Two rivers and two storms

Hurricane Matthew in 2016 flooded parts of the county along the Black River. Less than two years later, Florence put both the Black River and the Northeast Cape Fear into record flood, and water came into homes and streets in Burgaw. Countywide, about 3,000 homes were damaged, and some residents near the rivers were still living in tents and camper trailers months afterward.

Many of those houses were repaired fast, repaired partly, or never repaired. A house that flooded twice in two years is hard to insure, and a buyer's lender will want the flood zone, the claim history, and the elevation before it commits. We buy at any stage of recovery. Tell us what flooded and what was done.

Topsail Island: Surf City and Topsail Beach

On the Pender end of Topsail Island, oceanfront building is set back from the first line of stable vegetation under CAMA rules, and marsh and sound frontage carries the 75-foot estuarine shoreline area of environmental concern. Older cottages that sit close to an eroding dune line may not be rebuildable at the same size if they are badly damaged.

Wind coverage near the water often comes through the state's coastal insurance pool rather than a standard carrier, and flood insurance is separate. Island owners who live inland or out of state and no longer want to carry those costs are a large share of the sellers we hear from.

Eight years between revaluations

Pender's current values have been in place since January 1, 2019, and the next revaluation is scheduled for January 1, 2027. That is a long time for values to sit still, and in many places the gap between the 2019 assessed value and today's market value is wide.

Owners who have budgeted on a 2019 value, and heirs paying taxes on a house no one lives in, should expect the 2027 bill to look different. Back taxes do not block a sale. They are paid out of the proceeds at closing.

Pender County property we buy

  • Houses flooded by Florence or Matthew near Burgaw, Rocky Point, and the rivers
  • Topsail Island cottages and condos in Surf City and Topsail Beach
  • Rural houses on wells and septic, including failed systems
  • Manufactured homes on family land
  • Farm and timber parcels in present-use value with a house
  • Inherited houses where several heirs own a share
  • Rentals in Hampstead and along US 17

Records, courts, and closing in Pender County

Burgaw is the county seat. The Pender County Register of Deeds records deeds and deeds of trust, the tax administration office sets values, and the clerk of superior court in Burgaw holds foreclosure hearings and estate files. Septic and well records sit with county environmental health, and Topsail Island CAMA permits go through the local permit officer or the Division of Coastal Management.

A licensed North Carolina attorney handles the closing, with recording done before funds are released.

Frequently asked questions

Do you buy houses in Burgaw that flooded in Florence?

Yes, whether the house was gutted, rebuilt, or left as it was after the water went down.

Will you buy a Topsail Island cottage in Surf City or Topsail Beach?

Yes, including older cottages close to the dune line and condos in buildings with assessments.

Pender hasn't revalued since 2019. What happens in 2027?

New values take effect January 1, 2027. If you would rather sell before the new bill arrives, we can work to that timing.

Do you buy family land with a manufactured home on it?

Yes. The home can be titled as real property or still carry a vehicle-style title, and the title work happens at closing.

Can heirs sell an inherited Pender County house before probate is finished?

Usually the estate needs to be opened with the clerk of superior court first, but we can buy while that is under way and close once the heirs have authority.

Do you buy in Hampstead and Rocky Point?

Yes, along with Atkinson, Watha, St. Helena, and the rest of the county.

Pender County property and court resources