Port City Living

Hurricane season is part of life in Wilmington, North Carolina — but it’s not always as dramatic as people imagine, and it’s definitely not something you can fully understand from a weather map. In this episode of Port City Living , Billy shares what hurricane season feels like from the perspective of someone who grew up here, lived through storms like Fran and Florence, and has watched the Wilmin...

There's a place in Wilmington you've almost certainly walked, jogged, or paddled around — and most people have no idea what they're really standing on. Before it became one of the most beloved green spaces in the city, it was a rice plantation worked by enslaved people. Over the years it's been a millpond, an amusement park, a small-town zoo, and the backdrop for one very wild night involving a ru...

It started with a mediocre hotdog at a brand new Sheetz and a gas station literally across the street — and it got me thinking. Wilmington already has well over 130 gas stations across New Hanover County alone, from the big national chains to the mom and pop stores that have been part of this community for decades. And yet somehow, more keep coming. In this episode I dig into exactly what is being...

 Wilmington has always had a creative soul — and in this episode I take you inside a thriving art scene that most people don't even know exists in their own backyard. I'll show you where to find it, why it matters, and make a passionate case for why supporting local artists is more important than ever as this city continues to grow and change.  https://cameronartmuseum.org/ https://www.artswilming...

Born in 1892 with visions she couldn't explain, Minnie Evans spent decades as a gatekeeper at Airlie Gardens in Wilmington, North Carolina — painting dreams on scraps of paper and discarded window shades. Her work eventually captured the attention of the entire art world. Today her paintings hang in some of the most prestigious museums in the country. This is the story of one of Wilmington's most...

Wilmington, NC is one of the most beautiful cities on the East Coast. But does anyone actually work here? In this episode of Port City Living, we dig into the real economic story behind the city — the history, the hustle, and the hard truth. From the railroad that made Wilmington the largest city in North Carolina, to the wage gap that still exists today, to the biggest economic development announ...

Wilmington, NC doesn't just have festivals. It has an obsession. From the grandest flower show in the South to an internationally recognized film festival most locals have never heard of — this city celebrates harder than you'd expect for its size. And there's a reason for that. In this episode we dig into the festival culture of Wilmington — what it says about this community, what it means for th...

You've heard of snowbirds. But have you heard of Halfbacks? They leave the cold winters and high taxes of the northeast, head straight to Florida... and then realize Florida is a lot. So they move halfway back. And somehow — every single time — they end up right here in Wilmington, NC. In this episode I'm breaking down the Halfback phenomenon — who they are, why they come, what surprises them when...

 Welcome to Season 3. This Rants & Raves episode is all Wilmington: traffic , One Tree Hill , Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) , and K38 . Billy and Brad keep it honest—what’s annoying, what’s great, and what’s worth knowing if you’re trying to understand the city beyond the hype. 

In the Season Two finale of Port City Living: Escrows & Egos, Billy breaks down what really matters when choosing an agent or lender: communication, chemistry, and guidance — not sales trophies. We talk nitpicky repair requests, big-ticket priorities, and the reality that agents don’t get paid until the deal closes. Billy explains how he presents options without ever making decisions for clien...

Finding the right agent and lender isn’t just about numbers—it’s about vibe. In this episode we dig into the habits that make or break a real estate relationship. From agents who ghost you to lenders who sound like robots, we talk about the red flags, the “this is how I work” moments, and how you can tell before you sign whether someone’s truly on your team. If you’re buying or selling — and want...

In this episode, Brad and Billy pour a strong cup of reality and talk about one of the most confusing questions in real estate right now — should you refinance? We break down when it makes sense, when it doesn’t, and why timing (and math) actually matter. Spoiler: just because your neighbor did it doesn’t mean you should.

In this episode, Brad and Billy dive into one of real estate’s biggest frustrations: the lost art of urgency. From buyers who take their time to “think about it” while a house slips away, to agents who forget that time is of the essence is more than just a contract clause — it’s the heartbeat of a deal. We get real about what’s changed, why nobody seems to respect deadlines anymore, and how slowin...

In this episode of Port City Living: Escrows and Egos, we dive into the changing culture of showing feedback. Once a common courtesy, feedback has become almost nonexistent — with many agents not even offering a simple “thank you” after a showing. We talk about why this shift matters, how feedback can be both helpful and harmful, and why professional courtesy is still one of the most important too...

Why isn’t your home selling? In this episode of Escrows & Egos, we’re pulling back the curtain on the three biggest reasons a property might be sitting on the market: location, condition, and price. Billy and Brad break down how each factor impacts buyer perception, why wishful thinking doesn’t move a listing, and what you can realistically do to reposition your home for success. Whether you’r...

Keep It Status Quo In this episode of Port City Living: Escrows & Egos, Brad and I break down one of the most important (and most overlooked) parts of getting a mortgage: keeping your financial picture exactly the same. Once you’re under contract, your lender is watching your credit, your income, and your debt-to-income ratio closely. That means: 🚫 No new cars. 🚫 No new appliances. 🚫 No “bi...

In this episode of Port City Living: Escrows & Egos, Billy and Brad tackle one of the most stressful parts of a real estate transaction: the home inspection. Buyers—listen up. That inspection report is going to look like a bloodbath. Every house, even brand new ones, will have a laundry list of issues. The key is not to panic or nickel-and-dime the seller for every little scratch, squeak, or l...

In our first official episode of Port City Living: Escrows & Egos, we’re spilling the tea on one of the biggest buyer mistakes—skipping pre-approval. There’s a world of difference between being “qualified” and actually being “approved,” and trust us, your dream home doesn’t care about your “qualifications.” We’ll also dish on why working with a local lender can save your deal (and your sanity)...

Episode 1 Pivot by Bill Corbett

Join us as Brad and I talk about our childhood memories of Halloween, and we discuss horror movies that were made here in the Wilmington Area. What is your favorite horror Movie? Want to get involved in some Halloween events in the area? https://halloween-events-near-me.com/wilmington-nc/

Join Brad and I as we take you on a journey.....a journey like no other....we talk about real estate and mortgages..........We discuss rates, due diligence, how covid affected the area and things you need to know if you are thinking of buying. It's simply thrilling - I promise!! Bill: www.portcitylivingnc.com Brad: www.bradismylender.com

Brad and I are back after a summer hiatus and we are joined by AJ Eisenhart of Goosehead Insurance Company. AJ is a second time around new comer to the Wilmington area...here for college a few years back, he has decided to return to the area and make Wilmington his home and Insurance his game! Listen as AJ asks Brad and I some questions about life in Wilmington.

On this episode of Port City Living we are talking with Sam Starks, Commissioner of Stonewall Sports here in Wilmington, NC and Woody Goff who is the Community Outreach Coordinator, and they are telling us all about Stonewall Sports, what the organization does for the community, and how they give back. I will also give you a little history lesson about where the name Stonewall actually came from....

If you're not familiar with Burgaw, NC then you should be. The county seat of Pender Co, this is home to the North Carolina Blueberry Festival. We sit down with Mayor Olivia Dawson and have an awesome conversation about small town charm, blueberries, an imposture Santa and what makes Burgaw such a great place to live and raise a family. The Blueberry Festival is coming on June 14th and 15th. You d...

On this episode of Port City Living - The Podcast, we are talking with my good friend David Maciborski - aka David Mac. Car enthusiast and traffic aficionado - he will be sharing his story about Wilmington's traffic from his point of view and educate us on EV - no, not elementary vaccinations.... Electric Vehicles. And we will give you a brief rundown of the various type of transportation in the W...