August 4, 2026 · 20 min

Episode 001: Welcome to the ILMrealtor Podcast | Wilmington

Golden sunset over the Atlantic Ocean with calm water and a distant coastline of Oak Island, NC.

with Jon Klein

If you’re living in Wilmington, North Carolina, moving to Wilmington, or even just thinking about it… welcome.

Episode 001 is the start of the ILMrealtor Podcast — a local, real-world, no-judgment place to talk about real estate the way people actually experience it. Not a bunch of confusing jargon. Not a highlight reel. Just honest conversation about one of the biggest decisions many of us will ever make.

Tabi Klein, theILMrealtor

Hey friend — I’m Tabetha (Tabi) Klein, aka theILMrealtor. I help people buy and sell homes in Wilmington, North Carolina (and all over New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender). In this very first episode I’m joined by my co-host and husband, Jon Klein, to introduce the show and what we’re hoping to build with it.

Watch or listen: YouTube · Spotify · makingilmhome.com · @theILMrealtor

What This Podcast Is (and What It Isn’t)

It is:

  • Wilmington-first real estate info (because our market is its own little world)
  • Conversations that are friendly, educational, and zero-pressure
  • A mix of local experts + real stories so you can learn from people who do this every day
  • The kind of advice you can actually use this week (not vague “tips”)

It’s not:

  • A sales pitch
  • A “look how perfect everything is” real estate show
  • A place where you’ll feel judged for not knowing something

You can come here with any question — even the ones you think you “should already know.”

Why I Started the ILMrealtor Podcast

Wilmington is the kind of place people fall in love with fast — and it’s also a place where buyers and sellers can get overwhelmed quickly. Between coastal considerations, older homes, new construction communities, HOA details, insurance and flood questions, and “is this the right neighborhood for me?” decisions… it’s a lot.

I created this podcast because I want people to feel like they have a guide — not just a Google search spiral. My mission is simple: help people find their home between the river and the sea — without stress, confusion, or gatekeeping.

What You’ll Learn Here

Buying + selling in Wilmington — first-time homebuyer basics without the fluff, how to prepare to sell (and what actually matters), and what’s happening in the local market in plain English.

New construction + renovations — how to evaluate new builds, which renovations are “worth it,” and how to plan upgrades without blowing your budget.

Local lifestyle + neighborhoods — community spotlights, Wilmington neighborhoods explained like a local would explain them, and what it’s actually like living here (pros, cons, quirks and all).

The money questions — the real costs beyond the mortgage, plus HOAs, insurance considerations, maintenance, and more.

Who This Podcast Is For

If any of these sound like you, you’re in the right place:

  • You’re relocating to Wilmington and want a local guide
  • You’re buying your first home and want to feel confident
  • You’re selling and don’t want to miss important steps
  • You love home design, renovations, and new construction
  • You just want to understand Wilmington real estate without feeling overwhelmed

Meet Your Hosts

Tabetha “Tabi” Klein — REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage, mom, and long-time educator. Tabi helps people buy and sell across New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender counties, and hosts the ILMrealtor Podcast to make coastal homeownership easier to understand.

Jon Klein — Tabi’s husband and behind-the-scenes co-host, who helps build the systems, tech, and storytelling that keep the show running.

Want Episode Updates?

  • Follow the podcast on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube
  • Follow along on Instagram: @theILMrealtor
  • Want a topic covered? Send me a message — seriously.

Let’s Talk About Your Next Step

If you’re thinking about moving to Wilmington, buying a home here, or selling and you want a calm, clear plan — reach out. Call or text me at 910-983-8963, visit www.makingilmhome.com, or DM @theILMrealtor and I’ll help you figure out what makes sense for your timeline, budget, and lifestyle.


Tabetha Klein | Making ILM Home — REALTOR® • Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage • 910-983-8963 • www.makingilmhome.com@theILMrealtor

This podcast is for general education and local insight. Real estate, insurance, lending, and legal details vary from one situation to the next — always talk with a qualified professional about your specific property and goals. Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Questions about
the market?

Send a note and get a personal reply — no pressure, no obligation.

Or call

(910) 983-8963