Meet Mary Carneiro

I am NY/CT transplant who relocated to Southport in 2014. I specialize in helping others discover and fall in love with our Coastal Living lifestyle as a Broker at Southport Realty since 2015. I tell my clients selecting the area is first, house is second. The right house will find you. For us that who are making that first leap into the area, it is a learning experience and a process. Where do you best fit and feel most comfortable? There is ever so much beyond number of baths and a garage in your price point! What is your comfort zone? In Town? In HOA? Historic? Beach? Antique? What is reputation of the Builder? To Where to Exercise, Volunteer, and most importantly find dependable local Services? I am here for you before, during, and long after the real estate transaction to assist you. Embracing Change is my motto on my business card, taking that leap of faith and moving to Southport is the best thing my family ever did, and I hope it will be the same for you too with the right planning.

Our buying boom and lack of inventory has been front and center since 2021. Mortgage rates rising, while new builds continue to under pace the demand, has been a challenge to our buyers since. Our local sellers still recognize the advantage listing because of the increased demand, but only if they have a plan they can comfortably execute of where to go next. Who said Real Estate is ever easy? What can you do to get an advantage here in Brunswick County in this every changing market? Shop local, I say.
As a local resident and realtor here in Southport, I am seeing an increase in “out of area agents” representing both buyers and sellers. An actively licensed North Carolina realtor can buy or sell anywhere in the state. In my opinion, this is no substitute for working with an experienced local realtor. Real Estate being one of the costliest transactions in life. Why risk both time and money not utilizing the local expertise available to you? We are your boots on the ground, there to watch over your property ensuring it is kept show ready. Did you know in North Carolina, if buying a property, that your Buyer's Agent works for you free of charge? They earn their commission at close from the seller. Did you know for Selling Agent's that commissions are negotiable? Your Real Estate Agent earns their commission at close out of the proceeds of the transaction, NO CLOSE/NO COMMISSION.

Here are three (3) good reasons why working with a local realtor is a smart option.
1. Nobody knows it better
The first and obvious reason is we know the area. We live here, we know the neighbors on that street, we know the history of that house, and we know how Florence and Isaias affected that specific street (flood zones lie!). If we don't have personal experience with that particular property, we will find out from someone in our local office who will. We know the lifestyle of that neighborhood; we can point out the details beyond any published amenities. We know the town, the current and newest restaurants, the best places to shop for bargains, best places to walk your dog, shortcuts for beach walks, and the list goes on. A local realtor will maintain a list of professional services that are needed in the real estate transaction. These are tried and trusted local mortgage specialists, appraisers, landscapers, organizers & designers, electricians, plumbers, home inspectors, insurance agents that we have worked with professionally and likely personally. Our 'go to list' becomes the beginning of your 'go to list'. I am constantly updating my vendor list as I hear recommendations or negative experiences from my clients and associates. As a local and experienced realtor, I have invested heavily in building solid relationships with trustworthy professionals, an advantage when in tight timelines and glitches experienced during a transaction needing professional services to accommodate.
2. We are invested in the community
When utilizing your realtor friend from Charlotte, or using your niece who just got their license in New Hanover, either may be great realtors, but are you ever going to see them in your neighborhood? Your local realtor is also your neighbor. We invest, volunteer, support the community to make it a better place for your family as well as their own. As such, your local realtor has a huge incentive to make sure the very best outcome for your property happens because their name is known, and people talk. Our business is largely built on referrals and that opinion makes or breaks us. Nothing is better than word of mouth promotion within the community.
3. Value Knowledge
Local realtors often have knowledge of homes available for sale even before listed on the market. Having somebody working for you and knowing what you are looking for can be that small step in knowledge of an ideal new listing before it hits the masses online. We will also know if the home you are looking at is priced too high or too low for the market. We may even know why the house is being sold. This can help you in making an offer to purchase with the highest probability of being accepted. Being local we could have the inside scoop if a similar house is coming on next week. Does this help or hurt your sale or purchase? We know the builders on the houses, and their reputation. We know what may be happening with the empty lot next door. Your local realtor will know the “ins and outs” and “players” to confidently negotiate the best purchase price for your property based on THIS neighborhood, not based on their experience elsewhere.
I am passionate about what I do, I am passionate about my clients, and I love where I live. I look forward to working with you as your local realtor.