Nathan Nye, Staff writer

Chances are, if you have ever bought, sold, rented or auctioned property in Bladen County, you have dealt with Hilton Auction and Realty.

Hilton has been open since 1978 and has been selling property since. Owner and founder Charlie Hilton started his 29 years ago after moving back to his home. His first position after his move was at his father’s insurance agency. It started as a one man business, but it is much larger now. There are 8 brokers including Charlie’s son Dean, a property manager, an office manager, and a part-time forestry consultant. “We offer the most complete package in the area,” says Hilton.

And business appears to be booming in Bladen County. Last month, the company handled about $3,500,000 in business. Ryan Godwin, a broker at the company, said, “You look at the news and they say real estate prices are crashing everywhere, but right here in Bladen County they are very strong.”

“This is the best group I’ve ever had. It’s a pleasure to come to work, it’s just a good family,” says Charlie Hilton.

“Reputation is everything in this business, and if you aren’t trusted it won’t work,” Lisa Fisher said.

Ryan Godwin added “Ninety percent of our advertisement is word of mouth, we really depend on that.”

Lisa Fisher and Paul Johnson are the two newest members of the Hilton team, but according to Charlie Hilton, “We give them a lot of advice, who knows how much experience they have between the rest of us.”

“It’s interesting, we work with people all over the United States, we see a lot of people from big cities, just this week I talked to people from New York and last week I had customers from Florida,” said Godwin.

When asked about the most exciting part of the job, Pat Melvin said, “It’s really nice to match buyers and sellers. We try to meet everyone’s needs. To make it work it has to be a win-win situation.

“To help a first time buyer buy that first house, it’s very rewarding.”

The heir to the company, Dean Hilton, said, “I love meeting people and helping them find a home. After a purchase I love seeing the satisfied look on their face it makes it worthwhile.”

To contact any member of the Hilton Auction and Realty family call 862-4549, or through the website, www.hilton-realty.com. You can also visit them at their office located at 505 W. Broad Street, Elizabwthtown where someone would be more than happy to assist you.