The Riesners' Story - Making Wilmington, NC. Home
At Salt + Stone Property Group, we were honored to have the chance to assist the incredible Bill and Sandy Riesner with their real estate goals. They have had quite the journey. From their initial decision to move to Wilmington to their success in house hacking and community involvement, their story is both inspiring and heartwarming. We’re excited to share this story with you and celebrate the beautiful life they’ve built here in Wilmington, NC.
Their Story:
For Bill and Sandy Riesner, life had always been about moving for work. From New York to Chicago, Tennessee, and Florida, they followed job opportunities wherever they led, always adapting but never quite settling. Raising their twins, Michael and Megan, in different parts of the country gave them a wide range of memorable experiences, but they longed for a place to truly call home—a place where they could finally put down roots and build a life on their own terms.
That opportunity came when their son, Michael - ‘Mikey’, bought an investment home in Carolina Beach, NC. to renovate. What began as a visit to see his new project became the catalyst for a life-changing decision. In awe of the area, Bill and Sandy realized Wilmington, NC. was their perfect destination. And for the first time, the Riesners were choosing where they wanted to live—not for work, but for themselves.
Initially, Bill and Sandy had their sights set on a home in Carolina Beach. However, understanding his parents' preferences, Mikey suggested they might enjoy the downtown environment more…Spoiler alert, he was right! Although it was a challenging shift for them, as they were accustomed to spacious, newer homes, Bill and Sandy decided to househack a historic home. There were concerns about living in close quarters with renters and managing an older home, but their realtor, Jesse, was able to guide them through their doubts so that they could confidently take-on this new and exciting direction.
As they settled in, Bill and Sandy were surprised by how fulfilling house hacking became. It wasn’t just about the passive income or the financial security as they near retirement—it was the human connections. Hosting guests from all over the world in their home brought them unexpected joy. “We’ve enjoyed so much the people who stay with us,” Sandy shared. “Many of them have even become our friends.” They often find themselves enjoying evenings on the porch with guests and a glass of wine. Talk about a personable experience!
Wilmington’s slower pace and supportive community offered something they had longed for: a break from the pressure of “keeping up with the Joneses.” In their new city, they no longer feel the need to prove themselves or fit into a certain mold. Instead, they’ve found the freedom to live peacefully, enjoying the simple pleasures – like daily walks with their cute and quirky dog, Jaxx, through the streets of downtown.
Over the last few years, Bill and Sandy have stepped into their new roles as hosts, investors, and community members. They continuously promote and share their favorite local spots with their AirBnb guests, and even offer mid-term rentals for those needing a longer stay – such as film crews. Their experience with house hacking has made them strong advocates for the approach, and they love sharing their journey and insights with others. Their advice? Verify the numbers for ROI, build a solid network, and know that it’s far easier and less time consuming than it seems when you have the right people by your side.
Inspired by their success, Bill and Sandy are planning to expand their real estate portfolio. While they plan on owning additional properties in Wilmington, they're also exploring opportunities in Arizona, where their daughter Megan now lives. The beauty of real estate investing, they’ve discovered, is its flexibility—it allows you to tailor it to your lifestyle and goals, no matter where you are.
Above all, Bill and Sandy are overflowing with gratitude and genuine happiness for the life they’ve built in Wilmington. They often reflect on the joy this place has brought them, noting that even their friends and family have observed a positive change in them. “In Wilmington,” Bill says, “you don’t need to go out with a friend.” There is always a chance for new connections and spontaneous conversations with friendly strangers. Every corner of the city feels like home. For the Riesners, Wilmington isn’t just a place they live—it’s the place they chose, and that is truly special.