Built on hard work, backed by family—that’s the spirit behind the HTR Agent Appreciation Day, and 2025 was no exception.
The RiverWILD Real Estate Team was honored to attend this inspiring event, reflecting on the incredible accomplishments of 2024 alongside the Best REALTORS® in Johnston County. This annual celebration reminded us why we’re proud to be part of HomeTowne Realty (HTR)—a firm that’s more than just a workplace; it truly is a community.
A Huge Thank You to Barry Woodard & James Lipscomb
At the heart of HTR’s continued growth and agent success are our two standout leaders: Barry Woodard and James Lipscomb. Their unwavering support, collaborative spirit, and constant drive to elevate every agent and team have made HTR the Best Real Estate Firm in Johnston County.
Whether they’re celebrating wins or investing in agent development, Barry and James consistently show up—and we’re grateful to walk this real estate journey with them.
Real Estate with a Forward-Focused View
This year’s event featured a powerful session with Dr. Michael Walden, renowned economist from NC State University. His economic forecast offered insight that directly impacts how we serve our clients as one of HTR’s top performing teams:
Key Takeaways from Dr. Walden:
- North Carolina is thriving—employment has bounced back strongly since COVID, with consistent economic growth.
- Inflation peaked at 9.1% in 2022 but has since settled closer to 2.5% thanks to supply chain recovery and Federal Reserve action.
- Tariffs remain a wildcard, with potential ripple effects on pricing and supply chains, especially for global goods.
- The Triangle and surrounding suburban areas (like Johnston County!) are booming thanks to in-migration, strong job growth, and better infrastructure like I-540. Expect more growth to occur in Johnston County once I-540 is finished.
- North Carolina continues to be a magnet for technology, pharmaceuticals, and education, making it one of the most dynamic regions in the country. This is especially true for Johnston County and the pharmaceutical sector.
These insights only reinforce our belief: Johnston County is not only growing—it’s thriving.
Titanium Award Recipients – The RiverWILD Real Estate Team
This article would be incomplete without sharing some exciting news. Because of our clients and our partners, and the incredible work of our team, the RiverWILD Real Estate Team received the highest award given by HTR – Titanium, for the highest closed sales for 2024! Thank you clients, partners and HTR for this amazing award!
Grateful for Our Leadership, Our Clients, and Our Community
As we look ahead to the rest of 2025, we’re more energized than ever.
We appreciate Barry and James for all they do. We appreciate the support system at HTR. And most of all—we appreciate every client who trusts us to guide their real estate journey in one of the fastest-growing areas in North Carolina.
Let’s keep building together.