Rooted in Wilmington. Built on Doing What We Say.
ILM Home Offer is a locally owned, Wilmington-based cash home buying company founded and operated by Michael Ruark. We purchase houses directly with cash and fast, no-appraisal financing — no agents, no MLS listings, no commissions, and no financing contingencies for the seller.
Michael Ruark, Founder
“The person on this page is the person who answers the phone.”
- Years serving southeastern NC
- 9+
- Paid to local homeowners
- $20M+
- Days — fastest possible close
- 7
- Commissions, fees, or repairs
- 0
The company has operated in southeastern North Carolina for nearly a decade and has paid more than $20 million to local homeowners.
Unlike out-of-state wholesalers or national lead-generation companies, ILM Home Offer is rooted in the Wilmington community. Every offer comes from Michael personally — not a call center or a salesperson. The company buys single-family homes, duplexes, inherited properties, rentals with tenants in place, and homes in any condition across New Hanover County and surrounding communities.
We are a real estate solutions and investment firm that specializes in helping homeowners get rid of burdensome houses fast. We are investors and problem solvers who can buy your house fast with a fair all-cash offer.
The Values That Set Us Apart
Treat People with Respect
People sell for any number of reasons, good or bad. Sometimes bad things happen to good people and may be the reason for a sale. Everyone deserves respect, especially during difficult times.
Listen First
We are here to provide solutions and solve problems for you, the seller, based on your specific situation. To do that, we need to learn what you are looking for and how best to meet that need.
Clear Communication
Real estate can get complicated fast, so we make it a point to keep you in the loop every step of the way.
Integrity — We Do What We Say
We have been local for nearly a decade and our reputation is everything. If we say we are going to buy your house, we are going to make it happen.
Don’t Over-Promise
Unlike those big-city nationwide buyers who over-bid and then back out, we know the local market and only make offers we know we can close on.
Buy As-Is, Every Time
Failing roof, water damage, hoarder conditions, or a full gut renovation — we factor it into one written offer and never re-trade the number at closing.
Local People, Not a Call Center
Michael Ruark
Founder & direct buyer
“The person on this page is the person who answers the phone.”
Before & After: A Home We Bought
Real local results
“We buy houses as-is — repairs, clutter and all.”
We Bring Houses Back to Life
We renovate the houses we buy — new roofs, HVAC, floors, and more — and turn them back into move-in-ready homes for new families. It is how we make the numbers work while giving a seller a fair, certain offer.
Call (910) 742-0414Work With a Local Buyer You Can Trust
No obligation. No fees. Your information stays private.
Still Have Questions Or Want To Know How Much We Can Pay?
Fill out the form or give us a call for your FREE cash offer. There is no obligation whatsoever to get an offer from us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to fix water or storm damage before selling?
No. Coastal living in New Hanover County means dealing with storm and moisture damage regularly. ILM Home Offer buys houses in Wilmington entirely as-is — you do not need to hire a contractor, pull permits, or pay out of pocket to fix roof leaks, flooded crawlspaces, or hurricane damage.
How long does it take to sell a house in Wilmington, NC?
A traditional listing in Wilmington currently averages 81 cumulative days on market, according to Cape Fear REALTORS® March 2026 data — and that is before the buyer’s financing period adds another 30–45 days to reach closing. ILM Home Offer closes in as little as 7 to 14 days, with no listing period, no showings, and no financing wait — because we pay with our own private cash and bypass banks, underwriters, and mandatory appraisals.
Will ILM Home Offer buy my house if it is currently facing foreclosure?
Yes. If you are behind on mortgage payments or have received a pre-foreclosure notice, traditional real estate timelines are too slow. ILM Home Offer can close quickly enough to stop the auction clock, pay off your outstanding debt, and protect your remaining equity.
I inherited a property and live out of state — can you still help?
Absolutely. ILM Home Offer handles inherited and probate properties fully remotely. You take the family keepsakes you want to keep, and the team handles the cleanout and disposal of everything else. No in-person presence is required for closing.
What if my house has bad tenants or has been sitting vacant?
ILM Home Offer routinely buys rental properties with difficult tenants still in place, saving you the time, cost, and stress of the eviction process. The team also buys vacant, boarded-up, and abandoned properties throughout New Hanover County.
Are there any agent commissions or hidden fees when selling to ILM Home Offer?
Never. A traditional MLS listing typically costs 6% in commissions plus 2–3% in closing costs. When you sell directly to ILM Home Offer, there are zero agent fees, and the company covers all standard closing costs on your behalf.
Do I have to clean the house or remove belongings before closing?
Not at all. Whether the house is filled with old furniture, yard debris, or has not been updated in decades, ILM Home Offer buys it exactly as it stands. Leave everything behind — you do not even need to sweep the floors before you move out.
What types of properties does ILM Home Offer buy?
ILM Home Offer buys single-family homes, duplexes, and multi-family properties in any condition throughout Wilmington and the surrounding New Hanover County communities — including properties with foundation issues, major cosmetic damage, or full gut-renovation needs.
Which ZIP codes does ILM Home Offer purchase in?
ILM Home Offer buys houses across all Wilmington ZIP codes — 28401, 28403, 28405, 28406, 28407, 28408, 28409, 28410, 28411, and 28412 — and also serves Leland, Castle Hayne, Hampstead, Burgaw, Oak Island, Southport, Rocky Point, and Jacksonville. Call (910) 742-0414 if your ZIP code is not listed — the team will still evaluate your property.
How does ILM Home Offer calculate a cash offer?
ILM Home Offer calculates cash offers using the After Repair Value (ARV) minus repair costs, selling costs (approximately 10% of ARV), and a minimum profit margin. On a recent Wilmington property listed as-is at $215,000 — with an ARV of $415,000 and $110,000 in required repairs — the final cash offer was $238,500, which was $23,000 more than the property’s actual as-is market value.
What is the Wilmington, NC housing market like for sellers in 2026?
The Wilmington MSA median sale price reached $420,000 in March 2026, up 5% year over year, according to Cape Fear REALTORS®. But the average home is sitting on the market for 81 cumulative days, and active listings are up 10.2% year over year — meaning buyers have more options and less urgency. For a house in poor condition or any situation requiring speed and certainty, a direct cash sale with ILM Home Offer closes in 7 days regardless of market conditions.