Realty firm expanding at The Forum

A three-year tenant of The Forum is expanding its operation.

Harold Chappell, owner of Realty World Cape Fear, said Thursday his Wilmington office is expanding from 2,500 square feet to 4,600 square feet at the popular retail center as a result of the region’s current real estate market.

He said the firm should be moved into their expanded digs by Oct. 1.

“We’re starting to see the housing market rebound,” Chappell said. “And our business is benefiting as a result of it and we’ve run out of space.”

Realty World Cape Fear, which also operates an office in Southport, offers traditional real estate services in homes sales, rental property and property management.

Chappell said his firm has responded to the market by specializing in short sale and foreclosure properties – which is helping his business grow. He said by the end of the year he hopes to hire six new agents to join his current staff of 22 employees.

“We think it’s a fabulous location and certainly a great center that’s well managed,” Chappell said. “It’s been really good for us.”