seek first to understand before being understood.”
One of the more recent quotes on my list of favorites. Understanding my clients, who they are, how they live, and where they are in life’s journey is most important in determining how I can meet their needs.
• Past Board Member of the Coastal Carolina Real Estate Investors Association
• Sixteen years of immersive local real estate knowledge
• Attend Port City Community Church
• Volunteer Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity
• Access Wilmington
• American Heart Association
• Avid Tennis Player
• Fisherman
• Consumer of fine wine
I make my home in Landfall with my wife Janine, my step-children Ryan and Samantha, and my son, Austin. Our two dogs and three bunnies allow us to stay there with them.
Becky Brown
Broker/Realtor
910-524-1042
becky@kbtrealty.com
I am one of the few true natives of Wilmington. I live, play and focus my time on the Middle Sound, Ogden and Porters Neck areas. However, because I am a Wilmington native, I am familiar with all of Wilmington and the surrounding areas. I have enjoyed being a Realtor since 1995. I have a background in insurance and banking.
I am married to FF Adam Brown of the Wrightsville Beach Fire Department. I appreciate the hard work and dedication provided by the Fire, Police and EMS. If you work in the industry, please contact me about the special incentives with lending, inspections and closing attorney.
When we are not working, Adam and I enjoy spending time boating and sport fishing, cooking, travelling and enjoying the Intracoastal Waterway with our beagle, Tracker.
Why Experience Matters:
I have worked hard to become a successful Realtor/Broker in today's market. I first became interested in Real Estate while working as an Insurance Sales Agent. While selling insurance I attended the American College of Bryn Mawr, PA gaining valuable insight to the financial market, which served as the foundation of her Real Estate career. I am a strong believer of the motto “knowledge is power”. I understand that just holding a Real Estate is a license is not enough to do the tasks expected by quality Realtors in today’s market. As a previous Coldwell Banker Franchise Owner, I have real insight on both the front and back side of every type of real estate transaction.
Giving Back
Being a Wilmington Native, I am thrilled to give back to my community. I have served on many area charity boards and committees, such as American Heart Association, The American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, The MDA “WOW” Events, WRAR Real Estate Auction and Food Fair.
Tyson Emery
Broker/Realtor
910-200-6113
tyson@kbtrealty.com
Growing up in Kalamazoo, Michigan on beautiful Gull Lake I learned how much I enjoy living near water. During my college years I attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and graduated in 2003. Wilmington is Home for me and my lovely wife, Rachel, and our 3 dogs, Brandon, Airlie and Duke. We enjoy everything that Wilmington has to offer from the beaches to the historical richness that still can be seen today in the downtown riverfront area.
With my mortgage background stretching over the course of 7 years and my several years of experience in the Real Estate industry I have proven that I get the job done. My Real Estate career has allowed me the privilege to work with several clients which has consistently landed me in the top 1% every year.
PASSION, KNOWLEDGE, PERSISTENCE and SERVICE is what I deliver.
Tom Bartus
Broker/Realtor
910-547-1092
tom@kbtrealty.com
V.P. Operations, President, C.F.O., C.O.O. These are just a few of the titles I’ve held while serving clients such as Ben & Jerry’s, Pepperidge Farms, Godiva, Nestles, See’s Candy, Fanny May, Dryers, Lowes Home Stores and The Home Depot. Now I serve clients in pursuit their most important purchase…their home. Having served the largest food and box store companies in the country, I have learned that service- real service is at the key to gaining and maintaining business.
I am an Eagle Scout, I hold a degree in Engineering, and an MBA. I am well prepared to look objectively at the home purchasing process and help my clients make informed decisions. As part of teams that purchased and sold (4) multi-million dollar commercial food processing companies and having negotiated labor contracts with multiple unions at facilities throughout the US, I am qualified to analyze, negotiate, and see through to completion the buying and/or selling process.
My commitment to all of my clients is to provide unbiased and professional information about the property they wish to sell or buy and to assist them in making good decisions. My goal is to make the process seamless from the first look until the last box is unpacked. I have bought and sold seven personal homes in my lifetime I understand the process and the benefit of a great realtor.
My wife and I relocated to North Carolina in 2005; I will never be a native, but I consider myself a local. I want to share my enthusiasm for the area with my clients and develop long and lasting relationships.
If you are looking for an experience professional that will guide you through the process, I can do the job for you. I can help you stage your home, give you input on things to improve in your home to help your house sell quicker and help you set the appropriate price to either list or buy to get the best value in your real estate transaction.
Let me show you real honest customer service and how our team can make this a wonderful experience.
Fred Teachey
Broker/Realtor
910-262-6278
fred@kbtrealty.com
As a Wilmington Native, Fred has lived the majority of his life in this area. This has given him an extreme knowledge and understanding of the area. He has seen Wilmington grow from a small coastal town to a thriving city that now survives on many industries and has become one of North Carolina's favorite vacation destinations.
Fred comes to Keller Williams Realty with over 20 years of experience in the real estate business. He initially started selling lots for a large developer, to then selling houses and large acreage tracts, and eventually developing property himself. With this wealth of experience he will make sure you get the expertise and knowledge that you expect from your agent.
Fred is a graduate of North Carolina State University. He worked several years in the mortgage industry before finding his real passion with real estate. When not working, Fred tries to spend the majority of his time boating on the various waterways with his friends and family.
Charles Swain
Realtor
910-619-3080
charles@kbtrealty.com
As a Wilmington resident for over 46 years, Charles has had the pleasure of calling this beautiful town his home. He proudly says he has lived here since he was 3 years old, seeing lots of changes and growth along the way. The city of Wilmington and its beaches are Hot Spots for vacationers throughout the year, continuing to bring growth to the Port City.
Charles joins Keller Williams with 26 years experience as a local Wilmington business owner. He has had the opportunity to meet thousands of people of all ages, many being repeat customers for more than 20 years. Needless to say, Charles is a people person and believes in customer service. He likes to discover the needs and wants of his clients and help them achieve their goals, and he values the trust his clients have in him. By joining the dynamic team of KBT Realty, Charles is confident he can help you with your real estate needs.
Charles enjoys spending his free time outdoors, whether it be walks on the beach with his wife or basketball games in the backyard with his youngest son. The father of 2 sons, 1 recently graduated from college and 1 in high school, Charles has also had the pleasure of coaching team sports along the way. Teaching values to our youth is one of his passions, knowing that “The Youth Is The Future!”
Debbie Alford
Broker/Realtor
910-262-0101
debbie@kbtrealty.com
I have lived in Wilmington for over 17 years. I can't imagine calling any other place "home". I would love the opportunity to help you buy or sell a home in this beautiful area and be by your side, from beginning to end. This will be one of the biggest financial decisions that you will make and my promise is to work hard for you, from beginning to end, representing my clients best interest. The KBT Team partners with the best vendors in the area, to help you secure your mortgage, homeowners insurance, inspectors, and other professional services that you may need.
Prior to a career in real estate, I was a Montessori teacher for 13 years but the most important job I have is being a "Mom". After raising two wonderful children, I decided to make the switch from teacher to realtor, which are very similar careers. You must be patient, kind, and caring, while advocating for only the best, whether it be for a student or client.
My service will not end, once the buying or selling process is over, and we leave the closing table. I hope that we will call each other friends and I will have gained your trust and loyalty. I look forward to meeting you and assisting you with all of your real estate needs.
910.262.0101
Laurie Ann Gardner
Broker/Realtor
910-520-5672
laurieann@kbtrealty.com
Laurie Ann is an active real estate broker in North Carolina assisting both buyers and sellers in the Wilmington area. After growing up in Eastern, NC and then moving around to different areas of the state, she was drawn back east by her love for the beach and Wilmington’s relaxed, coastal lifestyle. The Cape Fear’s rich history and vibrant culture make Wilmington the ideal place to live. Laurie Ann’s affection for real estate was born out of many years of property management, buying and selling houses and home renovation. Prior to obtaining her real estate license, she graduated from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a BS in Business and earned an MBA from Duke University. Professionally, Laurie Ann has worked in the financial services and manufacturing industries where she specialized in marketing communications for 20 years. She decided to apply this knowledge and experience to her real estate business and to teaching prelicensing, postlicensing and continuing education across North Carolina. Laurie Ann loves working with people and strives to provide the highest level of personal customer service to her clients and students. She also loves calling the Wilmington area home and enjoys all that it has to offer. She is a member of the Cape Fear REALTORS.
Rick Binford
Broker/Realtor
910-477-3181
330-931-7258
License Number: NC 290531
rick@kbtrealty.com
My personal mission has always been about helping people create new futures for themselves and their families. And having the privilege of facilitating a move to a new neighborhood, finding a new home, or creating new income through investment properties, is a very rewarding way to do just that.
After a 25+ year sales and marketing career in the travel and hospitality industry, real estate offers just the right opportunity to combine my love for sales and marketing innovation, along with win-win contract negotiations and building strong personal relationships to impact the lives of people around me in ways that truly matter. After having lived all over the country, and finally finding my way here to beautiful coastal NC, the opportunity to share all the great things that this area has to offer with others, makes “work” seem like “play” every single day!
With a deep commitment to “doing the right thing – always," and enjoying plenty of laughter at every opportunity, regardless of whether your objective is to enjoy the highest possible returns from the sale of your most precious asset or your goal is the hunt for your next “living the dream” or vacation get-away home here in beautiful Brunswick County, as your NC Broker by the Sea, I guarantee to make it fun, fast, and fruitful. By working together with my outstanding partners at KBT Realty - the #1 producing team in the region and the #1 real estate firm in the world - I can assure that all my customers experience the level of customer service excellence they deserve.
Lauren Frick
Broker
910-599-4028
lauren@kbtrealty.com
Lauren moved to Wilmington, NC in 2009 from Richmond, VA. She absolutely loves the Wilmington area and the exceptional quality of life that comes along with coastal living. With over 10 years of Marketing and Advertising experience, she decided to use her skills to pursue her love for Real Estate. Lauren has a passion for understanding her clients needs to help them find their perfect home. In her free time Lauren enjoys paddle boarding, boating, interior decorating and spending time outside with her husband and mini golden doodle, Sundae. She hopes to help you with your Real Estate needs in one of the most beautiful locations on the East Coast.
Renee Bonner
Broker/Realtor
910-431-0116
License Number: 280543
renee@kbtrealty.com
A recent graduate of Cape Fear Community College and mother of one, I have lived in the Wilmington area since 2008. My background in the banking industry has afforded me to be an expert in customer service with strong attention to detail and the ability to solve problems quickly and with ease as they may arise all while possessing a natural instinct to take care of people. Buying and/or selling a home can be a stressful process, however, I genuinely enjoy getting to know people in order to ensure all of their needs are being met to help ease that burden. Whether buying or selling, my commitment to you is that of honesty, loyalty, and integrity with open communication.
Leslie Smith
Broker/Realtor
910-233-8772
License Number: 182088
Leslie@kbtrealty.com
I grew up in a beautiful little place called Newtown, CT - long before it was ever recognized by the rest of the world. As a child, my free time was spent exploring in the woods or playing on the water. Looks like the beach prevailed! Drawn to Wilmington for many different reasons, I studied Marine Biology at UNCW. Realizing my dreams of dolphin training and swimming with the whales were a far reach from what I could afford, I quickly transitioned toward my second passion, the fitness industry (specifically, Personal Training). From there, the path presented itself quite naturally into Real Estate. The work is similar in that the focus is helping your client, step-by-step, to identify and ultimately reach their goal(s)...the process challenging and rewarding all at the same time.
After taking time off to grow a family, I’m fortunate and thankful to have been warmly welcomed by the KBT Realty team at Keller Williams.
The resources, teamwork and ongoing support we provide our clients is, in my opinion, unmatched in our demographic. It doesn’t matter where you choose to live...it’s why you do it and how you care for it that makes it Home.
Kevin Black
Broker/Realtor
910-617-3726
kevin@kbtrealty.com
Growing up in New Hanover County and attending the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, I am proud to be a lifelong resident of the city of Wilmington. By being a citizen of Wilmington since birth, I have a hearty and full-understanding of the growing and ever-changing real estate market in the city and county.
Not only does my experience in real estate help me, but my experiences in leadership as an Eagle Scout help me as well. It has taught me to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent to those I diligently serve. I am thrilled and ready to help you make this beautiful area your dream come true.
Patt Mason
Broker
910-352-7740
License Number: 302386
patt@kbtrealty.com
My real estate experience actually began with my first career in architectural design. Bringing that knowledge and experience to you is a joy of mine! I learned from my father’s lifelong career in architecture the importance of listening to each individual client. Coupling that experience with a direct sale service business, I deliver what you need with professional care.
I am married to Mike Mason who is a native Wilmingtonian. After attending college I joined Mike in Wilmington in 1981 and began my architectural career.
We have 2 children, a son in Richmond, VA & the a daughter in San Francisco.
I focus on making your real estate experience personal, uncomplicated and fun!
Amy Yerdon
Broker/Realtor
910-264-2421
amy@kbtrealty.com
I am a proud Wilmington native. Growing up in Wilmington and attending public schools in New Hanover County, as a youth I have watched the county grow into an area that many visitors would like to call home. I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington earning a Bachelors degree in Communications and returning to graduate school earning a Masters degree in Elementary education.
I began my real estate career in 2007. While keeping my license up to date I continued to stay closely tuned in to the local market conditions, trends and the needs of clients, family and friends that were actively pursuing property in the Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach areas. I am very excited to be able to refocus my real estate career by being a part of the number one team with Keller Williams, KBT.
My husband, Derek, a native New Yorker, and I are busy raising four children. We all love spending time outdoors. We can usually be found on the beach or on our boat. We spilt our time between our homes near Wrightsville Beach and on Carolina Beach.
Abby Torrence
Broker
910-547-5308
abby@kbtrealty.com
Hi everyone! My name is Abby Torrence, formerly Abby Milkus. I gained my new last name along with a husband in March of 2018. I am originally from Slinger, Wisconsin, a really small farming town. I moved out to Wilmington in 2013 with my younger sister to finish my Bachelor's degree at UNC-Wilmington for Biology/Chemistry. I used my degree as a Pharmaceutical Sales Rep and Technology Sales Rep for a few years before getting my Real Estate Broker License. I am so excited to be working in Real Estate and help clients find their dream homes either by selling their own or buying for the first time!
Kait Baker
Broker
910-409-1241
kait@kbtrealty.com
Kait Baker grew up in Baltimore, MD but has lived all over the Carolinas, opening businesses in many communities. In 2006 the sandy beaches and historic downtown of Wilmington were calling her name. Kait has experience in property management and as a residential buyer specialist. She is often taking classes or attending coaching sessions to expand her knowledge of the business and local real estate market. Kait is dedicated to serving her clients and one of her core values is always putting other people first. Trust and dedication are the most critical components of her service philosophy. After working locally, Kait is excited to start a new chapter of her real estate career with the KBT Realty Group at KW Wilmington.
Kait is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution's Historic Preservation Committee, National Association of Professional Women, as well as serving on a few boards in the community. When not at work or volunteering, Kait can be found on the sideline cheering on her son, Mikey, in either basketball or soccer. Her daughter, Elizabeth, is beginning her freshman year at NC State. The family loves to get dirty riding their ATVs, or going on walks with their Australian Shepherds Sig, Mick, and Shakes.
Team Members
Janine Pugh
Director of Client Development / Broker-Realtor
910-409-0457
janine@kbtrealty.com
Having started my Real Estate career in 1997 in Westchester, NY, I am very happy to now be part of the Keller Williams family. I moved to Wilmington, NC the summer of 2005 and have never looked back. Since moving here I have been very involved with my children’s schools and activities. I’ve devoted countless hours to various volunteer efforts including 7 years with the PTA, one as PTA President of my children’s school. I have been the tournament chair for the L9GA at the Country Club of Landfall, I also Co-chaired the 2010 CCL Pink Ribbon Event which benefits the New Hanover Regional Medical Center, in addition to being Silent Auction Chair for the 2016 Cape Fear Heart Ball.
Now it is time for me to help you find the home you’ve been dreaming about. I look forward to meeting you and your family. I know you are going to love living in Southeastern NC as much as I do.
Kristine Roody
Transaction Coordinator
910-409-2111
kristine@kbtrealty.com
I was born in northern Virginia and relocated to Wilmington in 1996. Much of my professional background over the years has revolved around the housing industry as an administrator for builders, architects and subcontractors. For the last 7 years, I worked as a legal assistant with a real estate closing attorney. I joined KBT Realty in 2015 as the transaction coordinator doing what I love best, making the process of purchasing a new home as easy and enjoyable as possible
Linda Williams
Marketing Coordinator/Photographer
571-233-7369
linda@kbtrealty.com
Growing up in New England, I began my real estate career as many do, working in the computer industry! With an undergraduate degree in Marketing, I worked my way into software programming, which over time, I evolved into a sales and marketing position. As happened in the late ‘80s and early 90’s, my “lifelong” employer went out of business. However, the birth of the world wide web had come along and graced me with a new set of skills. I started my own business helping “mom and pop” restaurants develop websites, and yes, I was paid with food! While a culinary treat, I went back to graduate school for technical communication and information design thinking that I would move into technical writing. After a brutal winter in Boston, my husband and I decided to begin our slow migration south and we landed in Northern Virginia, where somehow, I began working for a new home builder. There, I learned the finer points of new home construction and design—like how to read blueprints , what a superslab is and how the Nehemiah Program worked! I then took the next logical step into residential real estate. I hung my license with Weichert Realtors for several years where I learned all the ins and outs of residential and commercial real estate as well as and property leasing. I also collected a wide array of industry designations including ABR, CDRS, SFR, ASP and GREEN! (Add some chicken and carrots and it makes a nice alphabet soup.) One day I decided to gather up all my business, sales, marketing and real estate knowledge and start my own brokerage. Having started the business after the housing bubble burst, these were some of my most challenging and rewarding work years. Helping people become homeowners in a housing market dominated by short sales and foreclosures—JOY! It wasn’t until then that I really learned about the intricacies of mold remediation, pest management (mostly bugs, yuck), the battery life of flashlights and how to put together a foreclosure hardship package! After the millionth traffic jam and several more bad winters, we decided it was time again to move to even warmer weather and sandy beaches. At that point, I decided to leave my real estate license behind, but still wanted to work in the real estate world. I am now doing what I do best for the KBT Team at Keller Williams Realty. I’m able to utilize my software, business, marketing, communications, staging and real estate experience to provide the team and their clients with top notch service and support. So, while my path may have taken some weird twists and turns, it’s landed me in the perfect place with the KBT Team
